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If the Shoe Fits

Voices From Cinderella

Illustrated by Laura Beingessner

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About The Book

If the Shoe Fits: Voices from Cinderella takes a fresh look at an old and favorite story. In thirty-three poems it brings to life not only the voices of well-loved characters, but also voices of characters not usually heard from -- including the glass slipper, without which the story would not have a happy ending. On the stage set by the story we hear each player tell the tale from their point of view, answering the questions that swirl around Cinderella:
Is the ghost of Cinderella's father at peace in the afterlife? What has made Cinderella's stepmother so cruel? Can a rat be as happy as a human? How do the prince's mother and father feel about Cinderella for their son? Does the Magic One's Magic last forever? Do the glass slippers realize how important a role they play in the life of one girl? Is there a quiet someone, with a gentle purr, who is a secret accomplice? And, finally, what does Cinderella herself have to say to us about her own story?
Through the rhythms of Laura Whipple's poetry and the sweeping colors of Laura Beingessner's artwork, Cinderella's story is spun anew for audiences of all ages to celebrate.

Reading Group Guide

ABOUT THE BOOK
This book takes a fresh look at an old and favorite story. In thirty-three poems it brings to life not only the voices of well-loved characters but also voices of characters not usually heard from -- including the glass slipper, without which the story would not have a happy ending.
THEMES
Poetry; Fairy tales; Family
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
€ After reading "Cinderella's Coda" did she live happily ever after? Is that important? What ending would be happily ever after?
€ How does the poetry make the fairy tale different from other versions? Or does it?
€ Where does the author add humor? What do the humorous characters add to the story? What about the cat? How are his poems different from the others?
€ Why is Cinderella's father's spirit close by?
ACTIVITIES
€ Choose another fairy tale and list the characters and major objects. Would the tale you choose be able to be told in poetry? Try your hand in telling the story with poetry.
€ Act out the story using these poems as the dialogue.
€ Bring an extra pair of shoes. Have students exchange one of their shoes with another student. Then write a story about the shoe and how it feels to be left alone.
This reading group guide is for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.
Prepared by Julie Tomlianovich
© William Allen White Children's Book Award
Please visit http://www.emporia.edu/libsv/wawbookaward/ for more information about the awards and to see curriculum guides for other master list titles.

About The Author

Laura Whipple is the author of If the Shoe Fits, a Simon & Schuster book.

About The Illustrator

Product Details

  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (June 1, 2002)
  • Length: 80 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780689840708
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • Ages: 8 - 12

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Awards and Honors

  • William Allen White Children's Book Award (KS)

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