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Description
In this humorous retelling of a Perrault tale, a lonely young farm lad uses his unusual inventive ability to pass a nearly impossible test and win the hand of the neighboring princess.
Quick Summary
Levine flips the classic Cinderella story on its head, giving us Cinderellis, a shy farm boy with a talent for building bizarre contraptions that help him survive a series of absurd challenges including a glass hill that seems impossible to climb while trying to win the heart of the neighboring princess. The humor is quick and playful, making kids giggle at the ridiculous gadgets and the princess's quirky personality, but there's also a warm thread about perseverance and staying true to yourself. It's a great pick for middle-grade readers who love fairy-tale retellings, kids who enjoy clever problem-solving, or anyone who likes a story that feels both familiar and fresh, and even reluctant readers will find the short chapters and funny bits easy to power through. There's a light-hearted sense of danger when the challenges get tough, but nothing too scary mostly goofy tension and triumph that keeps the mood upbeat. If you liked "Ella Enchanted" or other clever retellings of classic tales, this one hits a similar sweet spot, and parents will appreciate that it encourages creativity without sounding preachy. All in all, it's a fun, fast read that feels like a modern fairy-tale adventure with a dash of invention and heart.