Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) out now from Random House Books for Young Readers; 304 pages
Content Warning: Death of a parent mentioned
About the Author: “Kim Bussing is an award-winning author of fairy tales for adults and children. Books in her middle-grade series, THE PRINCESS SWAP, have been selected as Amazon Editor’s Picks, featured as both Barnes & Noble and Publisher’s Weekly New & Notable picks, and have been included on the Kids Indie Next List by the American Booksellers Association. When she’s not writing, you can find her at a bookstore (unsurprisingly), attempting to bake macarons, or listening to Broadway soundtracks” (Bio from author’s Goodreads profile).
Find Kim Bussing on the following platforms:
In the magical land of Reverie, once upon a time begins with two girls waking up in a different story. Ella, also called Cinderella, has lived a life trapped by her stepmother and stepsisters. Ever since her father died, she’s been forced to serve them, unable to escape or follow her dreams. But they couldn’t take away the treasured maps in her head, the one hope for adventure she’s had her entire life. Belle, on the other hand, intends to win a competition hosted by the Crown Prince during the Revel of Spectacles. Winners receive a royal favor, and Belle plans to use this reward to save her family’s trading company and restore their fortunes. However, unexpected magic swaps them both, leading to Ella being confined to the beast’s castle and Belle stuck obeying the stepfamily. In this turn of events, both girls must write their own destiny to find their happily-ever-afters.
It’s been a long time since I read a middle-grade book, but this sweet story did not disappoint. Cinderella and the Beast was such a fun reiteration of the fairytales we know, and it was nostalgic for me to dive back into a world of magic through the brave dual protagonists of Ella and Belle. As someone who loves a contemporary fairy tale retelling, especially when an author creates something entirely new from the traditional framework, this story hit the mark. Between disability representation with Ella’s glass leg, the beast not being what it seems, and so much more, Bussing crafts an enchanting story of her own—though familiar in the ways that matter—out of the beloved fairy tales. Also, unlike the black-and-white morality and unambiguous characters of fairy tales, this book presents readers with complex individuals who aren’t just “wicked” or “good.” Our flawed 12-year-old heroines aren’t conventional or passive, and they’re empowered to change their own futures, which is a lovely message for adolescent readers facing adversity in their own lives. Amidst the satisfying surprises and whimsical world-building, this creative story of forgiveness, friendship, and self-discovery was a pleasure to read. While the magic system was a bit confusing, this is only the first book in The Princess Swap series, and there will surely be further explanations in later novels. If you like fairy tales, this is a light, enjoyable read for all ages.
Danielle Hartshorn, Pine Reads Review Writer and Editor