Cinderstella: A Tale of Planets Not Princes
Brenda S. Miles and Susan D. Sweet, Authors
Valeria Docampo, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Oct. 17, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Gender Roles, Self-Confidence, Stepfamilies, Family Relationships, Dreams
Opening: Once upon a time there lived a girl named Cinderstella. She had two stepsisters who made her work every day. But every night, Cinderstella climbed to her treehouse to be close to the stars.
Book Jacket Synopsis: Cinderstella has plans for her own happily ever after and a future princess she is not. She’d rather be an astronaut.
In this modern retelling of a beloved fairy tale, children are encouraged to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Cinderstella dares to be different, has a sense of curiosity, and knows what she wants. A universe of opportunities.
Why I like this book:
The authors have created a meaningful and entertaining retelling of the classic fairy tale, but with an inspiring twist. The text flows nicely and rhymes in places. Cinderstella dreams of becoming an astronaut. While her stepsisters keep her busy sewing gowns for the ball, shining jewelry and styling their hair during the day, at night she studies the stars and planets and creates her own universe of dreams. She convinces her fairy godmother that she doesn’t want a gown and a carriage, but prefers a spacesuit and a rocket so that she can travel into space.
Cinderstella dreams big and steps outside gender specific pursuits. Refreshing. Her interest in science, technology and becoming an astronaut, should be encouraged in young children of either gender who show an interest.
Valeria Docampo’s colorful, lively and dreamy illustrations capture the wonder of what happens when you have a big dream. The authors and illustrator team up to produce a winning book for children.
Resources: There is a Note to Readers that provides suggestions for parents, caregivers, and educators to spark children’s interest in science and to encourage the pursuit of any career despite lingering stereotypes about what boys and girls can and should do. This should help parents who may not know where to begin. Encourage kids to dream big. Take them outside to gaze at the stars. If you have a trunk of dress-up clothing for kids, add an astronaut costume. Use the book to help children draw their own space ship.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Love the twist on this old classic. Here’s to more women astronauts and scientists! Great review, Pat!
LikeLike
Me too! Such a fun wordplay and a twist on a classic tale. Children will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good day for fractured fairy tales. This looks like a really empowering retelling.
LikeLike
Yes, I noticed the number of fractured fairy tales this morning. It is an empowering retelling for kids. Love the ending!
LikeLike
This looks like a fabulous retelling of the Cinderella tale. And I love how we chose differently diverse Cinderella stories to review this month.
LikeLike
That means there are many imaginative writers delving into the retelling of fairy tales. This one is very different!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love plays on traditional tales – and with STEM – super appealing!! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Yes, the STEM emphasis really makes this story even more important!
LikeLike
This looks SO fun! I love re-tellings that put a different twist on tales, and I’m a big fan of STEM-ish stories.
LikeLike
I thought of you when I read this story. It is an empowering story for children.
LikeLike
Gotta go find this one. I think it would be a great partner to Interstellar Cinderella. Thanks for featuring this one! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like it would. I’ll have to read Interstellar Cinderella! Thanks for the RT.
LikeLike
Pingback: Bibliotherapy: “Cinderstella” | Expressive Social Worker
You had me at ‘Cinderstella’…love the title…will have to get this for sure! Reserving right now, Pat. 🙂
LikeLike
It is a winner, Vivian! Glad you like it!
LikeLike
A great STEM and girls rule book. On my list
LikeLike
Yeah, I like that expression — a good girls rule book!
LikeLike
This sounds like a lovely twist on the fairy tale. Anything that encourages girls to challenge gender stereotyping is great in my opinion. Thanks for letting me know about this one.
LikeLike
It is such a fun story for girls! I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Pat, what a gorgeous looking book and great twist on a classic tale. There seems to be a lot of these type pb’s around lately. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
It is a great twist on a classic fairy tale. I like Keila’s comment about it being a good girls rule book.
LikeLike
What a cool book. Cinderstella wants to go to space. I love it. Little girls with big curiosities, or kids like me told to stop asking, “Why?” will love this book.
LikeLike
It is a cool twist! I agree with your comments. Today there are fewer limitations on girls to dream BIG!
LikeLike
So pleased to see books for girls with non-traditional heroines. This looks delightful. Love the title!!
LikeLike
Yes, Cinderstella is a non-traditional heroine. Love the cover and illustrations!
LikeLike
This sounds fun! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
It really is a fun story — and an important one!
LikeLike
What a clever idea! Great message, too.
LikeLike
It is very clever. Such a fun read for kids.
LikeLike
My daughter is a 6th grade science teacher. I’m going to get this book for her 8-year-old daughter, who wants to grow up to be a science teacher! 🙂
LikeLike
It really is a great twist on a fairy tale and breaks down gender roles. I loved it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just ordered it from my Library 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy Cinderstella! It is a fun book!
LikeLike
Hurray! I love this wonderful new twist on the classic fairy tale. How wonderful to have a heroine who just doesn’t just wish on stars, but who plans to one day travel among them!
LikeLike
There an even greater surprise in the story! You’ll have to check it out!
LikeLike
Looks super interesting! Will get a copy!
LikeLike
This is a fun book for girls about pursuing their dreams or dreaming big!
LikeLike
A month later, just as a follow-up, my 8-year-old granddaughter loves the book!
LikeLike
I’m thrilled your granddaughter loved Cinderstella. Thanks for telling me! It is such an important retelling of the story with a great theme.
LikeLike
I particularly love the illustrations on this as well as challenging the gender stereotypes
LikeLiked by 1 person
The illustrations in Cinderstellar really challenge gender stereotypes. Love this book!
LikeLike