The Egyptian Cinderella

Bibliographic Information
Climo, Shirley. 1989. THE EGYPTIAN CINDERELLA. Illus. by Ruth Heller. Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books. New York, NY. ISBN 0-690-04822-X

Plot Summary
In this ancient tale dating back to the Amasis Dynasty (570-526 B.C.), a young girl named Rhodopis was stolen by Pirates from Greece and sold as a slave in Egypt. Taunted and teased by the servant girls, she is ostracicized by her blond hair, green eyes, and light skin. One day, her master sees her dancing with the animals and he decides to give her a present of slippers. The beautiful golden slippers delight Rhodopis and enrage the servant girls. One day there is the news that the Pharaoh will be holding court and although Rhodopis hopes she can attend, she is left. A falcon comes to her and steals one of her shoes. Rhodopis is saddened but unknown to her, the shoe is brought to the Pharaoh who decides that whoever can fit the shoe is meant to be his wife. After a long search, the Pharaoh finds her and she becomes his queen.

Critical Analysis
This is an excellent retelling of a traditional folk tale. It characterizes all of the traditional plot with the 'Cinderlla' story in it, yet the setting makes such a powerful impact on this story that this story might appeal more to children than the original tale! It paints a more realistic background for us to identify with the characterization of Cinderella. It appeals to the underdog factor with Rhodopis being taunted because she is different. This is a fact of life that every child can identify with. Either because of appearance, religion, culture, voice, or behavior, all children know what it is like to feel different and to be constantly reminded of that difference.

Ancient Egypt comes alive in Ruth Heller’s stylized watercolor paintings. The personality differences between Rhodopis and the servant girls are seen in their manner of stature, their dress, and their haughty expressions. The beauty of the Nile river is painted with bright, vibrant colors, and the details from the falcon’s wings to Rhodopis’s golden hair bring the picturesque setting to life. This is not only a true tale, as the author’s note explains, but it would be a wonderful tool to base a multi-disciplinary unit around understanding life in Ancient Egypt.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: "A stunning combination of fluent prose and exquisitely wrought illustrations. Climo has woven this ancient tale … with clarity and eloquence."

Book Links: Pharaoh Amasis did marry a slave girl named Rhodopis between 570 and 526 B.C., so the tale is based on fact. The double-spread, full-bleed watercolors contrast Cleopatra-like Egyptian maidens with the blond Rhodopis, who is not only beautiful and kind, but talented and resourceful. Dramatic details in this version of a familiar story will fascinate young readers.

Connections
*Compare and contrast the differences between this tale and the version most students have heard.
*Share Moss Gown by William H. Hooks ISBN 0899194605 Again, compare and contrast the differences.
*Character Traits: List all of the personality traits Cinderella exhibits in all the versions of this story. Ask students to explain why these are good traits to have and why the traits are generally admired by humans of all cultures.