Cinderella-like Stories ~ and a school assignment that helped capture my son’s imagination.
Last week my eight-year-old son was given a captivating homework assignment: retell and illustrate a variant of Cinderella (as part of a comparative studies unit). They were learning about Cinderella stories from around the world and were required to conceptualize their own interpretations of this timeless theme.
Now a fairy tale-loving mama like myself was delighted to learn that fairy tales are alive and well in school curricula! And given my son’s penchant for drawing, though he prefers to render robots to maidens-in-distress, this was just the homework project that would hold his distracted brain captive for more than five minutes. And he thoroughly enjoyed himself as he drew the protagonist encountering all manner of challenges. It really wasn’t so different than the themes he visits through his robot stories: the basic emotions and elements of virtue, good versus evil, and a triumphant ending were all there.
I’m hoping the Cinderella assignment has finally helped him to embrace these wondrous stories as true treasures of the imagination. Maybe they will even assimilate into his own unique creative journey as he continues to crank out his robot stories. Who knows? But I would like to think that even on a subconscious level, they will influence his narratives in a positive way, making for rich storytelling. I know they have inspired me!
In honor of his school assignment, I am posting a few Cinderella-like images that appear in The Fairy Tale Tarot. I must deliver a big thank you to Connor’s amazing 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Quintero!
Here are paintings representing the Brazilian story “Why the Sea Moans” and the English “Cap O Rushes”. Both tales utilize uncannily similar motifs (even though the stories originated from disparate cultures) suggesting that they are variants of Cinderella and arguably extensions of the collective unconscious.
Fairy Godmother
“Cinderella-like tales are probably the most common. The earliest version was recorded in China around AD 850-860 (Warner, 202). Similar tales such as The Goose Girl and Cap O Rushes concern the banishment of the heroine, a storyline found in almost every culture around the world.” ~From the Fairy Tale companion book Once Upon a Time.
And how about you, friends? Has a fairy tale story inspired you along your journey?
~Lisa
Cinderella was always my favorite fairy tale although I prefer the endings where the evil stepmother & sisters get what is coming to them! When I saw the robot picture Connor made I was hoping for a Robot Cinderella Story – how cool would that be?
Julie, the book I’m referring to was edited by Jane Carruth (you can’t even get a copy anymore–I’ve tried to hunt one down with no success). My poor old fairy tale tome is bruised and battered, with evidence of my 4 year old handwriting scattered about thus personalizing my copy forever, the cover having been repeatedly taped on with packing tape and the pages so worn, that they’re as soft as butter. This book was like a security blanket to me, having followed me through my life. Amazingly, the printing and color is still crisp and sharp and brings me right back to 1971 every time I gaze at them. My favorite books become worn and comfy, as they should be.
Megan, You are most welcome! I so love seeing fresh talent and the amazing work that a new generation of artists is producing. It’s always inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
Lisa,
Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. Praise from an artist like you means everything to a beginner. Thanks for the inspiration!
Megan, New Moon Mixed Media
You know, I can’t remember the exact title…it’s been shut away in a box ever since we moved & I’ve often wished I could go find it & have a browse
Actually, many many years ago when I was still small, the cover got damaged & I made it a complete new one…I drew a new front cover & everything! LOL
It always makes me smile to see it. I really need to find it & show you!
Connor’s robot art can be just as inspiring as your Lis, in his own way.
)
IT is neat to see how the “Big Book of Fairytales” has inspired so many! Can’t wait for you deck to be published!
Arwen, it’s actually called Why the Sea Moans (thanks for pointing out the typo!). It comes from a 1917 publication entitled Fairy Tales from Brazil by Elsie Spicer Eells. Connor’s hardware-styled drawings are quite the contrast from my organic renderings. I’m absolutely fascinated by his designs.
Cat, that means a lot coming from an art teacher/fairy tale artist like yourself. Julie, is your fairy tale book entitled “The Giant All-Color Book of Fairy Tales”? It has a place of honor in my studio. It IS the book that started me on my imaginative journey. Thank you so much for the comments! It’s always greatly appreciated.
Lovely. Blaster Bot is very detailed! I see you have another artist in the family.
The Sea That Moans is an unfamiliar tale to me. I will have to look that up. Thanks, Lisa! Great post!
That is a truly awesome project! One that would have captured my imagination in school for sure
It still does in fact..hehe
I’,m not so sure that a particular fairy tale inspired me, but I have a giant book of fairy tales (I think that is it’s proper title actually..lol) that I used to read constantly as a kid because the artwork was so magical
Different stories & different styles of artwork, but I loved it more than anything else. Not suprising that I have ended up as a ‘fairy tale loving artist really! hehe
What a wonderful assignment!
I love that your son creates Robot stories that is so cool, I remember loving robots when I was little too!
Your Cinderella’s are beautiful, but I must say I’m really taken by the fairy godmother.. she is so magical and breathtaking I love her being the focus of painting!