The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story
Retold by Rebecca Hickox
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand


Bibliography

Hickox, R., & Hillenbrand, W. (1998). The golden sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella. New York: Holiday House.

Plot

In this Iraqi version of the Cinderella story, Maha toils for a stepmother and stepsister who are unkind to her.  Maha takes pity on a red fish and, in return, the red fish helps Maha change her life.  You will smile as the classic Cinderella elements unfold in unexpected ways.  The author and the illustrator both provide notes at the end, with the illustrator note telling how the fabulous are was created.

Critical Analysis

The characters in this story are archetypes from the good sister/bad sister story: the weak but loving father; the evil step mother and step sister; the supernatural helper; the kind, deserving heroine; and the handsome suitor.  The middle eastern culture shows naturally through the text and the illustrations.  For example, in the story dates are eaten, marriage contracts are signed and the rooster crows “ki-ki-ki-ko”.  The clothing styles, the building and the landscape in the painted vellum illustrations portray this part of the world softly, which fits the story perfectly.  Will Hillenbrand’s style is a good match for Maha, he brings her and all her surroundings to life.

Review Excerpts

*Publishers Weekly: "a visual treat from start to finish."

*School Library Journal: “a sweet, smooth book with just a hint of spice.”

*Booklist: “Hillenbrand's illustrations capture a strong sense of place.”

*Kirkus Reviews: “what readers will come away with is an appreciation for the unusual setting, comic characters, and the age-old emotions and resolutions that rule this story.”

Connections:

*Check out all things Will Hillenbrand.  His website includes pages such as "Will's Books," "Author Visits," and, excitingly, "Art Gallery" where you can inquire about purchasing his original art.  I hope no one beats me to the painting from Down by the Station, which was one of my son's first "favorite books!"

*Have a wonderful time trying your hand at creating illustrations like Will Hillenbrand with this full color, downloadable 16 page lesson.  It is the first link on this page from his website.

*Enjoy these Cinderella stories from other cultures:

• The Irish Cinderlad by Shirley Climo
• Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
• The Persian Cinderella by Shirley Climo
• Cendrillion: A Caribbean Cinderella by Robert D. San Souci
• Smoky Mountain Rose:  An Appalachian Cindrella by Alan Schroeder
• Yeh-Shen by Ai-Ling Louie
• The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin
• Prince Cinders by Babett Cole