Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story) gets 3.5 Stars

How many of you have seen the new Cinderella movie?  I've heard it's good.  Though, I wonder if it is appropriate for my almost 4 year old.  What do you think?  We want to take her to a movie (she's never been to a theater), but we aren't sure of which movie to take her to.  Thoughts? 

This Cinderella book with a bit of a twist was a fun read.  This book,Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story) by Barbara Ensor, is true to the statements on the cover.  It is a very quick read, and it very much follows the Cinderella Story.  

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 Stars for it's quick fast read with some great word choice at times, but there is definitely a lack of originality. 

Overall this story is a clean read that mostly follows the Cinderella storyline.  There are a few differences/additions, but overall nothing shocking.  

Reluctant readers as well as 3rd through 7th grade girls will love this book.  It's fast, there are simple pictures, and it's a story they know.  Therefore, if a girl struggles with comprehension this story will help her and help her reading confidence.  

My favorite part of the book was the very last page.  Ensor included some differences the Cinderella story has across the world.  For example, in China the Fairy Godmother is a dead fish, in Zimbabwe it's a magic snake that helps her and there is no ball to go to, and in India Cinderella's mom doesn't die but gets turned into a goat.  I found that fact page interesting and I'm glad Ensor included it for the adult or more advanced reader looking for a bit more depth.  

All in all, this is a good read and it serves a purpose for reluctant readers and upper elementary/middle school girls. 

Amazon had the following book review: 

"This lightweight retelling of the classic fairy tale will please girls who like undemanding and familiar stories with a twist. In this version, Cinderella writes letters to her dead mama complaining about her evil stepmother and attractive but mean-spirited older stepsisters. She spends her days cleaning, cooking, sewing, and generally feeling miserable and put-upon even though she tries to be nice and accommodating. Readers know how it all ends, and Ensor recounts it dutifully, but adds what happens after the curtain traditionally falls on the story. The two work hard on their marriage, since they barely know one another, and eventually the prince becomes a king and a singer while Cinderella finds the other side of herself–as a talented diplomat fully capable of improving their country and the world all around them. Black-and-white silhouettes are positioned throughout the text but don't add much to the story."  

Happy Fairytale with a Twist reading!