Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella (Hardcover)

~ Tony Johnston (Author), James Warhola (Author) "Once upon a time, in the old-growth forest, a band of Bigfoots lived..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What becomes a Bigfoot most? This silly twist on a favorite fairy tale clears up that question (and more) with humor and style. The Bigfoot prince is looking for a wife. But his perfect mate must meet some stringent criteria: she must be odoriferous, have lots of matted fur and be the kind of nature lover that never picks flowers. Finding such a catch isn't easy, so the prince throws a forest-wide fun-fest at which all the female Bigfeet can compete for him. Rrrrrella is a good candidate but her wicked stepsisters (who wear wildflowers in their well-groomed fur) won't let her attend. With help from her Beary Godfather, Rrrrrella wows the prince at the fun-fest and leaves a giant bark-clog in her wake. Johnston's (The Chizzywink and the Alamagoozlum) wacky fantasy stays true to the Cinderella story, and her fresh setting and funny, evocative details will keep kids laughing. Warhola's (Bubba the Cowboy Prince) giant woolly creatures sport prominent, snouty noses and grimy-toothed grins. They cavort with glee and exhibit enough recognizably human behavior to sustain the visual humor. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-This ultimate reversal of the Cinderella story stars a dashing, nature-loving Bigfoot prince who is "horrendously hairy." Of course, he is as "tall and dark as a Douglas fir" and women long for him. Nearby live a mother and her two puny, furless daughters who not only bathe (ugh!) but also throw rocks at spotted owls. They despise Rrrrrella, their woolly, huge stepsister with feet "like log canoes." When the prince gives the annual fun-fest, Rrrrrella, who is left behind, is helped by her "beary godfather." The rest is history. All of this takes place in the old-growth forest where the Prince protects the environment with his rules, "No pick flower. No pull tree," and protects himself with the last rule, "No kick royal family." The troll-like Bigfoot population lives joyfully among wild animals in a forest paradise. Large, bright paintings in greens, browns, and gold depict the large-nosed, big-toed heroine and her "odoriferous" love interest. All but two crowd scenes can easily be shared with a group. The book can be read alone, aloud, or used for storytelling. It's hilarious fun with a message for all ages.
Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399230211
• ISBN-13: 978-0399230219
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,008,316 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly entertaining ecological fairy tale, November 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I checked this book out of the library for my 4-year-old, who is in love with fairy tale princesses. The story entranced us on two different levels.

My daughter loved the new twist on the Cinderella story. She fell back on her bed and laughed hysterically at the craziness of a prince looking for a girl with big feet, matted fur, and a stench. "Where my stinking beauty go?" the prince bellows after Cinderrrrrella disappears. My daughter loved hearing the growly, "me Tarzan, you Jane" dialogue and was charmed and delighted that one of her favorite stories should be told in such a fresh, imaginative way.

I also was very entertained by the story, and I doubly appreciated it because of the environmental lesson contained within. The story mentions aspects of the Pacific northwest that I rarely see in books--Douglas fir, banana slugs, old-growth stands, Bigfoot, etc.--and allowed me to rekindle memories of walks through the magnificent forests of Northern California. (A glossary of 9 words/phrases appears in the front of the book for those who are not familiar with the enviromental terms used.) I highly recommend this book as a humorous, enchanting, and educational tale.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read-aloud Favorite!, November 24, 2001

By A Customer

As a substitute school librarian, I've taken this one with me wherever I go. It's an instant lesson in point-of-view, compare-and-contrast, and social variation. ("What is important about the traditional Cinderella?" [tiny feet, grace & elegance] "What is important in the bigfoot society?" [big feet, natural state, strength, generosity]) Reading it aloud, I get to use bigfoot voices. And the puns, similes, and other wordplay are inspired! Children enjoy the playful attitude and understand the deeper meanings.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great alternative Cinderella tale, March 5, 2000

By A Customer

As a teacher, I found this book a great read. It can be used to teach about forests and the environment as well as fairy tales. The unusual speech patterns of the characters provide a special flavor to this timeless tale.