More Cinderella from a Slightly Obsessed Fan ;)

Any of you who have read my blog for a while now might have picked up that I tend to obsess about things.  Just a little. :}

I don't know what it is, but especially when it comes to Disney movies, the little girl in me gets all goofy and bubbly and excited, and I feel like I'm ten again. ;)

So I suppose it's no surprise that I'm getting REALLY excited about the live-action version of Cinderella releasing next month.  Maleficent didn't interest me all that much (I liked parts of it), and Alice in Wonderland was okay (Tim Burton stuff kind of creeps me out), but Cinderella seems "just right" (to quote Goldilocks...or would that be Blondie Lockes?). ;)  The fact that Kenneth Branagh is directing it and Patrick Doyle is composing the music makes me all the more eager to watch the movie. :)

Part of this week's excitement was Wednesday's release of the newest trailer, which you can see HERE.

Some of my excitement also came from the fact that I found the junior novelization AND the beautiful storybook version of the film earlier this week while running errands:

I love the covers of both! :)

The junior novelization is a sweetly-written summary of the film, condensed (I'm assuming) for younger readers.  My favorite aspect of this version is that it's told by the Fairy Godmother, who inserts her own parenthetical notes throughout the story.  (You can just picture Helena Bonham Carter reading them to you.) ;)  I also like the pretty butterflies in black and white tones that grace the borders of each page.  My only complaint is that the book makes several references to Cinderella's blue eyes, when in this version of the movie she has very pretty brown eyes.  It's the prince who has the gorgeous blue ones. ;)  This version was $5.99 at Walmart.

The back cover

There are several pages of stills from the film inside.

The regular book, which has a hardcover binding that is smooth to the touch, features full-color illustrations.  It appears to be the whole movie in book form, as it includes much more detail than the junior novelization.  (Again, this is an assumption, as I haven't seen the film yet.)  I haven't finished the whole thing, but I'm enjoying the writing so far.  I do wish the illustrations were a little less stylized, but that's just a matter of personal preference.  They're beautifully done, but they don't always capture the look of the people playing the roles in the film.  Still, it's a lovely book overall and I'm thrilled to have a copy in my collection.  This version was $12.99 at Target and $11.04 at Walmart.

Back cover

A couple of illustrations: 

So obviously, for those of you who are not into spoilers, you're going to want to wait to read these until after you've seen the movie.  (Sorry, Mimi, I couldn't resist the temptation!) ;)  I'm wondering if they'll release nice storybook copies of all of the live-action movies they're making?  I'd love to have a Beauty and the Beast one for my collection, although I'm still trying to picture Emma Watson as Belle, to be honest. :}  I'm naturally a little more nervous about a live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast since it's my personal favorite.  Cinderella was never as special to me, so I'm not as freaked out about every little change or by the cast members. ;)

I also thought I'd link to some excellent pictures of the Mattel and Disney Store Cinderella dolls from drj1828 on Flickr.  Drj1828 is my go-to source for new Disney Store releases.  You'll find a plethora of pictures full of amazing, up-close detail in drj1828's photostream.  I always find this incredibly helpful when thinking about a future purchase.

I'm still not 100% sold on the Disney Store Cinderella faces, especially since they're so somber, but I do prefer the Disney Store hair and dresses.  I also think I like the Disney Store Lady Tremaine and Fairy Godmother better than the Mattel versions.  When it comes to the Cinderella dolls themselves, even though the Mattel faces are more of a stylized version of Lily James (the actress who plays Cinderella), I find them more pleasing and better proportioned.  Maybe I should get one of the Mattel Cinderellas and dress her in the Disney Store clothing. ;)

Anyway, here are a few specific pictures I thought I'd link to:

Wedding Cinderella Dolls (still boxed, DS and Mattel)

Cinderella Dolls (deboxed, DS and Mattel, Wedding and Ball versions)

Wedding Cinderella Faces (deboxed, DS and Mattel)

Blue Gown Cinderella Faces (deboxed, DS and Mattel)

Be sure to check drj1928's photostream for many more pictures of the Cinderella dolls and more!

We'll be leaving later today for our yearly birthday trip for my three daughters, and the Disney Store will definitely be one of our stops.  I'll have to let you know whether I succumb to any of the Cinderella dolls when I see them in person. ;)

Are any of you getting excited about this movie, too? ;)

Mother's Day Thrift Store Goodies :)

On Mother's Day, my aunt watched the girls in the afternoon and let my mom and I go kid-free shopping at Goodwill (thanks, Mimi!). :)  As you all know, my mom and I both love Goodwill, so it was the perfect mother/daughter outing. ;)  

I found a few fun treats that I thought I'd share with you.

First off, I found these two wonderfully illustrated books:  "Little Women" and "Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales".  Both books were just $2.49 each.

I already had a copy of "Little Women", but it was just an inexpensive paperback version.  What I loved about this one was the beautiful illustrations. :)

Jo and Professor Bhaer under the umbrella. :)

I already have 2 collections of Andersen's Fairy tales, but once again, the illustrations in this version were just beautiful.  And hey, in my opinion, you can never have too many fairy tale books. ;)

An illustration from "The Wild Swans".

I was especially thrilled to discover that this version included the stories "The Tinder Box" and "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep".  When I was young, I had a picture book of Andersen's Fairy Tales that included these stories and they were among my very favorites.  The last two Andersen collections I've found didn't have these stories in it.  I can't wait to sit down and read through the whole book. :)

For 99 cents, they had this unopened "vintage" (from around the 80s) package of Barbie cookware.  My mom thought that Belle might need some dishes, so she pointed it out to me. ;)

The set was quite cute and included everything here.

I think Belle approves of her new kitchenware. ;)

But my most exciting find of the day was this beautiful "Beauty and the Beast" ornament from Hallmark in 2008. :D  I remember really wanting this when it was released, but I couldn't justify spending the full price, and by the time the ornaments went on sale, it was out of stock.  I got this one for just $3.99. :)  The top is a little loose, so I probably won't hang it on the tree.  It sure looks great in my "Beauty and the Beast" curio, though! :)

The identifying marks on the bottom.

I was really impressed with the paint job on the faces.  Of course, it's Hallmark, so the high quality isn't really surprising. :)

Belle's face paint.  She doesn't look exactly like herself (as Oldest Gal, my purist, just pointed out to me), but at least she's painted well. ;)

The label on the front.  

I was pleased to discover that this was a wind-up musical ornament and that the wind-up mechanism still worked.  It plays "Beauty and the Beast" (surprise, surprise) and Belle and the Beast turn in a circle when the music is going.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  I'll continue to plug away at my posts in draft over the next few months. :}  Lots more fun stuff to come!

Some of My Beauty and the Beast Books

From the time I started my Beauty and the Beast collection in college, I was always on the lookout for unique versions of the story to fill my shelves.  In honor of the last day of the Fairy Tale Blog Party, I thought I'd share a few of them with you. :)  I have several Disney Beauty and the Beast books, including behind the scenes books, books that discuss the art, animation, or music of the film, some Disney B&tB comic books, and several picture and chapter books that depict the Disney version of the story.  For this post, though, I wanted to focus on my versions other than Disney.  Perhaps in a later post I'll share my Disney books. :)

#1:  "Penelope"

While I'll primarily be talking about books, I have just a couple of movies on my Beauty and the Beast shelf, too.  Most of you probably remember this little film that came out a few years ago.  It's never going to be a huge world-wide hit, and did have some drinking and magic in it, in case that bothers anyone.  While it's not my most favorite film of all time, I enjoyed it and found it very fascinating as a Beauty and the Beast-type story where the roles were reversed.  I also really enjoy James McAvoy's acting, and there's not a whole lot he's in that I feel comfortable watching, so having him play the romantic lead was an added bonus.

#2:  Cannon Movie Tales' "Beauty and the Beast"

I wasn't expecting much when I got this movie for around $4 at Walmart a while back.  And true, the acting is pretty corny and  the girl isn't the best singer in the world.  Still, there were a few unique moments in this version that made me glad I watched it.  The Beast's makeup was also very interesting in this one, and (I thought) quite well done for the 80s.

#3:  "Beastly" by Alex Flinn 

It's been a while since I've read this one, and I know there were some things in it that I didn't appreciate, such as some swearing at the beginning of the book and probably more that I'm not remembering.  However, it was LOADS better than its movie adaptation that just came out a year or so ago (the Beast was actually hairy in the book, which I preferred).  There were some neat plot twists at the end of the story that the movie completely left out.  Overall, I thought it was an interesting retelling.  It's still not an ultimate, but it was fun to see how the author brought the story to the modern world.  I especially enjoyed the online conversations among different fairy tale characters that took place between the regular chapters.  This isn't one I would fully recommend, so if you want a little more info about it, you can comment or email me. :) 

#4.  Treasury of Illustrated Classics' "Beauty and the Beast" 

This was a copy my mom found at a thrift store when we were on vacation.  I wasn't sure that I wanted to add it to my collection at first.  The illustrations weren't my favorite, and it was a very simplified version, as it was meant to be read by younger children.  As I flipped through it, though, I noticed that it was very similar to the original version by Madame le Prince de Beaumont.  Since it was only 99 cents, I decided to give it a try.  One of the things that's so funny to me about the original is that after the story we're all familiar with, the prince basically explains in great detail how he was enchanted, and then proceeds to tell the entire story over again from his perspective.  It makes me laugh because it goes against everything you'd be taught in a writing course.  And yet, I must confess that many Beauty and the Beast stories feel so abrupt in their ending.  You've spent all this time with "Beauty and the Beast", and just when you're trying to get used to the idea of "Beauty and the Prince", it's all over. ;)  There's got to be a happy medium somehow.

The Beast from this version is kind of like a weird sort of gorilla/bear mutation or something.

Beauty in one of the illustrations.  I wonder what happened to her bottom lip? ;)

#5.  Jim Henson's "The Story-Teller" 

I found this book on Amazon shortly after discovering the TV series it was based on.  What's interesting is that some of the stories are slightly different from their movie versions, even though the movies were made first.  I don't care for all of the stories.  I basically bought this for "Hans My Hedgehog" and "Sapsorrow" (although Jen, you might be interested to know that there is a story called "The Three Ravens" that is basically a retelling of "The Wild Swans").

Here's a picture of Hans from "Hans My Hedgehog" (like I said in an earlier post, it's very interesting seeing the Beast as a giant, grouchy hedgehog). :}  I have to say, all of the illustrations in this book are stunning and look very much like the original actors and actresses from the film versions.  

Here's a picture of the Princess.

While at its core "Sapsorrow" is essentially a combination of "Cinderella" and "Furball", it also is a "Beauty and the Beast" tale with the roles reversed, which is what I enjoyed about it.  (The prince is a real jerk, though...I don't know what made her fall in love with him.)  The only thing I didn't really care for was the part of the plot where, due to an accidental ring fitting, Sapsorrow was going to be forced to marry her father.  It was just a little weird to me, and I wish they would have come up with a different reason for her to run away. 

Here's poor Sapsorrow, also known as "Straggletag".  Her makeup in the film was pretty amazing.

A happy ending for Sapsorrow and the Prince.

#6:  "Beauty and the Beast" by Max Eilenberg; Illustrated by Angela Barrett 

This book was one of my more recent finds.  I loved the unique illustrations in this one.  It's a longer retelling than most of the picture books versions, and unique enough between the story and the illustrations that I really wanted it for my collection.

Beauty's father first arriving at the Beast's castle.

This Beast is quite hairy and almost catlike, with some wolf or bear thrown in...and check out that tail!

Beauty first meets the Beast.

I love the emotion in this illustration.

#7:  "Beauty and the Beast" by Marianna Mayer; Illustrated by Mercer Mayer 

I grew up on the Little Critter books, as well as Professor Wormbog and Herbert the Timid Dragon, so I was already a big fan of Mercer Mayer's illustrations.  When I found his version of "Beauty and the Beast", though, I was blown away by the beauty and depth of his artwork.

There is so much depth and attention to detail.

Even his color palette makes you think of a fairy tale with its elegant, rich, brown tones.

I just love looking through it to see the pictures and discover new details I never noticed before.

Beauty meets the Prince.  To me, this illustration is always really important to a story.  If the prince is disappointing, it colors the rest of the book for me.  (Honestly, it took me a long time to get used to the prince at the end of the Disney version.) ;)

#8:  "Beauty and the Beast" by Jan Brett 

While I prefer brunettes in the role of "Beauty" and normally don't care for versions where the Beast is portrayed as some sort of wild boar or warthog, the sheer loveliness of Jan Brett's illustrations in this book won me over.  She has such an incredible eye for detail, and I love her amazing depictions of animals.  

I actually got to meet Jan Brett at a book signing once.  I brought some of my illustrations with me to show her, and turned into a complete babbling idiot (why oh why couldn't I have been smooth and amazing while talking to her?).  She was very gracious and took the time to talk to each individual, even though there were so many of us there.  I'm wishing I'd had the foresight to bring this book with me to sign.  Instead, I purchased a book from the store that she signed.  I still have it somewhere.  

I love the richness of the clothing and all of the little details that make her work come alive.

One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this version was the fact that on several of the pages, there were tapestries in the background showing the enchanted characters in their human form.  It was a fun little extra.  And I must say, I love Beauty's gown in this picture. :)

In this version, all of the Beast's servants are animals (and once again, you can see the tapestry in the background, showing them in their human form).

I love Beauty's hair in this picture.

The Beast...nasty...what's that on his tusks?  When was the last time he brushed?  See, I sooo would not have been able to break the spell. ;)

And here's the transformation picture at the end.  Not my favorite Prince, but he'll do.  ;)

#9:  "The Lady and the Lion" by Laurel Long and Jacqueline K. Ogburn; Illustrated by Laurel Long 

This book is basically a version of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" with a Lion as the enchanted Prince instead of a Polar Bear.  I love the beautiful artwork it has.  The other thing I've always enjoyed about this tale is how the heroine has to prove her loyalty and love after making a grave error.  It kind of reminds me of Marguerite in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (I'm thinking of the book version), when she follows Percy in secret after realizing that she's betrayed him.

The illustrations in this version are full of vibrant colors that have a Middle Eastern or Oriental flair.

The Lady and the Lion.

The Lion is really a Prince under an evil spell (surprise, surprise!). ;) 

The witch who destroys their happiness...for a time.

#10:  "Beauty" by Robin McKinley 

I know I already mentioned this version in my blog party answers, but I just had to give it another shout out here.  This is, hands down, one of my very favorite versions of the story.  I love her writing style and the fact that "Beauty" isn't the typical beautiful, perfect one.  I also love the fact that Beauty's family is so loving in this version.  And I love Greatheart the horse, too. :)  The Beast is such a wonderful, sympathetic character in this one.  I felt that McKinley did a great job in bringing more to him than most versions do.  If you're a Beauty and the Beast fan, just find yourself a copy.  You won't regret it! :)

And, since it happens to be on my shelf with my other versions, I thought I'd share a few more illustrations from my Beauty and the Beast story with you.  As I've said in earlier posts, please do not use these or post them elsewhere without my permission.  These pictures represent hours of work.

"The Beast" proposes to "Beauty" for the first time.

The only thing that irks me about this illustration is the fact that "Beauty's" fork appears to be in the "Beast's" mouth.  I didn't notice this until it was too late to change it. :}

Sharing a dance.

I had a lot of fun doing this one.

I was especially pleased with how her dress turned out in this photo.  I spent weeks pouring through bridal magazines, looking for inspiration and piecing dresses together.

"The Beast" transformed.  Some fun trivia about this picture:  I drew the prince in a cape because I really detest trying to draw proper proportions on men's arms and shoulders (so basically, I'm lazy). ;)  Afterwards, though, I realized that in the previous picture, "Beast" had a sleeveless shirt and no cape.  So then I had to go back and add to the narrative to explain how he ended up with the cape. ;)   

"Beauty's" chin ended up a little bit bigger than I would have liked in this one, but oh well.  I guess I can't be too picky. ;) 

I hope you enjoyed this post.  Perhaps it will inspire you to dust off some of your old childhood fairy tale books, or even look for new versions at the store.  Everyone can use a good fairy tale fix now and then. ;)

Remember, today is the last day to participate in the Fairy Tale Blog Party.  I'll be doing a drawing tomorrow to see who gets my "Fairy Tale Faces" artwork.  Thanks so much to everyone who's taken part already. :)