CINDERELLA (AS IF YOU DIDN’T ALREADY KNOW THE STORY)

A fun modern spin on Cinderella, told by a sassy narrator, that delivers an insider’s scoop on this familiar tale. Beyond modern-day touches, like mascara and foot-reduction surgery, this retelling departs from the traditional tale by sparing Cinderella’s father and by providing an intimate window into Cinderella’s thoughts, which is partially achieved through her letters to her deceased mother. Besides reporting on her evil stepsisters, Cinderella’s letters, written in loopy teenage penmanship, also expose her raw grief and briefly explore her feelings for the prince. These candid glimpses and Cinderella’s thoughts provide a fresh version of Cinderella to which readers can relate on a realistic level. The witty text pairs effectively with numerous black-and-white paper-over-board illustrations, which are laid out in a way that divides the text into manageable chunks, making this tale suitable for reluctant readers ready for a more mature, spunky and updated Cinderella. (afterword) (Fiction. 8-10)