Book Review Summary: Cinderella Skeleton

Introduction

"Cinderella Skeleton" by Robert D. San Souci is a delightful and quirky retelling of the classic fairy tale, with a twist. The story features skeletons as the main characters, and their adventures take place in a mausoleum. This book is perfect for Halloween read-alouds, offering a spooky and imaginative take on the beloved story. The illustrations by David Catrow are dark, haunting, and creepy, adding to the overall atmosphere of the tale. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze the book's reception among readers, and discuss the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this unique adaptation of Cinderella.

About Robert D. San Souci

Robert D. San Souci was a highly acclaimed children's book author known for his imaginative and quirky storytelling. He often collaborated with his brother, Daniel San Souci, who was also a children's book illustrator. San Souci studied folklore in graduate school and was instrumental in the production of the Disney film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He passed away in 2014 after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco. Despite his short life, San Souci left a lasting impact on the world of children's literature with his creative and engaging storytelling.

Analysis of Views

1. Quirky and Fun Adaptation: Readers appreciate the book's unique twist on the classic Cinderella tale, with skeletons as the main characters and a Halloween setting. The story is described as fun, ghoulish, and imaginative, offering a fresh take on the familiar fairy tale.

2. Gorgeous Illustrations: The illustrations by David Catrow are praised for their dark, haunting, and creepy style. They add to the overall atmosphere of the story and provide hours of enjoyment for readers who appreciate detailed and intricate artwork.

3. Poetic Language and Imagery: The book's poetic language and imagery are highly commended. Readers appreciate the author's use of descriptive vocabulary and stanzas that create vivid imagery and introduce students to the power of word choice.

4. Engaging Storytelling: The story itself is described as sweet and not overly frightening, with some interesting and humorous twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The author's ability to create a lighthearted atmosphere despite the ghoulish setting is commended by readers.

5. Lack of Cultural Connection: Some readers feel that the book lacks cultural connections beyond its "undead" theme. While this may be seen as a drawback by those seeking more diverse perspectives in their reading, others appreciate the book's focus on the ghoulish aspect of the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Unique Twist on Classic Fairy Tale: Readers appreciate the author's creative approach to retelling the classic Cinderella tale with skeletons as the main characters. This adds a fresh and imaginative element to the story that sets it apart from other adaptations.

2. Engaging Illustrations: The dark, haunting illustrations by David Catrow are praised for their ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of the story. They add an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience and provide visual interest for readers of all ages.

3. Poetic Language and Imagery: The poetic language and imagery used in the book are highly commended by readers. They appreciate the author's use of descriptive vocabulary and stanzas that create vivid imagery and introduce students to the power of word choice. This aspect of the book makes it a valuable addition to classroom reading lists or as a tool for teaching word choice and literary devices.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of Cultural Connection: Some readers feel that the book lacks cultural connections beyond its "undead" theme. While this may be seen as a drawback by those seeking more diverse perspectives in their reading, others appreciate the book's focus on the ghoulish aspect of the story.

2. Spooky Illustrations: Some sensitive children may find the lush, descriptive illustrations in this book a bit frightening or spooky. Parents should be aware of this potential issue and ensure that they preview the illustrations before reading this tale with their children to ensure it is appropriate for their individual sensitivities.

Conclusion

"Cinderella Skeleton" by Robert D. San Souci is a delightful and quirky retelling of the classic fairy tale that offers readers a unique twist on the familiar story. With its engaging storytelling, gorgeous illustrations, and poetic language, this book is a perfect choice for Halloween read-alouds or as an addition to classroom reading lists. While some readers may find it lacking in cultural connections or feel that certain illustrations are too frightening for young children, overall, "Cinderella Skeleton" is highly recommended for those seeking a fun and imaginative take on the beloved fairy tale.