“Cinderella’s Other Shoe” by Philippa Rae

• 06/08/2020
• 1 comment

Cinderella’s Other Shoe
Philippa Rae
Illustrated by Tevin Hansen
Handersen Publishing LLC (2017)
Reviewed by Maddie (age 13) for Reader Views Kids (06/2020)

I’ve read alternate versions of the Cinderella story, but I’ve never read anything like Philippa Rae’s version, “Cinderella’s Other Shoe!” The story is similar to the original story in that Cinderella has an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters.  The sisters are mean to Cinderella and she’s basically just the maid. There’s a ball held by the Prince. Cinderella is visited by a fairy godmother who equips her with a gown and carriage and the whole “better get home before midnight” speech. The difference in this story is that the tale is narrated from the perspective of one of Cinderella’s shoes!

I love this take on the classic fairy tale! Has anyone ever considered the shoe’s point of view? It’s so unique, and Cinderella’s shoes are actually sneakers that get turned into glass slippers! Philippa Rae is a great writer who tells a creative tale that is modern and current.  The pictures really do add a lot to the story as well because you can see that the Prince and Cinderella are like today’s teens and they just want to dance and have fun. They also show how gross the evil stepsisters are and add drama to the story.

Cinderella’s right shoe is named Stomp and is the one who does all the talking in the story. The left shoe is named Buckle.  It’s funny that the shoes talk and have personalities and are sisters, and because they are sisters they have sister rivalry. But when Buckle gets lost on Cinderella’s way home from the ball Stomp is worried about her sister.

It’s also hilarious and even though the pictures suggest it is for younger kids, I think it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. As a teen, I enjoyed it and will pass it to my younger sister next! Sisters of all ages will like “Cinderella’s Other Shoe” by Philippa Rae