The Irish Cinderlad: A Classic Irish Folktale About a Boy's Cinderella Adventure with Dragons and Giants for Kids (Ages 4-8) (Trophy Picture Books (Paperback))

In The Irish Cinderlad, Shirley Climo offers a fascinating retelling of the beloved Cinderella fairy tale with an Irish twist. The story follows Becan, a young boy who has always been self-conscious about his large feet. His troubles escalate when his widowed father remarries, and Becan finds himself at the mercy of his cruel stepmother and her three daughters, who treat him poorly and assign him to hard labor in the fields. Determined to escape his miserable life, Becan runs away and embarks on an adventure filled with courage and magic. With the assistance of his only friend, a magical bull, he faces formidable challenges—defeating a giant, slaying a dragon, and rescuing a captive princess. However, just as the princess prepares to express her gratitude, Becan vanishes, leaving behind one of his enormous boots. As the princess searches the kingdom for the owner of the giant boot, Becan's identity hangs in the balance. This inventive tale not only provides an answer to the question of what happens if Cinderella were a boy but also weaves in themes of bravery and self-acceptance. Supported by Loretta Krupinski’s enchanting illustrations, The Irish Cinderlad is an engaging read perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or inspiring readers with a unique spin on a classic story.

This story is a great story to read to 1st grade students. In my first grade class we end the year with a unit on "Cinderella Around the World." We read a variety of Cinderella stories from all over the world and this was one of my class's favorites. The boys especially love this story because it is about a lad with big feet who fights giants and dragons and saves a princess. It has many of the same features as in the typical Cinderella story which allows students to compare the stories, but also supplies many ways to contrast the story. Instead of a fairy godmother, the lad has a magic bull. Instead of a golden slipper, the lad loses a boot. The story provides many unique features which keeps students interested. I enjoyed reading this to my students and will add it to my unit to be used year after year.

I purchased this book as part of a unit that I was teaching on Cinderella stories from all over the world. My second grade boys LOVED this book. It has everything that a boy could want: giants, dragons, magic, and animals. This has a special twist because the Cinderella character is a boy, hence the title Cinderlad. This is a must read and a great resource for any teacher teaching a Cinderella unit. I should also mention that I cried (yer, cried) in front of my students while reading this book. It was very well written and part of it was very sad.

My son and I really enjoy reading this book. It's a fresh telling of an ancient tale that isn't Hollywood-ized. The art is fun and really adds to the story, as well.

We really enjoyed this story, as one of the many "Cinderalla like" stories from around the world.

This is not your typical Cinderella story and even could be 3 stories in one. It is different, unique and goes great with my Cinderella stories from around the world collection. Purchased it for our irish step dance teacher as a Christmas gift.

Purchased these for my Cinderella unit. My students loved the book. Great for 2nd grade's multicultural standard.

I adore this story. I used it as part of fairy tale unit for my second graders and they liked it a smith as I did. Very cute and comparable Cinderella story with a twist.

A verry cute story my daughter loved reading it to my son.