Beautifully retold by the award-winning author Beverley Naidoo, this earliest-known version of Cinderella is brought to life for the modern-day reader. Rhodopis is a Greek girl who is sold into slavery by bandits and taken to Egypt. Along the way she becomes friends with the storyteller Aesop and a host of playful animals.
Tagged ancient Egyptians and top pick
The One Story Many Voices series
- Regular price
- £5.90
- Sale price
- £5.90
- Regular price
-
RRP £7.99 - Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £9.60
- Sale price
- £9.60
- Regular price
-
RRP £12.99 - Unit price
- per
Reviewed by Kiran Satti
Cinderella of the Nile is an eclectic mix of fairy tale and folklore. The reader, or explorer of a new world, follows Rhodopis on her journey. It is a story woven with golden threads of hopeful words from characters who hold wisdom, courage and kindness – traits which enhance Rhodopis’ beauty. Her kind actions radiate a pure and unrivalled beauty that ultimately gives her the happy ending she truly deserves.
The storyteller Aesop is a significant character in the story. His tales armour Rhodopis with strength and courage to continue to be kind; have courage and be kind – immortalised words found in the well-known Cinderella fairy-tale version.
This book is a beautiful rich tapestry that illustrates the power and permanence of storytelling. The illustrations are rapturous and authentic – they exemplify the heritage of which this story comes from but also the energy it holds to transpire and be transformed into another version, another tale, another lived experience that preserves the themes of courage and kindness.
Cinderella of the Nile is a story that crosses ages – children across the primary age range will enjoy and become entranced by this timeless tale.
You may be interested in Sophie Andersen’s fairy tale story starter, Why I Love Fairy Tales to introduce writing inspired by this story.