Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella

A. Bibliographic Data:

Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella, by Tony Johnston, illustrated by James Warhola, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 1998; ISBN: 0399230211

B. Plot Summary:

This version of the classic Cinderella story gives a different, more naturalist look at the folk tale. The Bigfoot prince, living in an old-growth forest in California, is sought after by all the eligible young Bigfoot women. They try to attract him by primping and prettying themselves with wildflowers they have picked, only angering the prince with their disregard for nature. Meanwhile, an especially large, hairy Bigfoot woman is abused by her stepmother and stepsisters, who roar at her enough to give her the name Rrrrrella. They also try to clean, perfume, and primp her as the Bigfoot women do, which angers and upsets her even more. Rrrrrella's kindness to a bear one day is repayed when the bear, her "beary godfather," makes her fur matted and tangled to prepare her for a competition to win the prince's hand. He also gives her bark-clogs, so big they will fit no one's feet but her own. After winning the prince in a log-rolling competition, Rrrrrella must leave at sundown to preserve the magic, and she leaves one of the bark-clogs behind. The prince comes looking and finds his bride-to-be at long last, leading to a rowdy Bigfoot wedding in the forest.

C. Critical Analysis:

Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella uses a classic folk tale to teach young children a little about nature. The beautiful illustrations are engaging and and give hints to what's happening in the story. This version also gives an interesting twist on the tale as well, with the prince preferring women to be filthy, smelly, and furry. He values nature enough to be mad when women pick flowers, especially to impress him. The text is fairly simple, allowing children to follow along easily, and they will enjoy the dialogue of the Bigfoots. A glossary at the start of the book explains some of the terms used in the story, and the story teaches children that we have to take care of the natural world. This is a particularly appropriate time in history for this lesson as well, with concerns about global warming and the destruction of natural habitats increasing. Overall, I think this would be a fun story to read with children, alone or as part of a storytime. Johnston has unleashed her creativity on a classic tale, giving it a unique twist and a new perspective.

D. Review Excerpts:

~ "Johnston's . . . wacky fantasy stays true to the Cinderella story, and her fresh setting and funny, evocative details will keep kids laughing. Warhola's . . . giant woolly creatures sport prominent, snouty noses and grimy-toothed grins. They cavort with glee and exhibit enough recognizably human behavior to sustain the visual humor." - Publishers Weekly

~ "Large, bright paintings in greens, browns, and gold depict the large-nosed, big-toed heroine and her "odoriferous" love interest. All but two crowd scenes can easily be shared with a group. The book can be read alone, aloud, or used for storytelling. It's hilarious fun with a message for all ages." - Marlene Gawron, for School Library Journal

E. Connections:

~ Use this book with a unit on habitats, particularly the forest.

~ Discuss with children what might be different in the story if it was set somewhere else, e.g. the rainforest or the desert.

~ Compare/contrast different versions of Cinderella (i.e. Dinorella: A Prehistoric Fairy Tale, by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole; Cindy Ellen: A Wild Western Cinderella, by Susan Lowell, illustrated by Jane Manning; or Prince Cinders, by Babette Cole).

~ Have students come up with ideas for their own version of the Cinderella story.