Cinderella. A Rand McNally Junior Elf Book, illustrated by Mary Jane Chase.
This picture simply doesn't do this little book justice. I happened upon it, the book, by chance while at a secondhand book barn a few years ago. So, sadly, there is no charming story of it relating to my childhood. But I still found it to be a charming little read. I fell in love with the pictures at first sight! Didn't you? However, I think what I love is the old-fashioned style of the book. For instance:
"When supper was served, the young Prince ate nothing, because he could not take his eyes off Cinderella, who seated herself near her sisters and shared with them the fruit and sweetmeats, which the Prince gave her.
The Prince stayed close beside her and whispered love words into her ear."
I can't help but smile at such 'language'. :) Love words and sweetmeats, oh my! But wait, there is more. :)
"Cinderella was as good as she was pretty, she brought her sisters to the palace, and after their tempers and manners had improved, she married them to two fine gentleman of the court."
Heehee, isn't that just so thoughtful of Cinderella? As the book is so very small it is fairly simplified but I like it all the same. :)
Cinderella by: Susan Jeffers
Do you see that little red bird on Cinderella's shoulder there? While the bird does not appear in every picture of the book it is there quite often. And, truth be told, that little bird is more or less why I like this version so much. Perhaps I should name him, instead of knowing the Cinderella as the red bird version. :) I am sorry for the lack of pictures, but I couldn't find my fitting favorites. But it is still a lovely little read with very flowery, almost doodle like illustrations.
(Oh, and while I'm here, I also recommend Before Midnight. Ekaterina, reviewed it here, on Heidi's blog.)
Well, midnight has struck for my Cinderella week!
Thank you, Heidi, for hosting and for the wonderful idea in the first place!
Yours truly,
Cordy
I love the Susan Jeffers Cinderella! I always thought the red bird might be the fairy godmother in disguise - I think the only pictures it's missing from are the ones that she's in and the bits where Cinderella's at the ball? Although I could be wrong :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're right! I love that theory!
DeleteOh, now I like that Cinderella even more! :D
I think I recognize that first Cinderella book you mentioned! The illustrations look SO familiar, especially the one of the stepmother and stepsisters in front of the mirror.
ReplyDeleteAww. I like that Cinderella finds husbands for her stepsisters. That's just sweet. "After their tempers and manners had improved." Haha! :)
Really?! It's such a small, inconsequential, book that I didn't think that anyone else could know about it. That's wonderful!
DeleteHaha, I love it!
These are darling :)
ReplyDeleteAren't they beautiful?! I love them! :)
DeleteThese books look so fun and sweet! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe red bird looks so cute! Why do you like the red bird version so much? Does the red bird play an important part in the story?
I feel honored that you recommend my post. Thank you.
I don't know why I like the little bird...perhaps because he always seems to be around Cinderella. Almost like a little companion for her. :)
DeleteFor sure! I thought you did a great job with the review!
What a delightful post idea -- I'm so glad you thought of it! That first one does look charming... and I love/own a couple other picture books by Susan Jeffers, so I'll have to look that second one up, too. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you again so very much for sharing and for all your wonderful posts and enthusiasm during the Cinderella Week!!! ;)
Thanks. :D
DeleteIt was my pleasure! I had such a delightful time.
Thank you, for all the work you put in as host!!!