Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred - by Deborah Hopkinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A modern-day retelling of Cinderella narrated by the mouse who becomes Cinderella's stage coach.

Book Synopsis

This fresh, hilarious retelling of Cinderella--told by the mouse who will become Cinderella's coach horse--has a girl-power ending, a celebration of inclusivity, illustrations by a Caldecott Medalist...and even an explanation of how fairy tale pumpkins got their name!

If you thought you knew the fairy tale CINDERELLA, think again!

Did you know that the fairy godmother was actually grouchy? Or that the rodent she transformed into the coach's horse was named Fred? Or that Cinderella hid from the prince when he came looking for her with that uncomfortable glass slipper?!

A best loved fairytale is given the ending it deserves in this clever picture book that shows a heroine shape her own destiny...and find her fairytale princess.

Review Quotes

★ "Everything old is new again--and keeps getting better; a charming Ella for a new generation." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "This inventive collaboration between a beloved author and a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator rises above the sea of retellings with its empowering themes and positive LGBTQIA+ representation." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A truly satisfying fairy-tale." --The Horn Book

"The text is funny, and the abundant dialogue flows seamlessly, making this spirited and romantic retelling a great choice for storytimes and classroom reader's theater activities." --BookPage

About the Author

Deborah Hopkinson is the author of many highly acclaimed picture books, including A Letter to My Teacher, which received two starred reviews, and the modern classic Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, which the New York Times called "inspiring." Her other books include Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book; and Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book. She lives in Oregon with her family.

Paul O. Zelinsky is the acclaimed illustrator numerous children's books. He received the Caldecott Medal for his illustrated retelling of Rapunzel, as well as three Caldecott Honors for Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskind, and Swamp Angel, written by Anne Isaacs, along with countless other awards. He is also the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling movable book, The Wheels on the Bus. Most recently, he illustrated Emily Jenkins's All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah, which received six starred reviews and was hailed as "dazzling" by The New York Times. Paul lives in New York with his wife.