Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story) by Barbara Ensor, Barbara Ensor (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

I know, I know. You’ve heard the story a million times before. Mean stepmother. Lots of sweeping. Fancy ball. You remember.

Or do you?

Did you remember that Cinderella was such a nice girl—so smart and funny? You probably would’ve liked her. Did you know that “Cinderella” was just a nickname? And that her handsome prince loved Jell-o and was a wonderful dancer?

Readers will delight in following Cinderella through all the usual happenings, presented in a most unusual way. And they’ll finally see what becomes of her after she marries the prince. So maybe you should hear the story one last time. Because it’s actually way different than you might have thought. . . .

Kids who have outgrown picture books and are ready for something longer—but still love illustrated texts—will gravitate toward this Cinderella. Black-and-white silhouettes of everything from the ugly stepsisters to Cinderella’s slipper (actual size) are intermingled with Cinderella’s letters to her recently deceased mother in this totally original package, written and illustrated by an exciting newcomer to children’s books.


From the Hardcover edition.

Children's Literature

What to read when you want something a little more advanced than a picture book but still need a familiar story? Ensor's new foray into children's literature may fit the bill. Told through the eyes of a young preteen girl and interspersed with letters from Cinderella to her recently deceased mother, this novel is an absolute delight and will capture the attention of the girls and women who read it. Yes, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and probably fuddy-duddy spinsters will enjoy this with equal delectation. The illustrations might appear a bit amateurish, not quite scherenschnitte, not silly or immature, but very appropriate for the text. More than just a fairy tale, this continues the story past the wedding, which may surprise some, but be a comfort to others. One thing remains true to the fairy tale—Cinderella is loved just the way she is, even when she makes mistakes. That alone is an important message for all. A perfect choice for a book club, after school reading program, or just for an individual escape. The rest of the Cinderella is a delicious addition to any library.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-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.-Susan Riley, Mount Kisco Public Library, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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