Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Cinderella: A pop-up Fairy Tale
Novelty book
For ages 6 and up
Simon and Shuster, 2005 ISBN: 978-1416905011
The story of Cinderella has been told many times and in many ways. It is a story that readers of all ages love and identify with because it is about someone whose dreams comes true. We all enjoy a tale where the underdog prevails and where the bad character is vanquished. In this retelling of the classic tale of a poor girl’s journey from unhappiness and rags to love and riches, Matthew Reinhart tells the famous story of Cinderella using delightful descriptions written in an old world style. Better still, his story is complimented by stunning three dimensional pop-ups that fill every double page spread with color and action. Each double page spread also has miniature pages on the side which also contain miniature pop ups to illustrate the text.
As pages are opened, readers will see, among other marvelous things, a royal scroll opening up, the fairy godmother flying in to the rescue, a mouse turning into a coachman, and lizards turning into six footmen. In his own special way Matthew Reinhart creates his own kind of magic using paper, ribbon, string, color, foil paper, and the other tools of his trade.
This collectible pop-up book will delight readers of all ages. Younger readers will love hearing the wonderful story of Cinderella, marveling as dancers twirl on the page and as a glorious castle pops up from the pages. Older readers will be able to appreciate the skill and creativity that went into making this title, enjoying the many details that Matthew Reinhart incorporated into both the illustrations and the pop-ups.
