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If the Shoe Fits
Ever wonder what might have happened if a certain glass slipper had been placed on the wrong maiden's foot... and fit?! In this comic twist on a classic fairy tale, Murray, a humble shoemaker, creates a pair of glass slippers for a frantic fairy godmother when her wand runs out of power, setting off a rollicking chain of events that may force him to disappoint a prince, risk the fairy's wrath, and sacrifice the secret love of his life. Deborah Guarino, author of the bestselling Is Your Mama a Llama?, has created a magical story that will delight readers of all ages. Vivid illustrations bring the characters brilliantly to life in this tale of true love, royal mayhem, and big feet.
Recommended for ages 7 to adult.
Recommended for ages 7 to adult.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2018
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73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 5, 2019
A really funny retelling of Cinderella. Come to think of it, I did wonder how the glass slipper fit only Cinderella and nobody else, while whenever I go shoe shopping they never have anything in my size because it's too popular :-)
I don't want to give the story away, but it is about true love that will have its way in the end. I would have prefered the godmother fairy to cast no spell on Mona at all (a bit of good old-fashioned realization on her own would have worked wonders for me) but apart from that I thought the story was wonderful.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Schiffer Kids for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
I don't want to give the story away, but it is about true love that will have its way in the end. I would have prefered the godmother fairy to cast no spell on Mona at all (a bit of good old-fashioned realization on her own would have worked wonders for me) but apart from that I thought the story was wonderful.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Schiffer Kids for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 21, 2019
What a fun twist on Cinderella!
This version is through the eyes of a cobbler and his influence on the final outcome.
The illustrations are amazing and I enjoyed the easy flow of the verses.
Thank you NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for my DRC.
This version is through the eyes of a cobbler and his influence on the final outcome.
The illustrations are amazing and I enjoyed the easy flow of the verses.
Thank you NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd. for my DRC.
September 15, 2019
I would like to thank Edelweiss and Schiffer Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have always loved reading various fairy tale retellings and I was in the mood to read another “Cinderella” retelling! So, I went on Edelweiss and I stumbled upon this unusual story called “If the Shoe Fits” by Deborah Guarino along with artwork by Seth Hippen and man, was it a truly hilarious and brilliant read!
Murray was a humble shoemaker who spent most of his days making shoes for the villagers. But one night, a large fairy suddenly comes to his house and begs him to make her a special pair of shoes for a certain maiden since her wand had ran out of powers. Murray then gives the fairy a pair of glass slippers and the fairy promises to reward him whenever she gets her magic back. But the next day, Mona, Murray’s clerk (and the woman he secretly loves) comes rushing inside his shoe shop and tells him about the prince trying to find the maiden whose foot can fit into the glass slipper that she left behind. And when Murray tells Mona that he was the one who made the glass slippers, Mona then begs him to make her a pair of glass slippers so that she can use them to present to the prince and marry him. Murray, who is actually crushed by this scheme, sadly makes Mona a pair of glass slippers and Mona goes to the prince to show him the glass slippers.
Will Mona marry the prince and will Murray lose the love of his life?
Read this book to find out!
Wow…just wow!!! I never would have expected to enjoy this book as much as I did!!! Deborah Guarino’s writing is both hilarious and heartwarming and I really enjoyed this interesting twist on the “Cinderella” tale! I really loved Murray as a character as he was both hilarious and engaging and I really felt for him when he wanted to win Mona’s heart, despite Mona wanting to marry the Prince. I also loved how it was Murray who created the glass slippers for Cinderella since we get to see another character in this story that was not Cinderella. I also loved the twist of the story of how Mona wanted Murray to make the glass slippers for her and how the prince had nearly married the wrong woman. Seth Hippen’s artwork was truly hilarious to look at as most of the characters are drawn in exaggerated ways, especially the large fairy, who takes up most of the pages that she’s in.
Overall, “If the Shoe Fits” is a truly hilarious and imaginative story that takes the “Cinderella” mythos and twists it in a truly creative way! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up, since there is nothing inappropriate in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
June 5, 2019
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cinderella might be the most popular fairy tale in the world. It seems as if each culture has its own version, there are the off shoots such as Coat of Many Furs, there are movies and more movies, the character appears in I don’t know how many books. There is even a short novel told from the viewpoint of one the transformed rats.
So, do we really need another Cinderella story?
Well, we do need If the Shoe Fits, so it’s a yes.
This short children’s book focuses on the shoemaker who created those glass slippers. The fairy godmother turns to him because her magic is temporally depleted. You try creating a dress, coach, horses, and entourage without getting tired. What then enfolds is actually a story about what love really is.
The shoemaker Murray is caught between what the love of his life truly desires and what he wants – to marry the love of his life. That is really what this child’s book is about - what love is. The thing about some Cinderella stories, the Disney cartoon in particular, is the question about love – would you want your daughter to marry some dude she dances with just once. And before everyone starts with the “but it is a fairy tale and it means”- I know. Okay?
But in the hands of Guarino and Hippen, love takes center stage. Murray is totally motivated by love; the choices he makes are based on his love for Mona who really wants to marry a prince. It really is a wonderful story about what love means.
Hippen’s illustrations are the right balance of whimsey and realism.
It’s sweet.
Cinderella might be the most popular fairy tale in the world. It seems as if each culture has its own version, there are the off shoots such as Coat of Many Furs, there are movies and more movies, the character appears in I don’t know how many books. There is even a short novel told from the viewpoint of one the transformed rats.
So, do we really need another Cinderella story?
Well, we do need If the Shoe Fits, so it’s a yes.
This short children’s book focuses on the shoemaker who created those glass slippers. The fairy godmother turns to him because her magic is temporally depleted. You try creating a dress, coach, horses, and entourage without getting tired. What then enfolds is actually a story about what love really is.
The shoemaker Murray is caught between what the love of his life truly desires and what he wants – to marry the love of his life. That is really what this child’s book is about - what love is. The thing about some Cinderella stories, the Disney cartoon in particular, is the question about love – would you want your daughter to marry some dude she dances with just once. And before everyone starts with the “but it is a fairy tale and it means”- I know. Okay?
But in the hands of Guarino and Hippen, love takes center stage. Murray is totally motivated by love; the choices he makes are based on his love for Mona who really wants to marry a prince. It really is a wonderful story about what love means.
Hippen’s illustrations are the right balance of whimsey and realism.
It’s sweet.
June 7, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Schiffer Publishing Ltd and the author, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
5 stars.
Wow. Ok give me a moment to absorb all of this!
I feel so completely overwhelmed right now with how much love I feel for this book. I feel almost close to tears. Picture books just don't have this impact on me but by God this one has actually hit me hard!
The illustrations stole my breath away. The colours, the details of the drawings, simply all of it was a pure genius work of wonderful art. I just want to reach out and touch them!
I think I got maybe 6 pages into this and had to put it down to take a moment. The beauty is just too much! It sounds ridiculous but this..... Yeah. No words. Hands down this is my favourite picture book of the year.
This is a retelling of a classic favourite for many many people, Cinderella. The story is both funny and sweet and such fun to read. Expecually liked how they snuck in the Alice in Wonderland line! That was a treat. (Ha! See, I can rhyme just like in the book!)
I can definitely see this book winning awards and as soon as it becomes available to buy I'm getting my hands on a copy of this gem.
I can not recommended this book highly enough. And that's saying alot.
5 stars.
Wow. Ok give me a moment to absorb all of this!
I feel so completely overwhelmed right now with how much love I feel for this book. I feel almost close to tears. Picture books just don't have this impact on me but by God this one has actually hit me hard!
The illustrations stole my breath away. The colours, the details of the drawings, simply all of it was a pure genius work of wonderful art. I just want to reach out and touch them!
I think I got maybe 6 pages into this and had to put it down to take a moment. The beauty is just too much! It sounds ridiculous but this..... Yeah. No words. Hands down this is my favourite picture book of the year.
This is a retelling of a classic favourite for many many people, Cinderella. The story is both funny and sweet and such fun to read. Expecually liked how they snuck in the Alice in Wonderland line! That was a treat. (Ha! See, I can rhyme just like in the book!)
I can definitely see this book winning awards and as soon as it becomes available to buy I'm getting my hands on a copy of this gem.
I can not recommended this book highly enough. And that's saying alot.
March 9, 2021
| Reader Fox Blog |
I was over the moon excited when I saw the cover of If the Shoe Fits by Deborah Guarino and illustrated by Seth Hippen. Not only does it give you the most wonderful insight into what the story will be about--hello, fairy godmother and glass slipper--but the artwork is, quite simply, phenomenal. If the Shoe Fits is a Cinderella retelling--I'm sure you all know how much I love those--about a fairy godmother who ran out of magic building the most extravagant clothes and transportation for her goddaughter and absentmindedly forgot entirely about footwear. And so, in a fluttery flurry of a scramble to get Cinderella to the ball in time, she turns to the local shoemaker for the finest shoes that he has available with a promise of payment later once her magic has recharged. Of course, since the shoemaker already had glass slippers, the truth of the matter is that he can make more and who's to tell who might fit into them?
I adored nearly every single bit of this story. The plot was fantastic, the artwork more beautiful than I could have imagined, and the rhyming pattern of the words really drew me in. It's definitely a book I could see myself owning and will definitely be picking up at some point in my future. The story is hilarious in a great many ways and the adorkable main character, the shoemaker, is easy to feel for. You just want to root for him the entire time and wish him all the best in the world. So, while this is certainly a Cinderella retelling, the important thing to note here is that this is the shoemaker's story. It is not, in fact, Cinderella's.
I have almost nothing but praise for this tale, my only complaint initially being the fact that the poetry-like narration didn't always flow perfectly. I would get thrown off a couple of times by the fact that certain lines would be much longer than others. The sing-song quality that it might have had was missing in some parts--not all--as a result of this. Ultimately, I didn't see this as a huge problem and it was definitely easy to overlook for the most part. But, as a writer and voracious reader, it was noticeable enough to be mildly annoying.
The single piece of this story that I did not like and wish had been done away with entirely was the bit at the end where a somewhat problematic event occurred:
Aside from that one issue, this was a lovely story with a fantastically hilarious plot. The artwork was some of the best I've ever seen and I definitely imagine I would read this story again in the future. It was definitely an enjoyable read, so much so that I found myself rather upset that I couldn't finish it when I started because I had to go back to work.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
I was over the moon excited when I saw the cover of If the Shoe Fits by Deborah Guarino and illustrated by Seth Hippen. Not only does it give you the most wonderful insight into what the story will be about--hello, fairy godmother and glass slipper--but the artwork is, quite simply, phenomenal. If the Shoe Fits is a Cinderella retelling--I'm sure you all know how much I love those--about a fairy godmother who ran out of magic building the most extravagant clothes and transportation for her goddaughter and absentmindedly forgot entirely about footwear. And so, in a fluttery flurry of a scramble to get Cinderella to the ball in time, she turns to the local shoemaker for the finest shoes that he has available with a promise of payment later once her magic has recharged. Of course, since the shoemaker already had glass slippers, the truth of the matter is that he can make more and who's to tell who might fit into them?
I adored nearly every single bit of this story. The plot was fantastic, the artwork more beautiful than I could have imagined, and the rhyming pattern of the words really drew me in. It's definitely a book I could see myself owning and will definitely be picking up at some point in my future. The story is hilarious in a great many ways and the adorkable main character, the shoemaker, is easy to feel for. You just want to root for him the entire time and wish him all the best in the world. So, while this is certainly a Cinderella retelling, the important thing to note here is that this is the shoemaker's story. It is not, in fact, Cinderella's.
I have almost nothing but praise for this tale, my only complaint initially being the fact that the poetry-like narration didn't always flow perfectly. I would get thrown off a couple of times by the fact that certain lines would be much longer than others. The sing-song quality that it might have had was missing in some parts--not all--as a result of this. Ultimately, I didn't see this as a huge problem and it was definitely easy to overlook for the most part. But, as a writer and voracious reader, it was noticeable enough to be mildly annoying.
The single piece of this story that I did not like and wish had been done away with entirely was the bit at the end where a somewhat problematic event occurred:
Aside from that one issue, this was a lovely story with a fantastically hilarious plot. The artwork was some of the best I've ever seen and I definitely imagine I would read this story again in the future. It was definitely an enjoyable read, so much so that I found myself rather upset that I couldn't finish it when I started because I had to go back to work.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Reader Fox Links |
June 9, 2019
What is interesting about this fairy tale retelling is that the part that is retold is where Cinderella's shoes came from, which was, of all things, a shoe maker. And because the focus is on the shoemaker, we get to see what his hopes and dreams and desires are, and they are to marry his assistant.
And the fairy godmother and prince and even Cinderella are all extra things that get in the way.
This is refreshing, and fun new take. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And the fairy godmother and prince and even Cinderella are all extra things that get in the way.
This is refreshing, and fun new take. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
November 5, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley, Schiffer Publishing, and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I love fairy tale retellings. I have always loved them since I was a little girl.
A Comic twist on a classic fairy tale that everyone knows and loves Cinderella. The story is sweet and humerous. It really is about what love is.
Humble shoemaker Murray creates a pair of glass slippers for a frantic fairy, godmother when her wand runs out of juice, which ends up setting off a chain of events. I really felt when Murray wanted to win Mona's heart, despite Mona wanting to marry the prince. I really loved that Murray was the one who created the glass slippers for Cinderella since we got to see another character in the story that wasn't Cinderella. I loved the twist of how Mona wanted Murray to make the glass slippers for her, and how the prince nearly married the wrong woman.
Vivid illustrations that were beautiful and they felt so real like I could almost touch them they brought the characters and the story to life.
I recommend this book for ages 5 and up or anyone who loves fairytale retellings.
I love fairy tale retellings. I have always loved them since I was a little girl.
A Comic twist on a classic fairy tale that everyone knows and loves Cinderella. The story is sweet and humerous. It really is about what love is.
Humble shoemaker Murray creates a pair of glass slippers for a frantic fairy, godmother when her wand runs out of juice, which ends up setting off a chain of events. I really felt when Murray wanted to win Mona's heart, despite Mona wanting to marry the prince. I really loved that Murray was the one who created the glass slippers for Cinderella since we got to see another character in the story that wasn't Cinderella. I loved the twist of how Mona wanted Murray to make the glass slippers for her, and how the prince nearly married the wrong woman.
Vivid illustrations that were beautiful and they felt so real like I could almost touch them they brought the characters and the story to life.
I recommend this book for ages 5 and up or anyone who loves fairytale retellings.
June 6, 2019
A playful take on the Cinderella story, with lively illustrations to match the silly rhyming text. I would say there are possibly too many "big" words for younger preschoolers, but ages 5 and up are going to have a ball with this one!
October 28, 2019
*received from netgalley for honest review* So, first off, I like the art in this book very detailed and I like the idea of the story but im not sure how I feel about the book as a whole. The ending did change things which is why its still getting 5 stars, Would still read to kids but probably older ones.
August 12, 2019
Review to follow
June 6, 2019
A commendably catchy read, that turns Cinderella on its head and makes much store by expanding on that world. Here, the girl's Fairy Godmother hasn't enough juice in her wand to make the glass slippers, so gets a humble cobbler to fit Cinders out. But what might that lead to, especially when the woman whom the man has his heart set on is also intent on being the match for the shoe left behind at the ball? The rhyming narrative (slipping from ABAB to AABB too quickly, but pretty much nailing the bounce and metre) is very jolly, the illustrations have a lovely old-school cartoon style, and all told it's a great entertainment. Riffs on this story have been coming to us for decades now, but this is just as assured as the best, and even though it may appear too wordy at times, and even if the main characters are older than the usual leads for books for the very young, this will still win.
A strong four stars.
A strong four stars.
June 11, 2019
I loved this children’s books, fab twist on the story, wonderful illustrations and a very easy to read feel. Children will love this spin.
June 4, 2019
What a lovely and fresh take on a so well known story. I really enjoyed the new plot twists and how it all came together at the end. It's quite a short story but that doesn't mean you enjoy it any less. Apart from the plot, the art reminded me slightly of illustrations of Snow White and the seven dwarfs, which I love. That being said the illustrator does have his own, very unique style that I like. It's fun, it's captivating, just like the plot of the story. I'm sure that anyone who reads this book will have at the end a smile on their faces. And that's what books such as this are meant for. A truly enjoyable read.
June 7, 2019
I received this picture book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
A delightful spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. What if the wrong maiden got the slippers... and what if they fitted her perfectly?
Review to come in November.
A delightful spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. What if the wrong maiden got the slippers... and what if they fitted her perfectly?
Review to come in November.
April 25, 2022
The small texts and layout make it hard to read.
2/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 stars ⭐️
August 2, 2019
Questa è una storia d'amore.
Una storia d'amore che conoscete tutti.
Una storia d'amore che credete di conoscere tutti.
Comunque, è una storia di vero amore - e state tranquilli: il vero amore trionfa sempre!
Dirò solo: scarpetta, fanciulla, ballo, fata madrina, principe.
E un calzolaio.
E poi un testo che rima e canticchia, e illustrazioni che coccolano gli occhi.
E un calzolaio - l'ho già detto?
Comunque: amore, amore vero, e scarpette di cristallo.
Perché voi pensate di conoscere la fiaba ma NO, vi illudete solo.
Quindi, visto che la vera storia è contenuta in questo libretto, e che questo libretto è una gemma meravigliosa e perfetta, e che c'è il vero amore, correte a procurarvelo.
Una storia d'amore che conoscete tutti.
Una storia d'amore che credete di conoscere tutti.
Comunque, è una storia di vero amore - e state tranquilli: il vero amore trionfa sempre!
Dirò solo: scarpetta, fanciulla, ballo, fata madrina, principe.
E un calzolaio.
E poi un testo che rima e canticchia, e illustrazioni che coccolano gli occhi.
E un calzolaio - l'ho già detto?
Comunque: amore, amore vero, e scarpette di cristallo.
Perché voi pensate di conoscere la fiaba ma NO, vi illudete solo.
Quindi, visto che la vera storia è contenuta in questo libretto, e che questo libretto è una gemma meravigliosa e perfetta, e che c'è il vero amore, correte a procurarvelo.
June 10, 2019
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review*
Cute retelling, told in rhyme, of Cinderella. Illustrations were on the better side, kids would likely enjoy them, I think. I liked the differences from the original and appreciated greatly the focus of this story.
Cute retelling, told in rhyme, of Cinderella. Illustrations were on the better side, kids would likely enjoy them, I think. I liked the differences from the original and appreciated greatly the focus of this story.
Read
March 3, 2020There may be nothing better than a super creative, witty, and funny picture book.
Add the fact that it is a retelling of Cinderella, but from a completely different perspective, and you have one fun read. -Megan G.
Add the fact that it is a retelling of Cinderella, but from a completely different perspective, and you have one fun read. -Megan G.
July 6, 2019
This story was so much fun! A quirky and amusing new take on Cinderella where the fairy godmother gets Cinder's shoes from a shoemaker instead of making them by magic and the prince ends up slipping a slipper onto the foot of the wrong woman! I laughed. A lot.
The story isn't actually about Cinderella herself... It's the tale of Murry - the shoemaker - and his love Mona whose dream is to marry the prince.
The pictures were fun, the story was entertaining and everyone in the house liked this quirky, unconventional, fairytale.
It was wordier than a lot of kid's books so it's definitely one you'll need to read to younger children and the prose has a rhyming rhythm that takes a little getting used to but it worked well at keeping the pace of the story up.
I recommend this for boys and girls alike! It's adorable.
The story isn't actually about Cinderella herself... It's the tale of Murry - the shoemaker - and his love Mona whose dream is to marry the prince.
The pictures were fun, the story was entertaining and everyone in the house liked this quirky, unconventional, fairytale.
It was wordier than a lot of kid's books so it's definitely one you'll need to read to younger children and the prose has a rhyming rhythm that takes a little getting used to but it worked well at keeping the pace of the story up.
I recommend this for boys and girls alike! It's adorable.
June 25, 2019
One of my favorite fairy tales growing up was Cinderella, but even more than the original classic, I loved re-tellings. So when I saw this picture book and read the description I know I'd love it, and I was not disappointed.
Cinderella's fairy godmother is in a pinch, so she enlists local cobbler, Murray to help her. Murray's long-time crush, Mona, dreams of marrying a prince and convinces Murray to make her a show like the original, but in a size nine. Can true love conquer all?
Delightfully whimsical, the story is told in poetic verse and accompanied by enchantingly whimsical, but classic illustrations that compliment the tone of the story perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the classic tale, perfect to share with young fairy tale lovers. A clever story filled with humor, whimsy, and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cinderella's fairy godmother is in a pinch, so she enlists local cobbler, Murray to help her. Murray's long-time crush, Mona, dreams of marrying a prince and convinces Murray to make her a show like the original, but in a size nine. Can true love conquer all?
Delightfully whimsical, the story is told in poetic verse and accompanied by enchantingly whimsical, but classic illustrations that compliment the tone of the story perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the classic tale, perfect to share with young fairy tale lovers. A clever story filled with humor, whimsy, and heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 7, 2023
A fun read, If the Shoe Fits was well written and quite enjoyed the illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
June 11, 2019
This was a cute funny nursery rhyme that is in the perspective of a shoe maker . It aligns with the story Cinderella. I love reading other perspectives of nursery rhymes, and this one did not disappoint.
June 8, 2019
Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of #iftheshoefits to review. This is going to be a good addition to my Cinderella unit. I like finding different perspectives of the same story and this is a take that I hadn't heard before.
June 6, 2019
Here is the next book for that awesome twisted fairy tale unit (sometimes in 4th grade? sometimes in middle school?). This one is fun and not about the wolf and the three pigs so it's a win to put in the pile and have as an example of how to flip a fairytale.
I enjoyed the whimsy, I enjoyed the atmosphere, and the main character was endearing and had a solid voice.
My only critique is that the poetry switched rhyming schemas throughout the book and this book really should have fun tempo and flair so this bothered me a bit.. alas.
Otherwise fun.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed the whimsy, I enjoyed the atmosphere, and the main character was endearing and had a solid voice.
My only critique is that the poetry switched rhyming schemas throughout the book and this book really should have fun tempo and flair so this bothered me a bit.. alas.
Otherwise fun.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2019
So who made those snazzy glass slippers, anyway? When Cinderella’s oh-so-famous fairy godmother’s magic runs out before she produces slippers, she knows right where to turn. Why Murray, the shoemaker, of course.
Though Murray offers satin, silk and lace shoes, none of those will do. The fairy needs a rare pair . . . slippers light and transparent. Not a problem. This request is easily made possible by fetching a pair of size five glass slippers from the back of the store. The fairy godmother is off with the promise of paying Murray with a magic spell. She just needs her magic to recharge.
Enters Mona, the clerk at the shoe store. Oh, did I mention that Murray the owner is totally smitten by his clerk, Mona? There’s only one problem. He’s a tad too shy to let his feelings be known.
Well, on with the story. Mona, the clerk, has always been convinced that she is destined to marry a prince. And when she tells Murray that the prince was left holding one glass slipper as he was about to propose marriage, she ends by asking him to do a favor for her.
Can you guess what she might ask of the dear shoemaker? Will Murray be able to grant his secret love her wish?
My thanks to #Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for a copy of #IfTheShoeFits This #bookreview is my opinion.
What Concerned Me:
When I read this silently I had trouble with the rhyming element of the text. But when I read it aloud a second time, I had no trouble.
Because I usually don’t slow down long enough to really take in the illustrations, I missed something the first time through. I also missed it in the text. Without having to issue a spoiler alert, this story has nothing to do with beauty vs. the not-so-beautiful.
In summary, #1 and #2 were concerns, but if you read through them, they turned out to be non-concerns!
3. Due to the vocabulary, I’m not sure who the target group is, though the publisher has this book listed as an Early Reader. I can imagine a teacher reading this to an older group, but I feel some of the words will need explaining: beguiling, demented, preened. And even with this concern, it can be an opportunity to learn.
What I Liked Best:
The rhyming text and illustrations work together to easily sell the book. I have to admit, the more I read it the more I loved it. There can be lots of discussion points or a story just for enjoyment.
It’s a fun book that most will want to add to their libraries!
More great reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
Though Murray offers satin, silk and lace shoes, none of those will do. The fairy needs a rare pair . . . slippers light and transparent. Not a problem. This request is easily made possible by fetching a pair of size five glass slippers from the back of the store. The fairy godmother is off with the promise of paying Murray with a magic spell. She just needs her magic to recharge.
Enters Mona, the clerk at the shoe store. Oh, did I mention that Murray the owner is totally smitten by his clerk, Mona? There’s only one problem. He’s a tad too shy to let his feelings be known.
Well, on with the story. Mona, the clerk, has always been convinced that she is destined to marry a prince. And when she tells Murray that the prince was left holding one glass slipper as he was about to propose marriage, she ends by asking him to do a favor for her.
Can you guess what she might ask of the dear shoemaker? Will Murray be able to grant his secret love her wish?
My thanks to #Netgalley and Schiffer Publishing for a copy of #IfTheShoeFits This #bookreview is my opinion.
What Concerned Me:
When I read this silently I had trouble with the rhyming element of the text. But when I read it aloud a second time, I had no trouble.
Because I usually don’t slow down long enough to really take in the illustrations, I missed something the first time through. I also missed it in the text. Without having to issue a spoiler alert, this story has nothing to do with beauty vs. the not-so-beautiful.
In summary, #1 and #2 were concerns, but if you read through them, they turned out to be non-concerns!
3. Due to the vocabulary, I’m not sure who the target group is, though the publisher has this book listed as an Early Reader. I can imagine a teacher reading this to an older group, but I feel some of the words will need explaining: beguiling, demented, preened. And even with this concern, it can be an opportunity to learn.
What I Liked Best:
The rhyming text and illustrations work together to easily sell the book. I have to admit, the more I read it the more I loved it. There can be lots of discussion points or a story just for enjoyment.
It’s a fun book that most will want to add to their libraries!
More great reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
July 10, 2019
I love fractured fairytales and this one won't disappoint. Everyone is familiar with the classic tale of Cinderella I'm sure. It's always enjoyable to read a clever, fresh retell of a story that has an unpredictable plot twist.
The story is told through the eyes of Murray the local cobbler. How did he get involved? Well the panicky godmother's wand has run out of power. She finds herself in quite a pickle as she had enough power to create everything Cinderella needed for her makeover except her shoes. Oh my... she can't go to the ball barefooted now can she?
"Ah!" I said, smiling. "Is that all you ask?
I've got some in back! size five...made of glass."
That fairy was enchanted! She said she'd pay well
as soon as she recharged her magic and spells.
The next day, Mona, Murray's clerk rushes in so excited. She is convinced that she is destined to marry a prince and this will be her only chance to make her dream come true. Last night at the ball the prince fell in love and just as he was about to propose marriage his love took off and left her glass shoe behind. He is now looking everywhere for his beauty and he will claim the woman who fits that shoe for his bride. Poor Murray is caught off guard with her news because he loves Mona dearly and would love to marry her himself.
Mona persuades Murray to make her a glass slipper, size nine, so when the Prince comes looking for his bride-to-be ... it will be her. Poor Murray what is he to do? His heart is torn between his true love of Mona and wanting to make her happy and her dream come true. Can this story possibly become a " and they lived happily-ever-after" fairytale?
The text is written in perfect rhyme and decadently displayed on scrolls of parchment. The illustrations are whimsical, animated and full of emotion. The author brilliantly blends the old story and the new making it a very fun read indeed. Everyone loves a good plot twist and a happy ending. This sweet book delivers both. I love it and I highly recommend it.
The story is told through the eyes of Murray the local cobbler. How did he get involved? Well the panicky godmother's wand has run out of power. She finds herself in quite a pickle as she had enough power to create everything Cinderella needed for her makeover except her shoes. Oh my... she can't go to the ball barefooted now can she?
"Ah!" I said, smiling. "Is that all you ask?
I've got some in back! size five...made of glass."
That fairy was enchanted! She said she'd pay well
as soon as she recharged her magic and spells.
The next day, Mona, Murray's clerk rushes in so excited. She is convinced that she is destined to marry a prince and this will be her only chance to make her dream come true. Last night at the ball the prince fell in love and just as he was about to propose marriage his love took off and left her glass shoe behind. He is now looking everywhere for his beauty and he will claim the woman who fits that shoe for his bride. Poor Murray is caught off guard with her news because he loves Mona dearly and would love to marry her himself.
Mona persuades Murray to make her a glass slipper, size nine, so when the Prince comes looking for his bride-to-be ... it will be her. Poor Murray what is he to do? His heart is torn between his true love of Mona and wanting to make her happy and her dream come true. Can this story possibly become a " and they lived happily-ever-after" fairytale?
The text is written in perfect rhyme and decadently displayed on scrolls of parchment. The illustrations are whimsical, animated and full of emotion. The author brilliantly blends the old story and the new making it a very fun read indeed. Everyone loves a good plot twist and a happy ending. This sweet book delivers both. I love it and I highly recommend it.
December 10, 2019
Taking a spin on the outskirts of a well-known fairy tale, this book holds all the magic and cleverness to become a fairy tale in its own right.
Murray is a meek and mild shoe maker, who secretly harbors feelings for one of his employees, but she, in turn, only has eyes for the prince...a man she'll never get on her own. When the Fairy Godmother begs Murray for help on a glass slipper issue, he unwittingly opens the possibility for his heart's desire to wrangle in the prince. All she needs is a little more help from him. And if it means making the love of his life happy, he'll do about anything. Even risk losing her if it seals her own happiness.
While many Cinderella re-tellings have appeared of the years, this one ranks under my favorites. It steers clear of Cinderella, in many ways, and concentrates on those glass slippers instead. The tale weaves into a story of its very own, making Murray a character to love and root for thanks to his selflessness and true caring for another individual. There's a nice bit of humor and just a dash of 'what-will-happen-next', and a sprinkle of magic as well. The moral to the story is clear, and the smiles of a fairy tale ending are guaranteed.
The illustrations are amazing and make the tale really take flight. The style has a traditional flair and yet allows the characters to mold into their own style, making the connection to Cinderella fall away even more. It's one of those books to be treasured and read again and again.
I received a complimentary copy and we thoroughly enjoyed the story. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Murray is a meek and mild shoe maker, who secretly harbors feelings for one of his employees, but she, in turn, only has eyes for the prince...a man she'll never get on her own. When the Fairy Godmother begs Murray for help on a glass slipper issue, he unwittingly opens the possibility for his heart's desire to wrangle in the prince. All she needs is a little more help from him. And if it means making the love of his life happy, he'll do about anything. Even risk losing her if it seals her own happiness.
While many Cinderella re-tellings have appeared of the years, this one ranks under my favorites. It steers clear of Cinderella, in many ways, and concentrates on those glass slippers instead. The tale weaves into a story of its very own, making Murray a character to love and root for thanks to his selflessness and true caring for another individual. There's a nice bit of humor and just a dash of 'what-will-happen-next', and a sprinkle of magic as well. The moral to the story is clear, and the smiles of a fairy tale ending are guaranteed.
The illustrations are amazing and make the tale really take flight. The style has a traditional flair and yet allows the characters to mold into their own style, making the connection to Cinderella fall away even more. It's one of those books to be treasured and read again and again.
I received a complimentary copy and we thoroughly enjoyed the story. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
October 1, 2019
Books are critically important in our family – the saying around here goes, “I am always willing to spend money on books and Legos.” As a refresher, MyChild is 7-years-old, in second grade, reads on her own, and her current favorite books to read are the DogMan series and Pig the Pug.
Book Review
Mom: I have gone on the record a few times on how much I enjoy retellings of classic stories. This new story, which runs parallel to the Cinderella story we all know so well, was hilarious and adorable. I loved it!
MyChild: I thought it was funny how the Fairy Godmother needed to go shopping when her magic didn’t work.
Mom: Adding in a new love story, while keeping true to the original story, was a great way to make this an interesting twisted tale and not just another repetitious retelling.
MyChild: My favorite part was when the prince almost got married to the wrong person.
Mom: I also highly praise the author for focusing the story on learning to recognize the amazing things you have – not just always wishing for things you don’t have. Such a good learning moment for everyone!
Stars: 4.5
Would We Recommend? Yes
#Iftheshoefits #NetGalley
Book Review
Mom: I have gone on the record a few times on how much I enjoy retellings of classic stories. This new story, which runs parallel to the Cinderella story we all know so well, was hilarious and adorable. I loved it!
MyChild: I thought it was funny how the Fairy Godmother needed to go shopping when her magic didn’t work.
Mom: Adding in a new love story, while keeping true to the original story, was a great way to make this an interesting twisted tale and not just another repetitious retelling.
MyChild: My favorite part was when the prince almost got married to the wrong person.
Mom: I also highly praise the author for focusing the story on learning to recognize the amazing things you have – not just always wishing for things you don’t have. Such a good learning moment for everyone!
Stars: 4.5
Would We Recommend? Yes
#Iftheshoefits #NetGalley
September 1, 2019
What would you do for true love? Buy her diamonds? Chocolate? Commit counterfeit with a glass shoe? We all know the story of Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother, but what if you found out that making the gown, the carriage, the horses, and the crown used up all of the Fairy Godmother's magic. She didn't have any more magic to make spectacular shoes so she went to visit Murray, the local shoemaker. This is some behind the scenes information that only Murray and the FG knew about, that is until Mona rushed into work exclaiming about how the prince fell in love at the ball and is now looking for the girl in the glass slipper. Well, it was always Mona's dream to marry the prince and when she found out Murray had made the glass shoes, she devised a plan to make a counterfeit shoe. Murray was so in love with Mona that he would do whatever it took to make her happy, including shoe fraud. Will Mona's plan work? Will she finally get to marry the prince of her dreams? Will Murray lose the love of his life just to make her happy? You must read to find out!!
This is a must have for any library!!! This is one of the cutest fractured fairy tales that I have ever read. The rhyming verses are laugh out loud funny at times and the illustrations are simply incredible. Do not miss this one!!
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This is a must have for any library!!! This is one of the cutest fractured fairy tales that I have ever read. The rhyming verses are laugh out loud funny at times and the illustrations are simply incredible. Do not miss this one!!
Follow me:
Blog - Blazer Tales - https://blazertales.com/
Facebook - Laurie’s Library Place - https://www.facebook.com/LauriesLibra...
Instagram - laurieslibrary - https://www.instagram.com/laurieslibr...
Twitter - @laurieevans27 https://twitter.com/laurieevans27?lan...
Goodreads - Laurie Purser - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/auburngirl2...
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulD...
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-ev...
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