Twinderella, a Fractioned Fairy Tale

Schwartz, author of Ninja Pigs and Ninja Red Riding Hood, once again takes a traditional tale and gives it an unusual twist. This time, Cinderella has a twin, Tinderella, and the girls do everything by halves. They each did "half the mopping half the raking, half the shopping, chopping, baking." When they are forbidden to go to the ball, the "fairy godmom" appears and supplies the finery, which the girls split. "They each got half the bracelets, half the blushes, half the trinkets, bows, and brushes." The prince is enamored with both girls but fairy godmom comes to the rescue again and creates a twin prince for Tinderella. While the text rhymes decently, the drama and spirit of the tale have pretty much gone by the wayside. Still, what remains is fairly amusing and could be used as the culmination to a Cinderella unit. The india ink, gouache, and watercolor illustrations are quirky and suit the text.VERDICT A fun and lively "fractioned" fairy tale that children will enjoy figuring out. A read-aloud treat for fans of "happ'ly ever half-ter. —Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

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