Review of "Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella" by Myrna J. De LA Paz, Youshang Tang

We all know this fairy tale plot, but it is delightful to find it is told in other cultures. For children from ages 8-12 they will enjoy this aged golden tale as it is told in the Philippines. The young girl who has lost her mother and now lives with a mean-spirited stepmother and selfish stepsisters. Her name is Abadeha and she finds solace from the magical Spirit of the Forest. There is a Prince in this story too, who finds himself bound by a magic ring that can only be removed by one girl.

Throughout the book the author teaches us about local religious beliefs and practices, native flora, and linguistic terms. The delighted reader will begin to understand daily life in the Philippines as it would have been more than four hundred years ago. Artist Youshang Tang's lovely color illustration complement this tale.

Shen's Books are always unique, even if they produce many other country's stories that rework Cinderella themes imbued with many cultures.