Cinderella folklore

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schroeder, Alan. Smoky Mountain Rose: An Applacian Cinderella. Ill. by Brad Sneed. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. c1997. ISBN: 0-8037-1733-4

PLOT SUMMARY
This lively story is based on the well-known version of Cinderella told by Charles Perrault. When Rose's trapper father dies, she is left to reside with her stepmother and stepsisters in the backwoods of the Tennessee Smoky Mountains. The story elements are true to form with the twist of a magical hog (instead of the Fairy Godmother). The mean old stepmother and the nasty stepsisters are as awful as can be, giving Rose "enough chores that'll just about kill her." When they set off to the shindig for Seb, "the rich feller who made his money in sowbellies and grits," Rose cries her eyes out down at the pig trough. The hog, upon hearing her woes, transforms her into a beautiful "belle of the ball" and she sets off to the party in style. The next day Seb comes looking for his bride to fit the glass slipper, while Liza Jane is ready to get the axe to make it fit! When he sees Rose down at the pig trough, he recognizes her from the previous evening. All the components in this Cinderella tale are typical of the story from "once upon a time..." to "...and they lived happily ever after," and that is what makes the story so inviting.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Children familiar with the tale of Cinderella can identify easily with this predictable story, and will enjoy the colorful language used by the narrator, as told from the position of a storyteller from Tarbelly Creek. It is a delightful read aloud, using a language style that is challenging for young children to read. Yet an adult versed in accent and expression will bring this tale to life while children eagerly wait to view Sneed's expressive watercolor illustrations. The style of American gothic art creates a feeling of serenity and conveys a wholesome point of view. The use of perspective and soft, pastel colors lends itself to an interesting position that exaggerates the characters' physical qualities (e.g. big feet, elongated bodies and large noses), adding humor to the story. It is sure to be a popular read aloud among older children and will be read and reread in the tradition of the timeless Cinderella classic.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly: "...if read aloud, this Cinderella will make readers "happy as a pig in a peanut patch."

Booklist: "this spirited rendition begs to be told or read out loud for sheer enjoyment and for enrichment in folklore studies."

CONNECTIONS
*Read and compare Cinderella variants noting the traditional elements found in each. Children love creative drama. Have groups of students write their own version of Cinderella to perform that would be suitable for the culture in which they live.

Suggestions for additional reading:
*Rafe Martin. The Rough- Face Girl, 1992. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons ISBN: 0-39921859-9
*Janet Perlman, Cinderella Penguin or, The Little Glass Flipper. 1992. New York: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0-14055552-8
*Robert San Souci. The Talking Eggs, 1989. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers,
ISBN: 0-8037-0619-7

RESOURCES
http://martsubhub.lib.wv.us:8000/kcweb/kcContent?isbn=0803717334&type=review&controlnumber=+++92001250&referedby=titlelist
(Accessed Feb. 15, 2010)
http://www.amazon.com/Smoky-Mountain-Rose-Appalachian-Cinderella/dp/0140566732
(Accessed Feb. 16, 2010)
Picture:
http://static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/250/draft_lens2708022module16223102photo_1257690877smoky_mountain_rose.jpg
(Accessed Feb. 3, 2010)