The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece
The cruel stepmother, misplaced shoe, and worthy prince will all be familiar to readers of European Cinderella stories, but elements unique to this Greek version offer a rich contrast. This girl (considered an orphan although her father still lives) doesn’t have a fairy godmother, but instead receives aid from the spirit of her dead mother, as well as Mother Nature, the Sun, Moon, Dawn, and the Morning Star. Rather than a royal ball, the orphan meets the prince at a service in her village church. After departing hastily in compliance with her mother’s instructions, the orphan leaves behind a prince desperate to track down the enchanting stranger. The following Sunday the prince’s guards pour honey and wax on the church’s threshold, successfully capturing one of the orphan’s tiny shoes when she flees the building. None of the village maidens fit the shoe until the orphan makes her own way to the palace and reveals her identity. An informative note details the authors’ decision to incorporate elements of traditional Greek Cinderella tales while opting for a contemporary twist by making the heroine an active participant in the search for her prince. ©2011 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Giselle Potter
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Agency
Folk and Fairy Tales
Love and Romance
Orphans
Stepmothers
Publisher:
Schwartz & Wade
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780375866913
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 398 Manna