This tale loosely based on a French Creole version of Cinderella is set in the Caribbean among people of African descent and is uniquely told from the point of view of the fairy godmother, in this case a poor washerwoman who has inherited a wand of magic from her mother. "Three taps will change one thing into another....But only for a short time. And the magic must be used to help someone you love." Cendrillon is the washerwoman's goddaughter in this version of the tale, which is seasoned with Creole words and phrases that are defined in a short glossary. Brian Pinkney's brightly colored, swirling illustrations lend an added sense of richness to the story. (Ages 6-8)