Cinderella

August 22, 2016
In one of two board books kicking off the Once Upon a World series, Perkins transplants the story of Cinderella to Mexico, though in only the most superficial of ways. Mexican illustrator Equihua embraces the setting in her digital cartoons, from the tiled floor of Cinderella’s home to the layered white gown she wears to the ball. But with no real attempt made to integrate Mexican life into the retelling (not a word of Spanish is used, and the ball is thrown by the king, despite the nation’s brief history with monarchy), the overall effect is that of cultural window-dressing. Snow White, set in Japan, is available simultaneously. Ages 2–4.

January 1, 2017
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a "FIESTA" in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be "done away with," the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves' house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it's still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books. A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)

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December 1, 2016

K-Gr 2-In these board books, standard fairy tales are simply and traditionally retold and splendidly paired with multicultural illustrations, lending a new flair to the old stories. Cinderella is set in Mexico. The folk art-style images are bursting with color, as Cinderella attends the ball (fiesta) and meets her prince. Snow White is set in Japan, with a princess (wearing a kimono) who lives in a castle (a pagoda). The artwork, with its heavy use of black, reinforces the dark tone of the fairy tale. In both entries, the familiar and pleasing ending of "happily ever after" is emphasized with bold print. These editions are clearly for older audiences rather than for typical board book readers, but fairy-tale lovers are not likely to mind. VERDICT These traditional retellings of classic fairy tales with a multicultural visual twist will appeal to new and old fans of the stories.-Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
Preschool From the Once Upon a World series comes this Cinderella story set in Mexico. Though it follows the original tale, Equihua's digital artwork stands out. Sharply delineated shapes in saturated colors create the feeling of collage while also blending motifs. For instance, pottery and cacti decorate one page, while a pumpkin carriage is the focus of another. Cinderella's gown, reminiscent of a ruffled quinceanera dress, is a stunner. Other than the sturdiness of the pages, there is little that makes this a traditional board bookthe text is long and the pictures are quite sophisticated, so choose your preschoolers wisely.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)