December 1, 2016
K-Gr 2-In these board books, standard fairy tales are simply and traditionally retold and splendidly paired with multicultural illustrations, lending a new flair to the old stories. Cinderella is set in Mexico. The folk art-style images are bursting with color, as Cinderella attends the ball (fiesta) and meets her prince. Snow White is set in Japan, with a princess (wearing a kimono) who lives in a castle (a pagoda). The artwork, with its heavy use of black, reinforces the dark tone of the fairy tale. In both entries, the familiar and pleasing ending of "happily ever after" is emphasized with bold print. These editions are clearly for older audiences rather than for typical board book readers, but fairy-tale lovers are not likely to mind. VERDICT These traditional retellings of classic fairy tales with a multicultural visual twist will appeal to new and old fans of the stories.-Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.