BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston
Book Review: Traditional Literature
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by James Warhola
Bibliography
Johnston, Tony. 1998. BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA. Ill. by James Warhola. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. New York. ISBN 0399230211
Plot Summary
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA is an ultimate opposite version of the traditional Cinderella story. In this version, the odoriferous Bigfoot prince is searching the old-growth forest for his horrendously hairy Bigfoot woman to have as his bride. His bride must love nature and “No pick flowers!”. Meanwhile, back in the depths of the forest, there lived a Bigfoot woman, her two daughters, and stepdaughter, Ella. The stepsisters despise Ella and roar at her so much that she is known as Rrrrrella. They torture Rrrrrella, who is a nature lover, by combing her fur and sticking wildflowers in it. Every year the Bigfoot prince hosts a great fun-fest. This year, the putrid prince decrees that whichever woman can roll him off a log and into the river, will become his wife. Unable to attend the logrolling festivities with her stepsisters, Rrrrrella wishes aloud that she could go. Her wish is soon granted by her Beary Godfather. He transforms her fur into a matted mass and provides her with enormous bark-clogs for her humongous feet and warns her to return before sundown! Rrrrrella arrives at the fun-fest just in time to logroll with the Bigfoot prince. Grunting with all her might, Rrrrrella spins the log, gives a mighty twist and - floop! – the prince takes a nosedive into the river! Rrrrrella has not a moment to spare before sundown. As she runs into the woods, she is transformed into her old, combed, and flowery self. The prince lurches from the water only to wonder, “Where my stinking beauty go?”. By the story’s end, the prince not only locates his Bigfoot woman but also finds that she is the Bigfoot woman of his dreams!
Book Review: Traditional Literature
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by James Warhola
Bibliography
Johnston, Tony. 1998. BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA. Ill. by James Warhola. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. New York. ISBN 0399230211
Plot Summary
BIGFOOT CINDERRRRRELLA is an ultimate opposite version of the traditional Cinderella story. In this version, the odoriferous Bigfoot prince is searching the old-growth forest for his horrendously hairy Bigfoot woman to have as his bride. His bride must love nature and “No pick flowers!”. Meanwhile, back in the depths of the forest, there lived a Bigfoot woman, her two daughters, and stepdaughter, Ella. The stepsisters despise Ella and roar at her so much that she is known as Rrrrrella. They torture Rrrrrella, who is a nature lover, by combing her fur and sticking wildflowers in it. Every year the Bigfoot prince hosts a great fun-fest. This year, the putrid prince decrees that whichever woman can roll him off a log and into the river, will become his wife. Unable to attend the logrolling festivities with her stepsisters, Rrrrrella wishes aloud that she could go. Her wish is soon granted by her Beary Godfather. He transforms her fur into a matted mass and provides her with enormous bark-clogs for her humongous feet and warns her to return before sundown! Rrrrrella arrives at the fun-fest just in time to logroll with the Bigfoot prince. Grunting with all her might, Rrrrrella spins the log, gives a mighty twist and - floop! – the prince takes a nosedive into the river! Rrrrrella has not a moment to spare before sundown. As she runs into the woods, she is transformed into her old, combed, and flowery self. The prince lurches from the water only to wonder, “Where my stinking beauty go?”. By the story’s end, the prince not only locates his Bigfoot woman but also finds that she is the Bigfoot woman of his dreams!
Critical Analysis
This story has dramatic qualities due to the definite personalities of the Bigfoot prince and Bigfoot family of women. This social variation of the traditional Cinderella story adds an element of surprise and whimsy to the original tale. Dialog such as “No pick flowers!” and “Where my stinking beauty go?” add interest to this humorous story. There is an extra bonus of an environmental lesson contained within this read-aloud. The illustrations draw the reader into the Bigfoot community by the large, brightly painted scenes in rich greens, browns, and gold.
Review Excerpts
"What becomes a Bigfoot most? This silly twist on a favorite fairy tale clears up that question (and more) with humor and style." From Publishers Weekly
"It's hilarious fun with a message for all ages." From School Library Journal
Connections
This story would be an excellent compare and contrast along with other Cinderella versions and variants.
Other Cinderella stories with social variations include:
Ketteman, Helen. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. ISBN 0590255061
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN 0698113888
Steel, Flora Annie. TATTERCOATS: AN OLD ENGLISH TALE. ISBN 0878881093
Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com
Ketteman, Helen. BUBBA, THE COWBOY PRINCE. ISBN 0590255061
Louie, Ai-Ling. YEH SHEN: A CINDERELLA STORY FROM CHINA. ISBN 0698113888
Steel, Flora Annie. TATTERCOATS: AN OLD ENGLISH TALE. ISBN 0878881093
Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com
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