This weekend I will be going to my first ever SCBWI novel retreat, complete with a round table peer critique, one-on-one editorial critique, and presentations designed to help us break out and rock the world. I’m so excited! And since my agent has my current manuscript on submission–with some of the very editors in attendance–we decided I should write and take to this something else set in my fairy tale world, on the Fairy Godmother’s Witness Protection Island. I ended up with a very early chapter book companion story, and had a great time writing it! I love playing in a world that feels like a non-stop adventure with some of my favorite friends.

My research included figuring out what costume a mock-Cinderella would wear, and how kids in a fairy tale school would learn about the different Cinderellas from around the world. I wanted to share with you three of my favorite of the retellings I used for reference.

Cindrillion: A Caribean Cinderella, by Robert D. San Souci. This was perhaps my personal favorite, as it’s told from the perspective of the ‘fairy godmother’ who is herself an orphan who grew up to be a wash lady. She has one valuable item, a magic want left to her by her mother. But since the magic is temporary and can’t be used to help herself, it’s not terribly beneficial. Until, that is, she sees the opportunity to help her sweet and kind-hearted goddaughter! With a sprinkling of creole words and fabulous illustrations by Brian Pinkney throughout, this was a warm and wonderful Cinderella retelling with a unique perspective.

The Egyptian Cinderella, by Shirley Climo. This felt like a more traditional retelling of the Cinderella story, but of course had it’s own unique elements. A Greek slave in an Egyptian household is without friends or family, but has a beautiful pair of rose-red slippers. When the other household girls set off to meet the Pharaoh, Rhodopis is left behind, and further saddened when a falcon swoops down and steals one of her slippers. Little does she know that the falcon will drop the slipper in the Pharaoh’s lap, and she will be chosen as queen of all Egypt! What I found most enjoyable about this story was the weaving of actual history in with the ancient story, since there really was a slave girl named Rhodopis who became the wife of an Egyptian Pharoah. I also really enjoyed the language, which is lovely, and the interesting details like the description of the slippers.
As a side note, I also really love The Korean Cinderella, also retold by Shirley Climo!

The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story, by Rebecca Hickox. This retelling is based on an Iraqi folktale called The Little Red Fish and the Clog of Gold, and felt the most magical of these stories. I also loved the whimsical nature of Will Hillenbrand‘s illustrations, and the active feeling they brought to the tale. Additionally, it’s interesting that in this retelling, the Cinderella character already loves her one-day stepmom, and begs her father to remarry. Of course, in the long run that doesn’t work out well for her, and is a subtle reinforcement of the idea that you should be careful what you wish for.

One of the things I enjoy about fairy tales and folktales is how universal they are, and find it fascinating to see the similarities and differences in these variations on the same theme. And of course, these three only scratch the surface! Which Cinderella retelling is your favorite? Which other fairy tales do you enjoy? Tell me in the comments, and I hope you have a Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

For more MMGM spotlights, giveaways, reviews and interviews stop by Greg Pattridge’s blog for the full roundup!

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