Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but have you ever wondered how the shoes felt about the ordeal? In Cinderella’s Other Shoe, author Philippa Rae tells the classic story from the perspective of Cinderella’s less famous shoe: the shoe that stays on her foot as she runs away from the ball. The running shoe, named Stomp, explains how she is an unlucky shoe who constantly steps in things, and is often sweated in. Then, on the night of the ball, she and her sister Buckle are turned into glass slippers by the fairy godmother, and they go to the ball with Cinderella. But when they have to flee before the clock strikes midnight, Buckle flies off Cinderella’s foot, and Stomp worries she’ll never see her sister again. And as a single shoe, her fate is surely the garbage can. What will Stomp do?
An intriguing new take on a classic tale, Cinderella’s Other Shoe by Philippa Rae is a really enjoyable read. The story is very well written and provides insight into things that shoes would notice but people might not. Readers will love the character of Stomp, and anyone who has had an unlucky time will be able to relate. The plot is exciting and expertly works modern things such as skateboards and trucks into the original tale, which adds a touch of humor. The pages of the book are visually appealing, with a touch of pink and purple, and some colored type, a factor that is sure to engage younger readers. The pictures in the book are well-drawn and colorful. There are both funny and exciting scenes and an excellent balance between the two. I loved the references to other fairy tales. I would definitely recommend this book.