5 Fabulous African Fiction Picture Books

The Herd Boy

Niki Daly, author and illustrator

Malusi is a herd boy in a mountainous region of South Africa. He wakes up early each morning to watch and care for his family’s herd. Visited by his friend, Lungisa, they play and share dreams. Malusi wants to be president, but Lungisa thinks that it is funny to aspire to such a lofty goal. When a baboon threatens the flock, Malusi fights to save the endangered lamb. Later, he is visited by an old man who encourages him: “A boy who looks after his herd will make a very fine leader.” In his humble job, Malusi learns self-discipline, bravery, and compassion—all the qualities of a great leader.

Kele’s Secret

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

Catherine Stock, illustrator

Yoanes helps his grandmother by collecting the eggs laid around the farm—in the cluttered loft, in the barn, and, even, in the corner of the outhouse. One clever chicken though hides her eggs.  It is up to Yoanes to discover her secret place, but he will have to overcome his own fears in doing so! 

My Rows and Piles of Coins

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

E. B. Lewis, illustrator

Every week Saruni helps his mother sell their produce at the market, earning him a 10 cent coin. There are so many options to use his money for, but instead he carefully saves it week after week in order to earn enough money to buy a bike to help his family.  This beautiful story about self-discipline, perseverance, and selflessness transcends culture and continent.

Lake of the Big Snake: AnAfrican Rain Forest Adventure

Isaac Olaleye, author

Claudia Shepard, illustrator

Ade and Tayo are given instructions to do their chores and stay in the village. The mischievous boys though decide to cross the field and stream in search of fun and sweet berries.  Pulled by curiosity toward the mysterious waters of the river, the boys become cornered by a snake. They cleverly outsmart it and run back to safety of the village...while dreading the trouble they are in for disobeying.

Elsina’s Clouds

Jeanette Winter, author & illustrator
During the dry season, Elsina dreams of clouds and the rain they will bring.  In the tradition of her people,  her parents allow her to paint the walls of their house in hopes of her ancestors hearing her prayers. Every day she wakes up, waiting for an answer. She waits and waits…until finally, she sees black clouds and hears the roll of thunder.  With the rain comes new crops and healthy livestock that help her family survive. 

Fairy Tale Focus: Little Red Riding Hood (Grimm's Versions)

Symbol of childhood innocence.  The girl next door.  A damsel in distress.  These are just a few images that are connected with the traditional versions of “Little Red Riding Hood.”  Charles Perrault recorded the “Le petit chaperon rouge” in 1697 for the lavish and excessive French court of Louis XIV.  In his version, Red willingly gets into bed with the wolf where she is devoured.  No chance for redemption or salvation is offered.  The Brother’s Grimm though added a savior in the form of a father/husband-type figure who saves the young naïve girl from her folly.  Being that the early tales were often written for didactic purposes, Little Red promises in some form to never go off the path again.  In other words, obedience to authorities and an avoidance of bad wolves (men) is essential to survival—especially for a young women. 

Many illustrators have been inspired by this tale.  Grimm’s narrative with its opportunity for escape and renewal is the most popular childhood version. Since most of these books are fairly similar, I highlight what makes each one unique.   Let me know which one is your favorite and why.

The Story of Little Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by Christopher Bing

Bing’s narrative is a good benchmark to compare the others because it stays closest to the Grimm’s version, including having Red carry a bottle of wine and cakes as well as the filling the wolf’s stomach with rocks.  The pen and ink watercolor drawings depict the “palatable threat of the wolf, the darkness of the forest, and the delicate beauty of a handful of wildflowers” (I liked this quote from the book jacket.).  Red says to herself: “Never again will you stray from the path and go into the woods when your mother has forbidden it.”  The book includes a pamphlet replica of Charles Perrault’s version and a translation with black and white pictures of Grimm’s tale from “Rotkappchen” as it appeared in 1857.  These added elements give this picture book a historical and authentic feel.  

Little Red Riding Hood (Caldecott Honor)

Retold and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

The narrative begins by giving Red a name (Elisabeth) and some background of how she became “Little Red Riding Hood.”  Red takes bread, sweet butter, and bottle of wine to her grandmother.  There is a strong sense of the wolf temping her by drawing attention to the “gay and happy” sounds of the forest.  He encourages her to enjoy the bird’s song and the sunshine.  The wolf scolds her for being too proper and well behaved.  Red sees the “sunlight dancing through the trees” and “wild flowers and butterflies scattered throughout the ferns and decides to get some flowers to cheer her grandmother up.” Hyman just has the wolf killed, no fanfare on cutting open or replacing with rocks.  Little Red states, “I will never wander off the forest path again, as long as I live.  I should have kept my promise to my mother.”  There is an emphasis on etiquette too.  Red is comforted that she had minded her manners and said, “Good Morning,” Please,” and “Thank You.”  Hyman’s intricate illustrations make it well-rounded enjoyable read. 

Little Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Spirin gives come slight background on the hood’s origin.  Little Red takes a cake to her grandmother.  The wolf merely suggests she pick flowers.  This version includes two huntsman (from a Russian story the author heard as a child).  Another unique feature is the wolf jumps out of bed.  He is chased by the huntsmen who eventually catch him and cuts open his stomach.  (Spirin dropped the rocks in stomach part completely.) Out jumps Red and Grandma who run back in the house.  Grandma declares she feels so much better now.  As they eat the cake together, Red sits on her grandmother’s lap and says, “I will never leave the path again when my mother tells me not to.”  Then, she kisses and hugs her grandmother.  Spirin’s exquisite illustrations were inspired by the golden age of Dutch painting in the 17^th century and the Renaissance. 

Little Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by William Wegman

Red’s mother makes blueberry muffins for her grandmother.  There is a strong emphasis on no dawdling.  Little Red is told to go straight there and return before dark.  She makes the choice to pick flowers even before meeting the wolf.  There are many paths to her grandmothers house, so she lets “whimsy decide which path to take.” She stops to greet the woodsman on her way as well as observes and greets the animals.  Finally, she speaks to the wolf who side tracks her by telling her there is a place to pick flowers that are “special.”  Another interesting addition is that the wolf applies rogue and rehearses his lines in front of the mirror before the girl arrives.  The woodsman becomes concerned when Red does not stop by on her way home and decides to check on her.  The sudden shock of seeing the woodsman makes the wolf dizzy and nauseated, causing him to throw up the grandma and Little Red. The wolf slips out in the excitement of becoming free again.  The trio celebrates together, but they are too upset to eat.  There is an epilogue.  When Red travels to see her grandmother the following week, she goes straight there without dawdling (learning her lesson from the previous week).  However, Grandmother is visited by the wolf again.  They do not let him in this time.  He gives up and goes somewhere else. Not only does this version have several unique features, the illustrations are one-of-a-kind.  They are photographs of dogs dressed as the characters! 

Little Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by Debbie Lavreys

Little Red carries a bottle of cider and piece of pie.  This straight forward version uses a big font and easy words ideal for young readers.  In the end, Red “promises herself that she would never wander off the road again.”  The contemporary, vibrant pictures stray from the more traditional ones in most the others highlighted in this post. 

Red Riding Hood

Retold and illustrated by James Marshall

Like Lavreys’ version, Marshall has also simplified the story using minimal words.  His personal touch is evident in phrases such as “not feeling up to snuff” and “frightful racket.”  Red takes grandmother her favorite custard.  Even though she is specifically told not to speak to strangers, she does so because the wolf has such charming manners.  The wolf offers to escort her because “you never know what might be lurking about.” The woodsman jumps in the window, kills the wolf, and cuts him open. Red promises to never ever speak to another stranger, charming manners or not.  On the next page, a crocodile attempts to talk to her.  She walks away, revealing that she learned her lesson. 

Little Red Riding Hood
Retold and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Pinkney makes several revisions to this classic.  Chicken soup and raison muffins are sent to grandma’s house.  The mother made the hood (usually it is the grandmother).  The setting is during the winter.  Instead of flowers, she collects kindling for fire.  I like his uses of onomatopoeia (“tap tap,” “chop chop” and “crunch crunch”) because they are easy way to encourage student involvement in the retelling. The woodcutter sees two sets of tracks, including large paw prints, which prompts him to check on grandmother.  The wolf is killed with an ax.  Then, the woodcutter opens the stomach with sewing shears. Grandmother says, “Little miss, you be certain to go straight home” and she did. The watercolor and gouache illustrations depict an African American family, making it the only multicultural picture book version of Grimm's tale that I found.

Activities and Resources for Lesson Plans

• Use a Venn Diagram to compare/contrast 2 versions. Consider why author's tend to change key areas like what is taken to grandma and how the wolf dies.
• Look closely at the endings of each story. What "lessons" are emphasized and to what degree does Red appear to internalize them?
• Examine how the story has changed over time. Do those changes diminish the significance and symbolism (as some experts claim) or do they make the story more relevant to contemporary audiences?
• Visit SurLaLune for more about Little Red Riding Hood and other beloved tales.
• Pinterest Collection of "Little Red Riding Hood" activities (Feel free to give additional suggestions for this board)
• Pinterest Ideas for Fairy Tales

Rude Cakes (Rowboat Watkins)

Title:  Rude Cakes

Author:  Rowboat Watkins

Illustrator:  Rowboat Watkins

Summary from the Publisher

In this deliciously entertaining book, a not-so-sweet cake—who never says please or thank you or listens to its parents—gets its just desserts. 

Evaluation

The story begins with rude cakes interacting with other characters in a selfish way.  Not only does he neglect to say please, but also he chases a little marshmallow and demands he give up his balloon.  Then at his birthday party, he complains about his gift.  At the park, he ignores his parents and takes things that do not belong to him.  He pushes his way to the front of the line.  Rude cakes never admits he is wrong.  I think this characters does just about everything he can to alienate the other characters. The author does an excellent job in the text and subtext/illustrations to capture the spirit of an unruly child. Using the illustrations, parents can discuss how the other characters feel when rude cakes is being unkind.

The story does not stop there though.  A giant Cyclops takes rude cakes from his room.  (Mind you, this “monster” is not at all scary.  He is kind of adorable.) The irony is while the Cyclops is using rude cakes as a hat  and passing him around to the other Cyclops, they are all using their manners.  They compliment one another.  They share.  They wait their turn.  When rude cakes asks to PLEASE put him back, they “always listen when their hats says please, nicely…and they always apologize when they’re wrong.”

Rude cakes is returned to his room.   The next day, he is a changed cake.  He is seen sharing and positively interacting with the characters he had wronged the day before. I love the final sentence, “Of course, no cake is ever too rude to change.” 

The illustrations are fantastic.  They are animated and dramatic and humorous.  All of which will appeal to the target age.  The idea of giant Cyclops may sound scary, but it is not in the slightest.  Actually, rude cakes takes a Cyclops stuffed doll from another character, making it more palatable in the narrative.  Rude cakes is never scared of the giant Cyclops, just annoyed he is being used as a hat. The author’s fresh take on the sweet cake being awful and the stereotypical monster being sweet is also ideal for discussing not judging people on their outward appearance. 

Rude Cakes is a fun read with excellent educational value as well.  Just about every child needs a reminder to use his manners.  This story is a delightful way to teach or to reteach essential interpersonal skills to youngsters.  I highly recommend this book for ages 2-7. 

Ideas and Activities for Teaching Manners

Teaching Manners to Toddlers

5 Ways to Teach Manners to Preschoolers

Paper Chain of Kindness

Yes, Please/No,Thank You Activity

Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! Activity

My Manners Printable Pack

Minding Our Manners Activity Ideas

Focusing on Toddler Manners in the 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge

Family Service Projects

Watsons Go to Birmingham (Christopher Paul Curtis)

Summary of The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 (by Christopher Paul Curtis):

Kenny and his family of “weird” Watsons live in Flint during the tumultuous civil rights era.  In their middle class, black community in Michigan, they are insulated from much of the tension and violence.  The novel focuses on their everyday lives and relationships, which ranges from humorous when Byron gets his tongue stuck to the car mirror during a winter storm to endearing as the family sits around listening to music on their new car record player to reflective as Kenny learns how to be a friend to the neighborhood newbies.  The family decides to take a trip down to Birmingham, Alabama to visit extended family.  During their stay, they experience a racial terrorist attack on a church in the community they are visiting. 

Evaluation: 

I had a fond recollection of this middle grade novel after reading it several years ago, but I had honestly forgotten how endearing the voice and timeless the story until I recently reread it.  Author Christopher Paul Curtis so beautifully captures the perspective of a 9 year old boy, Kenny.  He has an innocence about him that tempers the tragedy and tension, which is ideal for young readers.  Kenny, also, has a mischievous-side, bringing about much of the humor and lightness in the novel. 

I love the family dynamics.  There is sibling rivalry—particularly between Kenny and his older brother Byron--but it is clear the boys love each other.  Kenny looks up to his brother, known the “juvenile delinquent,” even though Byron often torments him.  Also, Byron saves Kenny physically and emotionally during the course of the story.  The parents have a strong, through not overbearing, presence in their children's lives.  The youngest child plays the smallest role in the action, mostly that of a tattle tale and conscious to the two older boys.  Each person, including the parents, is flawed, but ultimately, they all look out for each other and love each other. 

Kenny is often naive and immature in social situations.  Throughout the novel, he grows as a friend, family member, and person.  The most significant growth comes after their visit to Birmingham which causes him to face his own mortality as well as that of his younger sister and his community.  Back in Flint, it takes him several weeks to go though a healing and mourning process.  Just as everything is not clear and neatly tied up in life, so is Kenny still left with some uncertainty even has he moves forward with hope. 

The author does an excellent job with the historical time period and tragic bombing.  Much of the oppressive and dangerous backdrop is understated, which works well for the child perspective and reader.  At the same time, the events are ideal for discussions on recent tragedies and dangers that young readers are familiar with (or may even have some first hand experience). 

Christopher Paul Curtis is an impressive and memorable writer.   He has two other middle grade novels that tackle issues that are unique to the African-American culture while transcending it with characters and experiences that are universal (Bud, Not Buddy and Elijah of Buxton).  All three books have been awarded the Newbery or Newbery Honor award, which is quite an impressive feat.  In addition, he has published a couple middle grade mysteries.  I had the pleasure of hearing him speak and meeting him at a conference.  He was warm and friendly as he met his many fans as well as entertaining and engaging as a speaker--all qualities that come through his writing.  For any middle grader reader or fan, he is a must read! 

I recommend The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 for ages 9 and up.  It is also ideal for classroom and home schooling curriculums because of the outstanding characterization, excellent literary qualities, and connections to a pivotal historical era.

Teaching Opportunities:

• History:  read during a unit study on the 1960’s and/or civil rights movement
• Music:  Kenny has a favorite song he loves to listen to over and over again; play it and discuss why he might be so drawn to it; then, listen to other popular songs of the era and discuss
• Biography:  read about famous civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks
• Compare/Contrast:  discuss similarities and differences in Kenny’s life and that of contemporary middle graders
• Character Education: discuss the qualities of a good friend; apply the list to Kenny to evaluate if he would be  a good friend and to selves
• Similes and Metaphors:  have the students pick a character or conflict in the book; next, ask them to pick an animal or thing to describe the person or conflict and explain why they chose it; write similes and metaphors using the animals or things
• Picturebook Literature:  read other experiences during this historical era such as Ruth and the Green Book, Back of the Bus, Grandma's Pride, When Grandma Sings, and Goin' Someplace Special. 

Visit Shannon Messenger, the hostess of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, for other great middle fictions.

Delirium (by Lauren Oliver)

Summary of Delirium (by Lauren Oliver):

Lena Haloway is content in the government-managed society she lives in.   The reality that everything is neatly laid out for her—career, husband, life—makes her look forward to her “cure” and the future.   Despite the tragedy of her mother’s suicide and the whispers of the “invalid” community, Lena believes the government knows what is best for its people.   As she dabbles in investigating the forbidden parts of society, she begins to realize the government and the cure are not really about her best interests.  Instead, she will seal for herself a future that is grey and dreary—if she submits.   Lena realizes it is better to love and to live—even if it means feelings of pain and loss.  She must make an important, and possibility dangerous, decision before it is too late. 

Evaluation:

I have seen the Delirium series and Lauren Oliver on many favorites’ lists.  I took the plunge and began reading Delirium at the beginning of the week…I could not put it down.  I was enraptured in the plot immediately!  Ms. Oliver’s language is often poetic.  Her storytelling keeps a steady pace, each new event driving me to find out what will happen to Lena, Hana (her best friend), and Alex (her first love). 

The characterization is well done.  One of my favorite parts is the relationship between Lena and Hana.  There is an innocence in their friendship as they savor the last days of their youth and life with emotions.  They are fiercely loyal and devoted to each other.  Lena starts off as an obedient, though internally conflicted, protagonist.  As the story progresses, she grows bold, confident, and independent—willing to risk everything for truth, freedom, and love.  Alex is protective, loving, and strong.  They appear to be a good, healthy match.    

Since they are living in an oppressive society, it is natural to cheer them on as they defy social and government expectations.  On the other hand, I always feel a sense of conflict as teens’ rebel in novels.  I realize a certain amount of stepping out from parents is healthy and necessary, but I don’t believe it has to be under of cloud of deception and rebellion.  Lena lies and sneaks around a lot--though it is understandable to a degree in her extremely rigid society because there is no other recourse, ever.  I hope young adult readers will not view their own seemingly “oppressive” lives as an excuse to do the same.  This story (like other dystopian novels) should be a cautionary tale of allowing the government too much control over our lives.  Hopefully, it will prod young people to seek out representatives that fight for individual autonomy rather than government control--no matter how enticing the freebies may seem.

There are, also, a handful of profanities and some mild sexual content.  For instance, a scene is briefly described where Alex gazes at Lena with no shirt on.  They also have a night alone sleeping together.  Lena does not feel ready for sex. Alex respects her decision with grace.  Of course, there are many references to kissing.   

The novel prompted me to think about the age-old dilemma of emotion vs. reason.   I think we are so drawn to emotions as humans because they, along with their cohorts passion and  love, are not something we can readily control.  Sometimes we don't want to.  Other times we want or need to, but feel we cannot.  This situation could spur a lively discussion on the role of passion and emotions as well as reason and control in our lives.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this dystopian novel.  I have the next one, Pandemonium, on reserve.  I look forward to reading the other books in the series.  I recommend Delirium for ages 14 and up.  

Fairy Tale Friday: Five Fabulous Fractured Fairy Tales

I have been reading a lot of fairy tales lately, especially fractured ones.  In my study of this sub-genre, I have realize there is not a set definition, and it is applied to many types of tales that I did not original think of as fractured.  Previously, I believed works like The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs were the “definition” of fractured.  According to my research, the term broadly includes pretty much all modern retellings.  

I feel this sub-genre should have a clearer definition because I don’t necessarily think a tale is “fractured” if only a few superficial elements are changed.   To me, there should be a switching of perspectives and/or modern characterization and message to be a good fractured tale. Also, I believe there is a difference between a multicultural tale and a fairy tale that has been retold using non-traditional cultural elements.  I do not see this distinction though in the definitions and discussions I have come across so far.  With all that being said, here are Five Fabulous Fractured Fairy Tales you should check out! 

The Three Ninja Pigs (by Corey Rosen Schwartz):  

This twist on The Three Little Pigs begins “once upon a dangerous time” there was a wolf blowing houses down.  The three pigs decide to fight back, so each one enrolls in school to learn martial arts.  The first two pigs quit after they learn a few moves, but the third pigs works until she has become a black belt.  When the wolf comes around, he able to quickly disarm the first two pigs because they are ill-prepared.  The third pig though scares him off when she demonstrates her skills.  The other two pigs decided they need to finish what they started.  They go back to school to finish their training and eventually open up their own dojo to train other animals.  This modern retelling has a fun, snappy text and entertaining illustrations is perfect for ages 5 and up.   The Three Ninja Pigs will please aspiring ninjas and anyone who wishes to “fight back” against the bullies in the world. 

Gingerbread Man Loose in the School (by Laura Murray):  

This picture book is broken down like a simple graphic novel with several scenes per page to capture all the action.  It begins with a class making a gingerbread man.  As he comes out of the oven, they leave for recess.  The gingerbread man does not want to be left out though.  He says, “I’ll run and I’ll run as fast as I can.  I can catch them!  I’m their gingerbread man!”   As he seeks out his class, he meets various people like the school nurse, the gym teacher, the art teacher, and the principal.   When he finally finds his class, he is welcomed back with cheers.   They make him a desk, chair, and his own little house.  The gingerbread man finds he is where he belongs.  This tale could work well in school at the beginning of the year (especially for kindergarteners) to discuss the various staff and teacher they will encounter.   Gingerbread Man Loose in the School is a must read for listeners 4-7.

Sleepless Beauty (by Frances Minters): 

This fractured fairy tale takes place on a city block in more modern times.  When this little beauty is born, all their friends and relatives come to celebrate.  A “witch” in the apartment building is left off the guest list, but she attends anyway to put on the girl a sleeping curse with one twist…she will be awakened by a great rock star.  Her parents have many sleepless nights working to make sure nothing sharp pricks her fingers.  Then, on her 14^th birthday, a creepy old lady arrives with a gift—a record player.  The beauty pricks her finger and falls fast asleep.  She outwits the witch though.  The next morning her radio alarm clock wakes her up to the tune of her favorite rock star.   The girl writes her “prince” of a rock star to thank him.  So what ever happened to the rock star?  They eventually met..and enjoyed music together.  The story is written in poetic verse with some jazzy intrusions in the narrative by others.  Sleepless Beauty is a witty retelling that children 8 and up will appreciate.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs (by Mo Willems):  

This clever tale is sure to leave kids giggling from the verbal and situational irony.  For no particular reason, three dinosaurs set up their beds, chairs, and bowls of chocolate pudding.   Then, they decide to leave to go “someplace else” with the hopes that “no innocent little succulent child happens” to come across their home.   As they casually hide in the woods, they wait for Goldilocks to find their signs to help lead her to their home (trap).  She finds her way there and fills up on chocolate pudding that has been left out (but not because it will make her more delicious).  Looking around, she begins to realize she is not in the right house or story..just in time because there is a loud booming noise (which could be a passing truck or, maybe, a gloating dinosaur).   Willems wraps up this tale in a creative and entertaining way.  Children 8 and up will want to revisit this tale over and over again.  Be sure to look closely as the pictures that offer lots of clues and humor. 

The Princess and the Pack of Frozen Peas (by Tony Wilson):   

Prince Henrik wants to fall in love and get married.  He does not care if the girl is pretty—only that likes hockey and camping.  Oh, and he like her to have a nice smile.  His brother gives him advice on how to find a “real” princess using a pea and some mattresses.  Henrik observes the “real” princess his brother married and decides that is not the kind of girl he wants to marry—she is fussy and overly sensitive.  Instead, Henrik puts a pack of frozen peas under a single, thin mattress, hoping to find a girl who is not bothered by it.  Girls come and go, but none of them sleeps well.  His friend Pippa comes for a visit.  They have a blast together playing hockey and riding horses, so he “tests” her and finds she is just the girl for him:  She slept perfectly, even appreciating the frozen peas because they helped soothe her sore muscle from their hockey playing.  Henrik asks her to marry him.  She replies, “But I am not a real princess.”  Henrik says, “Even better…You’ll be an unreal princess.”   I loved this reimagining of the tale and what it means to be a good “princess.” I recommend The Princess and the Pack of Frozen Peas for ages 6 and up.

Teaching Opportunities:

• Pinterest:  Check out my Fairy Tale folder of ideas  from around the Internet. 
• Irony:  Several fractured fairy tales use irony (especially Goldilocks and the 3 Dinosaurs).  Depending on the age of child, teach the concept on a basic level and help child identify or teach types of irony and allow child to identify them. 
• Comparison:  Compare and contrast the fractured fairy tale with a traditional version.  Use a Venn Diagram to record the results.
• Writing:  As a class, in groups, or individually, guide children to write their own fractured fairy tale.
• Literature:  Introduce the characteristics of a fractured fairy tale and apply to one or more tales.
• Research:  Pick a tale to research.  Learn about the origins and development of the tale over the years.  

Fairy Tale Friday: Cinderella (Multicultural)

Reading Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters a few weeks ago, I was prompted to think about Cinderella stories.  It seems that nearly every culture has at least one such tale.  Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is not at all like the Western fairy tales I have read.  There is no evil step-mother.  The protagonist does not sit around and wait for fate. Instead, she goes on quest to meet the prince.  Along the way she completes different "tests."  Her snake companion (rather than birds and mice) is the prince in disguise!   I began reading similar fairy tales to examine:  What makes a narrative a Cinderella story?

In most contemporary Cinderella tales or retellings, a step-mother and sister(s) are the cause of hardship and oppression.  However, in The Egyptian Cinderella (by Shirley Climo) the protagonist (Rhodopis) is a slave, a Greek girl stolen as a child from her parents.   Three other slave girls in the house are envious of Rhodopis because of her blond hair, fair skin, and great beauty.  Like many of the tales, there is a benevolent father-figure.  In this case, it is the slave master.  He is oblivious of the ill-treatment the girl receives from the others.   Interestingly, in some early Cinderella tales, though, the father is the cause of the girl difficulties.   These tales have been modified or fallen out of use.   According to the Author’s Note, the tale of Rhodopis is one of the world’s oldest Cinderella stories, recorded in the first century B.C.   It is believed to be based on some truth because there was a Greek slave girl by the same name that married Pharaoh Amasis and became Queen of Egypt. 

The Korean Cinderella (by Shirley Climo) follows many of the familiar plot elements, beginning with the step-mother and step-sister being the nefarious task masters.   In this version, the protagonist is named Pear Blossom.  Most of the Cinderella protagonists are connected with nature, often through the friendship of animals.  Pear Blossom is connected by her name and through her only friends, the crickets.   She must complete several tasks in order to earn the right to attend the ball.  Each one is impossible but for the help of an animal (frog, sparrows, ox).  She eventually attends the party and marries a nobleman, rather than a king, who locates her using her lost sandal.

Adelita (Tomie dePaola) is a Mexican Cinderella story.  There are no animal helpers or direct connections to nature.   Instead, she receives help from a former servant who was her nurse maid when she was growing up.  There is no magic either. The beloved old woman reveals the location of her mother’s chest that holds what she needs to prepare for the party at the wealthy rancher’s home.  With one other exception, the other tales all use some sort of slipper or shoe.  Adelita is distinguished by her reboza (a type of shawl).  She hangs it outside her window after the party which allows the rancher’s son to identify her after the party. 

One Indonesian version is The Gift of the Crocodile (by Judy Sierra).  In this region, Cinderella tales are characterized by a heroine losing something in the river and finding a magical helper.  In this narrative, a crocodile befriends the protagonist, Damura.   Grandmother Crocodile helps the kind-hearted girl by not only retrieving her sarong but replacing it with a far lovelier one.  When the feast for the prince occurs, Grandmother Crocodile provides all that Damura needs to attend.  She successfully wins over the prince, but the step-mother and step-sister are eaten up with jealousy.  They feign kindness and reconciliation to lure her on a boat ride. The duo pushes Damura into the river where she is eaten by a crocodile.  Grandmother Crocodile rescues her.  The step-mother and step-sister flee.  From then on, Damura and her children safely splash in the river, talk to the animals, and play in the shade of the trees (again that connection to nature). 

My favorite multicultural version is Sootface (by Robert D. San Souci), an Ojibwa Cinderella Story.  Sootface overcomes horrible bullying not only from her jealous sisters but from the rest of the village.  Because she works hard all day, her hair is singed, her face is dirty, and her clothes worn out.  She does not rely on magic or a helper to transform her.  Instead, her resourcefulness and diligence provide her with the necessary items.  Another unique plot element is the “prince.”  He is a famed hunter with the ability to become invisible.   One day, he tells his sister to announce that he will marry the woman who can see him, which means the woman is kind and honest.  To verify the maiden can in fact see him, she must describe his bow.  Of course, all the women try but fail.  Sootface is the only one who is able to truly see him.  The hunter changes her name to Dawn-Light, and they marry.  Every one is pleased, except her sisters who now have to do all the cooking and cleaning. 

From all these tales, it is clear there are many variations.  As a result, defining what makes a Cinderella tale a Cinderella tale is a challenge.  I realize, also, that I just reviewed a sampling.  From it, I can conclude that in all the tales a protagonist must overcome great hardship (usually as a result of family/step-family members) to become successful (which usually means finding a husband).  In all the mainstream tales, Cinderella is humble, obedient, and diligent.  Though in some tales (especially earlier ones), she had other character qualities, such as being clever, resourceful, and, even, vengeful.  The modern world’s fascination with Cinderella tales has always amazed me.  I cannot speak for all cultures, but it seems to me that what appeals most to us as Americans is that Cinderella is the quintessential icon of pulling one’s self up by his/her boot straps to be a success.  Isn’t that what the American dream is all about?