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Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella



Last updated Monday, March 23, 2015

Author: Jan Brett
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 0399257837
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2014

Synopsis: Cinders, the most picked upon hen in the flock, becomes the most loved by Prince Cockerel when she arrives at his ball looking so beautiful that even her bossy sisters don't recognize her.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who is Cinders?
•  What story is this similar to? Have you read Cinderella?
•  Where do you think this story takes place?

Vocabulary:
•  biddy - a young chicken; an elderly woman
•  trilled - to sing or play with a vibratory or quavering effect
•  cackle - to make loud, unpleasant sounds; to laugh noisily
•  sheen - beautiful; shining
•  livery - a special uniform worn by servants especially in the past
•  troika - a Russian vehicle drawn by three horses
•  gilt - gold or something that resembles gold laid on a surface
•  glade - an open space surrounded by woods
•  swooning - to faint; to become enraptured
•  pullet - young chicken; young hen
•  bugle - a valveless brass instrument that resembles a trumpet and is used especially for military calls
•  beckon - to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where did Cinders and the other chickens live?
•  Who took care of the chickens?
•  How did Cinders help the others get ready for the ball?
•  Did Cinders have enough time to get ready for the ball? Who helped her?
•  Why did Prince Cockerel only want to dance with Cinders?
•  What time did the magic for Cinders wear off? When it did, what did she leave behind?
•  What color was Cinders eggs? What types & colors of eggs have you seen?
•  Where did Cinders & Prince Cockerel live after he found her?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a picture of the ball. Draw chickens dancing & decorate with shiny yarn, ribbons, etc.
•  Make a headdress like Cinders is wearing at the ball. Use construction paper & attach ribbon to the sides.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!