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The Fairy Tale Fixers: Cinderella
Last updated Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Jorge Lacera
Date of Publication: 2025
ISBN: 0063242427
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2026
Synopsis:
In this graphic novel:
Every fairy tale needs a fairy. Because sometimes stories go off the rails, and this fairy knows just what to do to fix them.
Actually, he doesn't... He makes it up as he goes along.
And sometimes he needs help. A lot of help. Which is where Mouse comes in.
Together, she and Fairy will make sure this tale has a happily ever after - just maybe not the one you expect.
| Note to readers: |
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The magical solutions in our fairy tales turn out to be the wrong answer; the "fixer" must find a way to set things right.
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Having Cinderella marry the prince will not work, the prince is "conceited" and Cinderella's t-r-u-e wish is to open a diner. The fixer must find a way to undo the original magic spells and build a diner for Cinderella.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you know any fairytales? Cinderella? Sleeping Beauty? Snow White?. Do you have any favorites?
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What do you like best about these types of stories?
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Do you ever wonder if the "happily ever after" ending might have been the wrong ending?
Vocabulary
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fairy tale: children’s story with magic solutions; often starts with "Once upon a time…"
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cup of joe: a cup of coffee
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stat: immediately, instantly, or without delay
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ball: a formal (fancy) social event held in a grand ballroom (or castle), featuring dancing and requiring fancy dress
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"can't get a word in edgewise:" unable to interrupt because someone is talking nonstop
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twit: a British word meaning "a stupid person"
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Many fairy tales end with the princess marrying the prince. Is this always the best ending? What might work better?
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How do real-world heroes and heroines solve their problems without magic?
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If you were going to write a graphic novel / fairy tale, what would you write about?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Have the children compose words of love / affection for their moms. Or, have them create an "acrostic" using the letters "MOTHER" or "MADRE." Some ideas can be found at
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/mothers-day--844493669679791/
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"Flowers:" trace the children's hands onto colorful paper. Cut out the "hands" and glue them to construction paper, draw stems and leaves, the hands become flowers. The children can write their words or acrostic beside the "flowers." For an example, see
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1703263215/mothers-day-handprint-art-poem-flower
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"Heart:" Cut out a heart large, then place the words of love or the acrostic in the middle.
Fairy Tale Theme
#Have the children create a "Before" and "After" fairy tale. Pictures and/or words can be used to describe the "before" and "after" on separate pages.
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*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!
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