(A few spoilers are included)
Do you like Roald Dahl? Well if you do, you might want to try Revolting Rhymes: Cinderella (illustrated by Adam Larkum). Now, I think this book is a reissue, but I am not really sure, but I do know that it will be an edition out in mid-April 2026.
I am just going to say two things: One, I am not always a fan of Dahl, but two, I appreciate the work. And with Cinderella, I like the ending as it has a more likable happily ever after ending. It was that getting there that was not what I was into. It was an odd journey and things were adding up to a traditional “pretty princess happy ever after.” Cinderella has the sisters and they go to the ball. There is the slipper and the cheating trying to get the prince’s favor. There is also a prince who is a real d%ck. The two step-sisters are evil and horrible, and the prince becomes annoyed with them and CHOPS OFF THEIR HEADS. Okay, yeah. No. But Cindy-Baby sees this and makes a very feminist choice.
Therefore, as the title said, Revolting plays a part in the familiarity of the Cinderella story. This is not your sweet-little-old-grandmother’s Cinderella. This is borderline Stephen King. Therefore, you probably don’t want to just hand this to a kid without reading it first. Plus, as it was a reader copy that I partook in, I am not sure if it is more picture book, graphic novel, or traditional novel with illustrations, therefore not completely sure of the ages it would work. Just know your readers.
The artwork is similar to Quentin Blake’s look. Things are quirky, maybe not unpleasant if you like that kind of thing, but it was not my favorite. Yet, I feel it fits the tone of not only the more grim adaptation but also the less than happy-happy-joy-joy feeling Dahl is known for. They have color, details and are illustrations that work with the text. Everyone who reads this will find something they might like, but not everything is for everyone.