Cendrillon
Robert D. San Souci
Cendrillon
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Caribbean Cinderella
by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
The salty breeze carries the sound of waves crashing against the shore, while the sweet scent of blooming flowers fills the air. On a colorful island, a kind washerwoman holds a secret magic to help her goddaughter, Cendrillon, find a love that could change everything. But magic is tricky, and the journey is just beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This Caldecott Honor-winning book is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story set in the Caribbean island of Martinique. Told from the perspective of a magical godmother who is also a washerwoman, it blends folklore with vivid cultural elements appropriate for ages 5 to 8. The story features themes of love, kindness, and magic, with no content concerns for young readers.
Why we rated Cendrillon 7C
Cendrillon is written at a Level 2 reading level across 40 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Cendrillon works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Cendrillon as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Cendrillon explores folklore, fairy tales, family, magic, and multicultural — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about folklore, fairy tales, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780689848889
- Pages
- 40
- Publisher
- Aladdin
- Published
- January 1, 2002
- Type
- Fiction