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Glass Slipper Gold Sandal
October 8, 2007

Glass Slipper Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella from Paul Fleischman with illustrations by Julie Paschkis arrived last week. This is an interesting addition to the thousands of Cinderella tales told around the world as this combines many traditions into one tale. Every time a variation occurs the country of origin is indicated in the illustrations. The end pages have a world map showing the countries listed inside.

The illustrations are distinctive and beautiful. The title has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal. But I want to talk to people who are using this book as a global introduction to folktales. I would love to hear from teachers and librarians who are reading this to their students.

Are students able to easily follow this story?
How do they react whenever they hear distinctively different cultural references such as the Korean version of the stepmother wrapping her in a mat to hide her?
Does the story maintain it's interest or get bogged down its dizzying spin throughout the world?
How do you take advantage of the many cultures represented?
How are you extending this title?

I'll try this with my third graders and I expect you to post some comments as you try this with your students.

Posted by Diane Chen on October 8, 2007 | Comments (2)