Mr. Cinders was a dressmaker and ran a shop in town. After his wife died, he
was left to bring up their daughter, Ella, on his own. They lived happily until
Mr. Cinders married again. Poor Ella was treated horribly by her stepmother and
two bullying stepsisters, but found solace in her friend, the young doorman
Buttons. Then one day, the whole family is invited to a grand ball given by the
Duchess of Arc for her handsome son. The vain stepsisters spend hours getting
ready and laugh at Ella when she asks if she can go too. So poor Ella is left
behind with only the cat for company. But on this very special evening, there
is more than a little magic in the air…This outstanding re-telling of
Cinderella is set in the 1920s, and the paintings feature Shirley’s own costume
designs, inspired by the great French couturiers of the period. A delightful
surprise ending completes this enchanting, imaginative adaptation.
Review
‘ ‘Hughes continues to grant our wishes by bringing stories to life with her
mastery of text and joy of illustration’ – Lesley Agnew, The Bookseller ‘The
pictures are glamorous, romantic and atmospheric… But the twists in the story
are among the reasons why this book is so satisfying… This is a truly happy
ending’ Sunday Times ‘Hughes’ warm colours capture the magic of the period and
the story will captivate readers’ – The Good Book Guide ‘Stylish, vibrant and
refreshing, with a surprise ending’ The Bookseller ‘Wonderful retelling of
Cinderella with a surprise ending’ Woman ‘This deserves to become a classic…
It’s shamelessly romantic, a lovely gift from an artist of exceptional skill
and integrity’ Scottish Sunday Herald ‘Shirley Hughes will win the hearts of
body-conscious girls with Ella’s Big Chance’ – Geraldine Brennan, Times
Educational Supplement ‘This stylish book, set in the 1920s, is joyously
illustrated… The costume designs are original and inspired by the great
French courturiers. The delightful, surprising finale will satisfy all
romantics’ – Carousel'”