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.

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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.

Little Gold Star: A Spanish American Cinderella Tale by Robert D. San Souci Illustrated by Sergio Martinez

Adapted by Robert D. San Souci with Spanish origins, Little Gold Star is a variation of Cinderella with a religious theme. The usual fairy godmother is replaced by Blessed Mary. Saint Joseph and the baby Jesus also make appearances in this story. The setting is New Mexico; a beautiful and kind girl named Teresa lives with her widowed father. The father then remarries to an evil woman with two daughters of her own. The story is very familiar. What differentiates this version from the European Cinderella stories are the tests that Teresa and her stepsisters perform. Teresa's best attribute is not her beauty but her kindness and she is rewarded with the aid of Blessed Mary and the animals. Her stepsisters with their wicked ways, grow horns and donkey ears as punishment. There is no prince in this story but Teresa does meet Miguel, a handsome and wealthy young man at a party. There are also no glass slippers or pumpkin coach however, the book maintains the same moral that goodness shall be rewarded.

Sergio Martinez's water colour illustrations done here are so fluid and soft. Warm earthy tones provide a rustic feel. The night scenes are especially luminous; fitting for a story about a "Gold Star". Tall figures are loosely lined with charcoal. Facial expressions are effective without looking cartoonish. Sergio Martinez was born in Orizaba Mexico. His illustrative works are published internationally with clients in the United States, Mexico, Switzerland, Central and South America, France and Spain. Recommended for ages 4+.

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HarperCollins 2000
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11"