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Cinderella

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Although mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella marries a prince with the help of her fairy godmother.

20 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

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5 stars
25 (59%)
4 stars
11 (26%)
3 stars
3 (7%)
2 stars
3 (7%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail.
8,006 reviews265 followers
January 27, 2019
This was the book that taught me I would never be an artist. My first encounter with the tale of Cinderella - a story so ubiquitous that it has given its name to the entire "rags-to-riches" genre - it was an important part of my library as far back as I can remember. I pored over it incessantly as a child, examining the pictures and, eventually, reading the text. Many were the times I tried to capture the magic of Ruth Ives' illustrations: the flowing folds of Cinderella's ballgown, the delicate splay of her fingers, the arch way in which her head is turned toward her prince, her mysterious smile...

I spent countless hours trying to reproduce these images, laboriously tracing the outlines, painstakingly attempting to fill in the details, but no matter how many times I repeated the process, I never succeeded in producing anything remotely worthwhile. It was a bitter blow, and as with many such life lessons, I didn't give in with a good grace. No, it took me a long time to be convinced that I had no talent in that direction...

Still, the Evelyn Andreas/Ruth Ives version of Cinderella will always be one of the treasured volumes from my childhood - a memento of a time when anything was possible. Is it any good? I have no idea. I think that if I were encountering it for the first time as an adult, I would probably infinitely prefer the more recent version done by Kinuko Craft. But what does that matter? For me, this is Cinderella, and it always will be.
Profile Image for Marquise.
1,956 reviews1,432 followers
June 21, 2017
Very gorgeous artwork, with period costumes that make this story look as it might have really happened to some lady in Louis XIV's Versailles instead of being just a make-believe tale. This is by far the rendition that feels more "real" of all those I've read, thanks to the artist who seems to have gone for a more "authentic" appearance for his version of the Cinderella world, unlike so many other versions that use faux-antique costumes and imagery.
Profile Image for Mir.
4,975 reviews5,331 followers
November 29, 2015
The illustrations are very 1950s. Which makes sense since that's when it was published. They are quite pretty for the time. If I had been around then I'm sure I would have liked it a lot, but as it is I've read a number of version I like more. This is very straightforward. Nothing wrong with it, though.
699 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2020
I first read this edition of the Cinderella story at the age of 8 when I went to third grade school in Brentwood New York. It was fun to read back then, but now that I'm older (and I know for a fact there are very mature teens and young adults out there who can identify with a fiftysomething like me) I question the value of this timeless tale of a young woman who rises out of poverty by way of a magic spell (too much like cheating, I think) and defies her family to live with the rich aristocrat who "saves the girl" and the two live happily ever after...yeah right. Except, with age comes questions in my own heart. Like: why GLASS slippers? On a stone dance floor? Where a glass shoe could shatter and cause the footsies to bleed? And how come the stepsisters and Stepmom are pictures as cruel and evil by virtue of their looks alone? And why can't the princess (to quote Julia Roberts, another woman playing a Cinderella type) rescue the prince right back, save him from the ritzy trappings of his station and led into her own world where poverty is actually better? Sadly, this book is never like that, though I admit it's kinda fun to dream of silky gowns and opulent palaces and good looking prince dudes. But y'know? You don't have to wish upon a star. Cos what you wish is who you already are. Besides, there are other editions of Cinderella more liberating than this old school one. But for the initiates: try this edition first, then look for other versions and you, WE, might find those versions a lot better. And trust me, I doubt they even want to sell glass slippers at even Payless!!! Not good for the sole, ahem SOUL!
Three stars
Cinderella still a SHOE IN for fairy tale domination!
Profile Image for Jmouseketeer.
307 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
⭐ 5/5 Stars ⭐

Some books are more than just stories—they’re cherished memories, woven into the fabric of our childhoods, and for me, Cinderella by Evelyn Andreas is exactly that. With stunning illustrations by Ruth Ives, this particular edition has been a beloved treasure in my collection since the early 1990s, and every time I revisit it, I’m transported back to the magic and wonder that first captivated me as a child.

📖 The Story:
We all know the timeless tale of Cinderella—the orphaned girl mistreated by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, only to find her fate changed by the arrival of a fairy godmother, a glass slipper, and the grandest ball in the kingdom. This version, written by Evelyn Andreas, stays true to the classic fairytale structure, yet what truly makes this edition special is its breathtaking artwork and the sense of nostalgic enchantment it evokes.

🎨 Ruth Ives’ Stunning Illustrations:
The true magic of this book lies in Ruth Ives’ illustrations, which bring Cinderella’s world to life with grace, elegance, and storybook charm. Every page is a visual feast, filled with delicate colors, soft textures, and expressive characters that capture both the fairytale wonder and emotional depth of the story.

✔️ The way she depicts Cinderella’s transformation—from ragged servant to radiant princess—feels like pure magic unfolding before your eyes.
✔️ The grand ball scene is lavishly detailed, making you feel as if you, too, are stepping into the dazzling palace under the glow of chandeliers and moonlight.
✔️ Even the sorrowful moments, like Cinderella’s mistreatment at the hands of her stepfamily, are illustrated with emotional nuance, making her triumph feel all the more rewarding.

🌟 Why This Edition is a Treasured Classic:
✔️ A Nostalgic Masterpiece – If you grew up in the 1990s or earlier, this edition might feel instantly familiar. There’s something about the warmth and elegance of classic hand-drawn illustrations that modern adaptations sometimes lack.

✔️ A Perfect Keepsake – Books like these aren’t just for children—they’re works of art that deserve a place on the shelves of collectors and fairytale lovers alike. This edition, in particular, holds a special kind of storybook magic that makes it timeless.

✔️ A True Fairytale Experience – Some versions of Cinderella modernize the tale, but this one maintains the charm, whimsy, and elegance of the traditional story, making it a perfect read for any fairytale enthusiast.

📖 Final Thoughts:
This edition of Cinderella is a fairytale lover’s dream, a book that I’ve held onto for decades and will continue to cherish for years to come. The classic storytelling, combined with Ruth Ives’ ethereal artwork, makes this a truly special piece of literary magic.

💬 Did you grow up with this edition of Cinderella? Do you have a childhood book that still holds a special place in your heart? Let’s chat in the comments!
Profile Image for Regina.
438 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2014
Read this as a child and was my absolute favorite because of the beautiful illustrations - the Disney version could simply not compare. I pored over this for hours, and can clearly remember thinking that Cinderella's godmother looked like the Blue Fairy from the Pinocchio tale. It's a rather old book, with original copies dating back to the 50's. I hope that I can find my copy!
111 reviews
Read
January 26, 2016
read at Am. Gpa's; from Ellen's box of old books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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