CINDERELLA

The year’s umpteenth new version of Cinderella features an all-canine cast of diverse breeds, and just as the female lead towers over her diminutive prince, this stands head, shoulders, and brisket above William Wegman’s oppressively mannered rendition (1993). Goode sticks closely to the Perrault/Disney tradition, fairy godmother, glass slipper and all, outfitting her ball-goers in elaborate 18th-century dress and sending them to a grand chateau where couples can be seen chasing each other (sometimes on two legs, sometimes on all fours) through the gardens. Every scene is brightly lit, every long-jawed face wears a smile, and the ultimately forgiven stepsisters are last seen giving Cinderella grateful licks. It’s all perfectly fetching and not quite superfluous. (Picture book/fairy tale. 6-8)