Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella Book

"A chameleon changes color to match its surroundings. Stories do the same."

Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella tells the story of Cinderella as seen through the eyes of various countries around the world. The author, Paul Fleischman, blends the different versions of this classic story into one seamless tale. In so doing, he unites the world through one story, creating not just a multicultural work, but a global one. Those who love the story of Cinderella will take delight in this telling that reveals how much storytelling is shaped by the culture it comes from. Because it simltaneously celebrates the small differences and oneness of the Cinderella stories found in Mexico, Korea, Iraq, Russia, Iran, India, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Germany, Appalachia (U.S.), Laos, Indonesia, Japan, China, France, the West Indies and Poland, Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal makes readers see that despite our differences, all cultures share in a similar human experience.

The illustratrions by Julie Paschkis add to the global quality of this text. The colorful backgrounds noticeably shift with each culture (through color and content), but still retain similar features and an overall similar style throughout the book. The central image on each page is reminiscent of folk art that has been passed down through the generations and is wonderful in its detailed simplicity.

This book could be enjoyed by readers of all ages (from PreK-adult), but would be most enjoyed by young children (grades 2-5) who know the traditional story of Cinderella (the French version that is heard in most of the Western world) and could thus benefit the most from comparing the French version to this global adaptation.