Cinder-Elly

Minters, Frances.  1994.  Cinder-Elly.  Ill. G. Brian Karas.  New York: Penguin Books.  ISBN 0670844179

In this rap-style version of Cinderella, Elly’s mother is largely omitted from the story, and the sisters reflect an interracial, modern family. This variation includes all of the elements of the classic English form and may be used to help inner-city children relate to this classic tale, which often takes place in the country long ago using archaic language.

The text corresponds well with this modern setting, but the rhythm of the text is interrupted by forced rhymes in several places. Even so, this book will easily win over fans of the classic tale.

The artwork is also distracting at times, but it remains reflective of the busy atmosphere that is New York City. While the artwork is eye-catching and well-suited, the colored pages blend together and ultimately detract from its effectiveness. Throughout the book, supporting characters are inserted around the text and pictures to interrupt the rhythm of the rap to comment on the story line. While this may not appeal to adults’ tastes, this may help children develop reading comprehension skills by demanding attention be paid to understand the remarks.

This book could be used to encourage children to create their own, updated retellings of stories they are familiar with. It could be a great way to get children thinking about how stories that may seem old can relate to their modern world.

"The story's told in fast-paced rhyme, fun for reading aloud, and the bright illustrations are like street murals, bold and rhythmic." (Booklist/January 1994)

"What the verses lack in ingenuity, the pictures and format make up for with inventive flair." (Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books/April 1994)