James Marshall's Cinderella

Rating:
Summary: The familiar Cinderella sprinkled with humor
Review: This version of the Cinderella story is similar to the Perrault version in that when Cinderella marries the prince, she takes her family to the castle with her and finds lords to marry each of her step-sisters. However, this retelling leaves Cinderella's father alive and well. He is visible in the background of the last illustration reading a book.

The story is retold rather plainly with few descriptive details. The heart of the story is in the delightfully silly illustrations. The absurdly large pile of dirty dishes, the unbelievable tackiness of the step-sisters' clothing, the grins on the faces of the rat-coachman and the lizard-footmen, and the one-armed Roman soldier-like statue are just some of the amusing details in James Marshall's illustrations.

The animals in the story are used to great effect. Cinderella and her father have two cats who are usually depicted as sleeping. When Cinderella's father brings the new family members home Cinderella's face is calm. The cats, on the other hand, reflect what most people would feel after being told three such horrid-looking individuals were moving in: wide apprehensive eyes. One cat peeks suspiciously around Cinderella's dress at the newcomers. The other cat looks like he's trying to hide behind the arm of the couch. When the fairy godmother arrives Cinderella looks surprised, but her expression is nothing compared to the cat sitting behind her. The cat stares with astonishment out of the illustration at the reader, as if to ask, "Can you believe this?"

While this version of Cinderella may not be the most beautiful, it is certainly entertaining and well worth reading.