Cinder-Elly by Frances Minters

Bibliography
Minters, Frances. 1994. Cinder-Elly. Ill. by G. Brian Karas. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN 0670844179

Plot Summary
In this updated version of Cinderella, Minters takes us to New York City. Cinder-Elly is an urban fairy tale told in rhymes. Along with bringing the story to present day, the author changed details like Sue and Nelly are Cinder-Elly's sisters not step-sisters. She also has the girls attending a basketball game instead of an elegant ball. However, she did not change the outcome..."everyone lived forever happy."

Critical Analysis
Rhyming is the style that Minters uses to write this updated version of Cinderella. Cinder-Elly, written simple and fun, will capture the attention of children, young and old. The author updates this fairy tale favorite by locating the story in New York City and includes things children will relate to like tv, video games, and basketball games.

Just as Minters' writing will capture the children's attention, Karas' illustrations will hold their attention. Bright colors and "funky" illustrations serve this urban fairy tale well. To bring the story to New York City, Karas includes the traditional front stoop seen in many tv shows set there. To add to the story, he includes small touches like pictures of the Statue of Liberty, the game clock, telephone key pad, and road signs.

Because of Minters' writing and Karas' illustrations, Cinder-Elly is sure to become a fast favorite.

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

Publishers Weekly: "Collages, wild patterns and funky fashions mimic music videos and build up the snazzy urban setting. An ideal match of artist and author."

Connections
*Read other versions of Cinderella and compare it with the original version. What are the differences?