Book Review - BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Johnston, Tony. 2000. BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA. Ill. by James Warhola. New York, NY: Putnam Juvenile. ISBN 0698118715

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Following the familiar format of the classic CINDERELLA fairy tale, BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA is chock full of laughs as Rrrrrella longs to do the things her stepsisters do! Set in an old-growth forest, the Bigfoot Prince yearns for a smelly, hairy princess. Through a series of fortunate (or unfortunate!) events, he finally finds one who fits the bill; Rrrrrella!

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Johnston produces yet another re-write of the of the classic CINDERELLA fairy tale but introduces components that make this version very funny. Johnston introduces the element of nature in her version and her characters are all Bigfoots. Consequently, this is one version of CINDERELLA that will be constantly check out by boys!

In this re-telling, the Bigfoot Prince searches for a female Bigfoot who is proper in appearance. Instead of a beautiful, dainty, perfectly coiffed princess, he is seaching for one who is hairy and smelly and has big feet. Johnston includes all the aspects of the Cinderella fairy tale in her work; good vs. evil, starting with "Once upon a time", use of magic, transformation, a "beary" godmother, etc.

Johnston's use of similies is especially hilarious. Adults and children alike will find themselves laughing out loud at the author's descriptions (ie: Rrrrrella has feet like log canoes!). Another interesting aspect of Johnston's tale is her "Me, Tarzan, you, Jane" dialog. Readers will find themsevles rolling their "r's" and making growling noises as they flip through the pages.

In addition, the illustrations simply add to the story. For those not familar with the Pacific Northwest, the use of light and color magnify the awesomeness of the natural setting and bolster the plot.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

* Starred review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "Johnston's (The Chizzywink and the Alamagoozlum) wacky fantasy stays true to the Cinderella story, and her fresh setting and funny, evocative details will keep kids laughing."

* Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "The book can be read alone, aloud, or used for storytelling. It's hilarious fun with a message for all ages."

5. CONNECTIONS

* Great for a compare/contrast of the other fairy tales in general, and the CINDERELLA versions in particular. Students can keep track, on a sheet of paper, of the various ways in which different authors develop their tale.

*This is a perfect opportunity for a read aloud. It is also a great way for students to act out the book...especially this one. As for the dialog, I would read it first, and then the student acting that particular part would then repeat his or her lines.