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| She even had a frog for a coachman! (Illustrated by O'Toole, J.) |
Once upon a time, in a surreal, ultra-modern live-work space, Cinderella "lived with her two stepsisters." They had come to something of an agreement over the years: she cooked and cleaned, while her sisters made like couch potatoes. One day there was going to be a party at the palace, and Cinderella's stepsisters were invited. "You can't go in those rags, Cinderella. You can help us get ready instead." That's what they told her. Did I mention that they were mean as well as lazy? Lucky for Cinderella, she had fairy godmother, who "felt sorry for her. She turned Cinderella's rags into a gorgeous dress. Then she waved her wand" and a big pumpkin turned into a coach, and a pair of mice became the horses to pull it. A little frog wearing a green bowtie became the coachman. When she got to the party, she found the handsome prince. He "danced every dance with the beautiful Cinderella." It was twelve o'clock! The magic was over, and now Cinderella "ran from the party, losing one of her shoes." But the prince was looking for her. Her shoe was a clue that finally led him to her. He knew she was the right one because the shoe was just her size. Cinderella and the prince got married, "and lived happily ever after in the palace on the hill."
From Filipek, N. & O'Toole, J. (2010) Fairy Tale Firsts: Cinderella. New York:Windmill Books
Notes: Board books are good for more than babies. As a teacher, I used some such as this for their appealing size, as well as obvious sturdiness.
Montessori Connection: Helping to Raise a Reader
1. If you are practicing reading, this is a fun and easy book to start on.
2. Find someone who is younger than you are, and read it to them! They will enjoy it.
3. If you are a strong reader, help someone who is learning get some practice. Find someone who is younger than you are, and listen patiently while they read to you.
4. If you are a grown-up with a small child around, read them this story.
5. If you are a grown-up without a small child around, find a child who is eager to listen, and read them this story!
