I’m a fan of fairy tales. While many women object to Cinderella because she is so passive, there is a lot to recommend in the story, which may account for its enduring popularity with children. The same basic story is included in many fairy tale collection books as well as beautifully illustrated picture books.

Patience in Affliction

Cinderella demonstrates patience under affliction. She turns the other cheek and is kind and loving in the face of neglect and scorn. It takes a special kind of courage to remain cheerful when mistreated. She demonstrates humility. All this is beautifully contrasted in the behavior of the stepsisters. It is Cinderella’s character more than her beauty that makes her a winner.

Film Alternatives

If you want a video alternative to Disney, the Rogers and Hammerstein musical version with Leslie Ann Warren is delightful.

I love this version of the story because the prince recognizes Cinderella by her kindness before he finds out that the slipper fits.

It is good for any age.

If you like old movies and want a more realistic version of the story where Cinderella is just as sullen and rebellious as you’d expect someone mistreated to be, try, The Glass Slipper with Leslie Caron.

The charming prince falls for Cinderella’s sad eyes and rescues her without needing all the trappings of a ball gown.

The fairy godmother in this film is funny and endearing. It would probably not hold the attention of younger children.

Books

For older children, the Newbury Honor book, Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, is a lovely re-telling of the classic fairy tale with some fun twists.

Ella Enchanted offers a logical explanation for why Cinderella is so passive. This book gives Cinderella the added dimension of a hard-fought struggle to overcome her affliction.

As is frequently the case, the film version does not do justice to the book.

Here is a Caldecott winning version of Cinderella by Marcia Brown.

I’d also recommend Fairy Tales: A Beautiful Collection of Favorite Fairy Tales, published in 2018.

Comments Welcome!

Please add a comment with your favorite fairy tale and why you love it.