GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL: A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fleischman, Paul. 2007. GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA. Ill. by Julie Paschkis. New York: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 080507953X

PLOT SUMMARY
GLASS SLIPPER, GOLD SANDAL A WORLDWIDE CINDERELLA is the combination of Cinderella stories from seventeen different countries. Thirty six separate details have been taken to create a new Cinderella story. In this version of Cinderella, the story begins in Mexico were Cinderella encourages her father to marry the widow who lived down the road. As the story continues to travel through different countries, Cinderella’s aunty changes a big round breadfruit into a carriage for her to ride in to the ball. When she rides away from the ball, the glass slipper or sandal of gold is left in the prince’s hand as he tries to stop her. In the end Cinderella and the Prince marry at a lavish ceremony.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story teaches its readers that there are many cultural differences in Cinderella stories from around the world. The story of Cinderella has many versions, and this will become a new favorite to all who read it. Cinderella travels with ease from country to country. The story flows easily allowing the reader to stop and reflect on the differences within each countries story.
The illustrations by Julie Paschkis allow the book to come to life as a color Kaleidoscope. Each country has its own color and artwork that is used as a folkloric backdrop. This enables the reader to quickly realize that Cinderella has traveled to another country. The illustrations are representative of the country whose story is being told on the page. This gives readers a further glimpse into the cultures from around the world.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “sophisticated piece of artistry”
Starred Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “As Newbery Medalist Fleischman’s strong storytelling voice incorporates sometimes small details from different traditions”
Review in HORN BOOK: “a Kaleidoscope of storytelling styles and ethnic and cultural details.”

CONNECTIONS
*This story is an excellent choice for teaching Children how similar stories are written in different countries. This book also teaches children how diversity can create a wonderful new story.
*Other stories about Cinderella from different cultures:
Climo, Shirley. THE IRISH CINDERLAD. ISBN 0064435776
Coburn, Jewell. DOMITILA: A CINDERELLA TALE FROM THE MEXICAN TRADITION. ISBN 1885008139
Dwyer, Mindy. THE SALMON PRINCESS: AN ALASKA CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1570613559
Sierra, Judy. THE GIFT OF THE CROCODILE: A CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 0689821883
Takayama, Sandi. SUMORELLA: A HAWAII CINDERELLA STORY. ISBN 1573060275