Cinderella/Cenicienta: Bilingual edition

by Monse Fransoy Bel (Adapter), James Surges (Translator), Francesc Boada (Adapter)

Striking art gives this classic fairy tale a fresh look that will enchant a new generation of readers. Retold in both Spanish and English, this universally familiar story is now a springboard to inspire readers to recognize words in both languages. The dual-language text makes this book a useful and beautiful addition to both home and classroom libraries.

Genres: Cinderella, Spanish Literature, Fairy Tales, Picture Books, Classics, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Rigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute however just another Cinderella story but translated in Spanish. The illustration however caught my attention and was intriguing as it was simple but eye catching. The translations between English and Spanish were spot on and accurate. I think if children want a Spanish version of this famous fairy tale than I say this is the book to read. Growing up, I remember listening to this story in both languages and thought it was cool to hear both versions of the story!

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the illustration of her stepsisters and stepmother when the slipper fits on Cinderella's foot!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bilingual story for kids about Cinderella/Cenicienta. Great way to learn vocab words.

[Alejandra RL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reseña próximamente

[Stacey Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Cinderella is considered a fairy tale. This book in particular was interesting because it was bilingual, written in not only English, but also in Spanish. I think students in second through fifth grade could read and enjoy this book.

This story is about Cinderlla, who, after her father died, was forced to live and work for her step-mother and step-sisters. Her step-mother forced her to do all of the chores in the house and to dress in rags. There was to be a ball in the kingdom so that the prince could find a wife. Cinderella's step-sisters and step-mother went to the ball but left Cinderella at home by herself. Cinderella's fairy godmother appeared, dressed her, and sent her off to the ball. Cinderella's only instructions were to be home before midnight. Cinderella danced with the prince and returned home on time. She begged her fairy godmother to return to the ball for the second night so she could see the prince again. Cinderella lost track of time and fleed the ball right at midnight. She lost one of her slippers and the prince ordered his pages to travel the kingdom and find the owner of the slipper so she could be his wife. The pages tried the slipper on both of Cinderella's step-sisters but it did not fit either of them. When Cinderella tried the slipper on, it fit perfectly and she and the prince married and lived happily ever after.

Activities:
1. Have the students create an open mind portrait for Cinderella or one of the other main characters. This will allow students to rethink the sequence of events in the book and to express them artistically.
2. Students should read another fairy tale such as Little Red Riding Hood or the Three Little Pigs. They should then create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the stories.

[Taryn Loyd]

Cinderella is about a beautiful girl who's father marries a pretty, but awful, woman who has two daughters similar to her. Her stepmother and stepsisters treat Cinderella very poorly. One day, the king's son sends an invitation to all the ladies in the kingdom to come to a ball to meet him because he wished to marry. So Cinderella assists her sisters with getting ready, however, as she doesn't have anything nice to wear, she isn't able to go to the ball. As after her stepsisters have gone, she begins to cry, and her magical godmother appears and helps Cinderella prepare for the ball. So once Cinderella arrives at the ball, the prince meets her and falls in love with her, however, as her curfew arrives, Cinderella must leave, leaving a glass slipper behind as she does so. So the prince goes on a search for his future queen, finally finding Cinderella. And they lived happily ever after.

This specific version of the book also has a Spanish adaption as well, so I feel as though this would be useful to keep in the classroom in case of any ESL students who might would need it to help them, or if they would want to bring it home to their parents to help them.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fine retelling of Perrault, and the pictures, while not stellar, are engaging. However, as a bilingual book, I don't think it's fabulous. It's of course very long to be read in both languages in one sitting; the main problem, though, is that Cinderella is still obviously European (and not Spanish or otherwise Mediterranean), and it doesn't highlight or celebrate Latino culture in any meaningful way.

[Douglas DLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracias a la muerte de su padre, cenicienta tuvo que vivir con su madrastra y sus dos malvadas hermanastras
Pero ellas la tenían como su esclava, un día por obra de su hada madrina se va a un baile en el palacio el principe se enamora de esa chica que corrio a la media noche y gracias a su zapatilla de cristal comienza su busqueda

[Becca Holcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who does not know the classic story of Cinderella. I chose this version for my class, because it is a multicultral book. The story is told in both Spanish and English and a book that may benefit bilingual students.

[Nicole]

this is a good bilingual book for beginning Spanish learners

[Tu Mami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanta la pelii y el librooO

[Ilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

They did not mention what happen to the father. But other than that it was a lovely read.