This wonderful variant of Cinderella originates with the Hmong people of Southeast Asia. After Jouanah’s mother allows herself to be transformed into a cow to help the family prosper, her father takes another wife. As expected, this turns out badly for Jouanah, who is mistreated after both her mother and father die. At a New Year celebration, dressed in finery given to her by her mother’s spirit, Jouanah meets the village elder’s son. She loses a slipper and in doing so eventually brings her prince to her side.

The illustrations are authentic, the expressions of the characters very specific and alluring. The description of their love, expressed silently with eyes and small gestures, is poignant and satisfying to the romantic in us all.

Highly recommended. Great for discussions about cultures and character.

From Children’s Literature Review-
“The beauty is in the language and the art…A true delight for the eyes and a good story of a young woman who prevails over hardship and injustice. A good choice for libraries and classrooms.”

From Small Press Magazine-
“The story is well written…This is an exquisite book well worth the purchase price!”

From Multicultural Review-
“The striking illustrations have the ring of authenticity…The landscape, the architecture, the costumes, and the lifestyle depicted are faithful to reality. The characters are most expressive and colorful.”

From School Library Journal-
“…O’Brien’s realistic, expressive paintings breathe with the atmosphere of ‘a sun-splashed clearing high in the mountains’ while adding depth to the characters portrayed in the text...An authentic, satisfying story of good character rewarded.”