It's an LBGTQ+ retelling of 'Cinderella', that's diverse, and where there are stepbrothers instead of stepsisters, the fairy godmother role is given to a magical, midnight-blue horse, and of course, the "prince", who ran off at midnight and lost a shoe that won't fit any man in the kingdom, is a girl - a poor girl who loves the princess... and her feelings are reciprocated.
Cinder is a poor ragamuffin girl who is not conventionally attractive, but she is a courageous, determined and heroic dreamer; and Ella is a sad princess who yearns for more than the traditional life of marrying a prince.Together, they will be each other's happiness.
That's true love.
Basically, if you like 'Princess Princess Ever After' and 'Maiden & Princess', then you should check out the 2023 UK picture book, 'Cinder & Ella'. I can't believe I only stumbled across it today in a big bookshop on my trip to Brighton. The art is spectacularly pretty, colourful, soft, sparkly, lovely, and beautiful. As well as a magical horse, there's a mouse who's all about the pride flag!
It is a short story, and some parts are rushed, and the ending will leave you wanting more. And seriously, near the end, why did Cinder's stepmother nail the stable doors shut while Cinder was inside? There is no indication whatsoever that she ever knew the missing 'handsome young "PRINCE-ESS"' who danced with the princess was her stepdaughter. Did she just want her out of the way during the shoe fitting with her sons at the palace? Why?
But 'Cinder & Ella' is still a nice, wonderful addition to the ever expanding sea of LBGTQ+ content for children, in picture books and other media. I'm glad for effortless diversity and inclusivity. I'm glad that stories like these are being normalised now more than ever, thus LBGTQ+ kids can see themselves in them, and know they are normal, and they can be accepted, and happy.
Live happily ever after, that is, in any fairy tale.
Final Score: 3.5/5
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