Just a cute nice story.  No idea why the parents would burden their daughter with the name Cinderella, though.  I do appreciate the main theme, that it's a good idea to have a 'what's what' conversation when your friend starts acting mean.  This is the kind of behavior I'm used to seeing in fifth-grade girls - I hope third-grader Cinderella and her friend Erin make a lasting impression on the clique-y girls before they get too catty. ( )

Book Title: "Cinderella Smith: The More the Merrier”
Author: Stephanie Barden
Published By: Harper Collins
Age Recommended: 8 - 12
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: Based on one of the cutest, quirkiest little girls ever, Cinderella Smith, the More the Merrier, is a wonderful read for children from 8 to 12 years of age. This cute book sends a great message about bullying and how it’s not nice to say bad things about or be mean and thoughtless to others.
Teaching a valuable lesson such as this in a sweet and sensible way is what Cinderella Smith is all about. Children and parents are sure to enjoy her uniqueness and her wonderful penchant for making up interesting new words! This is a wonderful series for children! ( )

I have such a soft-spot for all things Cinderella. And although her name is Cinderella, she only has a few shoe mishaps in this particular book. Mostly it is all about the characters and interactions this go-round.

Cinderella and her class-mates are going to participate in a spelling bee. The third, fourth and fifth graders are all able to participate. Each class has their own spelling bee and the 3 class winners will all go on to compete in the school bee. The winner of the school bee will be able to plan a special class party to celebrate. Both of the Rosemarys are just as obnoxious as ever. They form clubs and tell everyone who can and can't be in them. Also they get upset and angry when everyone doesn't agree with their idea of what a perfect class party theme would be (unicorns). When Cinderella decides that she will ignore Rosemary T. (who used to be her best friend until she got too mean) Rosemary retaliates by telling mean lies about Cinderella's aunt. Cinderella must learn to not only juggle practicing for the big spelling bee, she must figure out how to handle an ever-increasing distance between her used-to-be best friend.

This book proves that this series will become a good staple for young chapter book readers. The situation and struggles are spot on for the age and interests of the characters. Cinderella is a solid character that many will like. (Even though she has a very princessy name, she has loads of interests that aren't super girly. For example in her classroom she sits at a table with three boys and they enjoy making up words and talking about bugs and dinosaurs.) If the tomboys and boys in school are okay reading a book with a pink cover, they will really enjoy learning about Cinderella Smith's antics. ( )

If you love Ramona or Junie B. Jones, Cinderella is going to become a fast favorite too. Both my 3rd grader and I enjoyed Cinderella's story. She is creative, spunky and has heart.

"The More The Merrier" is a wonderful, subtle way to encourage children to be themselves, to stand up for themselves and how to have a "what's what" with someone that is being mean or bullying them.

We can't wait for more Cinderella books in this house! ( )

This is a cute book, written in the first person by a third grader, Cinderella Smith. Cinderella is a free spirit sort of child, prone to wearing two different colored shoes, and making up words that explain how she feels, such as 'vexcellent' for 'very excellent'. The descriptions of school and home life ring true, as if the author knows children well. One of my favorite expressions from the book comes from a part where her ex-friend makes 'stinky eyes' at her.

The illustrations are wonderful, simple and flowing and are perfectly matched to the text.

I would recommend this book to young and old, it was a fun read. ( )