The Best of Cinderella

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper, a fairy tale about an oppressed young woman who overcomes her dire circumstances through perseverance and kindness. Known internationally by many names: Rhodopis in Greece, Cenerentola in Italy, Ye Xian in China, and Tấm Cám in Vietnam are just a few examples. French author Charles Perrault (1628-1703) wrote his version, Cendrillon in 1697 well after all of these stories had been conceived but his tale has become the most popular and most widely retold in English. Even Aschenputtel by the Brothers Grimm in 1812 did not outshine it. The supernatural elements that Perrault included in his story, such as the fairy godmother and her powers of transformation might be the extra glitter that adds just a touch more excitement to this rags to riches fairy tale.

Rehashing old stories is not a new phenomenon and the story of Cinderella and its variants are published yearly; a testament to it being a continued financial success. Below are some favourites from our collection in no particular order. Listed are only standalone English versions. Stories belonging to a compilation are omitted from this list. The quality of writing, artwork, design, and binding are taken into consideration.

Amazon

This lovely book published by Disney Press in 2015 is a movie tie-in. Written in simple rhyme by Brittany Candau, the story is a shortened version of the Disney live action adaptation starry Lily James. You won't need to have watched the movie to enjoy the book; it holds its own as a stand-alone storybook. Digital illustrations by Cory Godbey offer a modern touch. It's luminous and romantic, adding more interaction between Ella and the prince. This slightly larger than average size book comes with a velvety dust jacket that feels nice to the touch. Also available as a chapter book for preteens. At the time this book came out, a digital copy of it was included with purchase for download through Disney Story Central. That online store has now retired and ebooks bought there are not retrievable. It's always better with a physical copy.

Sleeping Beauty by Mahlon F. Craft - Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft

Kinuko Y. Craft's picture book for Sleeping Beauty remains my top choice for this fairy tale based on Charles Perrault's La Belle au Bois Dormant in 1696. Retold by Mahlon F. Craft, this edition covers the first of two parts from Perrault's tale. The story is fast paced and a quick read, the action begins at the christening of Aurora where the uninvited fairy curses the baby princess to die on her 16th birthday. This curse is softened by one of the good fairies; instead of death, Aurora will sleep for one hundred years.

The illustrations are done in mixed media with Kinuko Y. Craft's signature style of extravagant costumes, luxuriously curly haired heroines, intricate details, and effective use of light and shadows. Just like her other illustrated books, the text is adorned with lovely floral patterned borders and drop caps that are all unique. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you'll like this too. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Chronicle Books 2002
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11.2"

Edmund Dulac's Exquisite Illustrations for Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper

Edmund Dulac (1882-1953) is one of the foremost artists during the Golden Age of Illustration. Born in Toulouse, France, he moved to London, England in 1905 to illustrate the collected works of the Brontë sisters; his first commission. He studied Law at the University of Toulouse but his real passion was painting. He won several art competitions at the École des Beaux Arts. Some of his finest works were for Hodder & Stoughton and Leicester Galleries; these illustrations were published in deluxe children’s books. One of those titles is The Sleeping Beauty and Other Fairy Tales from the Old French retold by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch published in 1910. It also contains three other stories: Cinderella, Bluebeard, and Beauty & the Beast. Reproductions of this book can be found through the links below. The illustrations here are more abundant and vibrant than those from The Little Mermaid. Enjoy our version of Cinderella adapted from Andrew Lang’s The Blue Fairy Book based on Cendrillon by Charles Perrault.

Amazon