Cinderella Stories in the Mexican Tradition - Three Books to Add to Your Reading List

The three Mexican Cinderella stories in this review are unique in their plot and rich with Latin folklore. The settings, characters and landscapes in each book portray the stunning Mexican traditions and heritage. The magic that helps the Cinderella heroine is not always in the form of a fairy godmother with a wand, but often is magic emanating from human kindness, dedication and hard work. In addition, mystical creatures create unexpected twists to the traditional Cinderella fairy tale.Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican Tradition, adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn and illustrated by Connie McLennan is a story that teaches a strong work ethic.The main character, Domitilia, lives in the Mexican state of Hidalgo. Her mother always taught her to do "every task with care, and always add a generous dash of love". A series of unfortunate circumstances forces Domitilia to work as a cook in the governor's mansion. Her delicious food catches the attention of the governor's s
on, Timoteo, who is arrogant and does not treat the young woman with respect.Shortly after her encounter with Timoteo, Domitilia returns home to care for her ill mother. Timoteo, smitten by Domitilia, travels Mexico in search of her. Along the way he sees signs of her care and hard work. Eventually he does find and marry Domitilia. The best part of the story is the change that occurs in Timoteo. Domitilia teaches Timoteo kindness and care in his work, as her mother taught her. Thereafter, the citizens they govern are prosperous and filled with good will.Little Gold Star retold by Joe Hayes and illustrated by Gloria Osuna Perez and Lucia Angela Perez is written in both English and Spanish.Arcia has two mean stepsisters. During the course of washing wool from their sheep in the stream, they individually encounter a magical hawk. While Arcia is respectful, her stepsisters are rude. In reaction to each of their responses to him, the hawk drops something from the sky that sticks
to their foreheads. Arcia gets a gold star for her kindness. On the other hand, her stepsisters get a donkey ear and green cow horn attached to their respective foreheads.However, Arcia is still kind when her stepsisters prepare to attend the ball. She helps them dress to cover the objectionable items on their forehead. Although she does not attend the ball, Arcia peeks in the window in the hope of seeing some of the excitement. As she does so, her gold star shines brightly, catching the prince's attention. The prince is able to find Arcia because of the gold star on her forehead.Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story is written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. With several Spanish phrases in the book, there is an opportunity to learn a little Spanish during the reading.Esperanza works for Francisco and Adela in a village in Mexico. When Adelita is born to the couple, Esperanza is the child's nurse after the death of Adela. When Francisco remarries Dona Micaela, Adelita is for
ced to do all of the housework with Esperanza. Following Francisco's death, Dona Micaela turns Esperanza away from the household.A neighboring family invites the village to a fiesta to welcome home their son Javier. Adelita knew Javier when they were children and wants to attend the party, but she is forbidden. After her family leaves for the fiesta, Esperanza visits and helps Adelita dress in her mother's beautiful shawl. When Adelita arrives at the fiesta no one recognizes her, but Javier is enchanted. When she runs home at midnight he searches for her and finds her house because she has hung the shawl out to air.These Mexican Cinderella stories are unique and they teach the honor of hard work and kindness. Not only does the Cinderella figure remain unchanged in benevolence in spite of challenging circumstances, she often is the inspiration for another character to become a better person. Each of these Cinderella stories teaches good virtues such as respect for others and
the value of hard work. Look for these books at your local library. They are truly good reads.

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