From The Author
Reading guides, behind-the-scenes stories, and thoughts on children's literature from Disney author Brittany Mazique.
Author Essay New
The behind-the-scenes story of how I got the call from Disney, what they asked me to do, the three things I changed in the text, the three things I fought to keep, and why I created the Millie Magnus chapter book series next.
May 4, 2026
Author Essay New
An honest answer to the question parents are actually asking. The strawman critique. The strong critique that has merit. The case in her defense. And how to read her with a kid in 2026 — from the Disney author who retold her.
May 4, 2026
Literary Guide New
Every theme and symbol in Cinderella, explained — kindness as discipline, integrity, transformation, the meaning of midnight, the glass slipper, the mice, the dress. The deep guide for school assignments and discussion units.
May 4, 2026
Literary History New
The complete history of Cinderella — from the 9th-century Chinese tale of Yeh-Shen, through Charles Perrault (1697), the Brothers Grimm (1812), and Walt Disney (1950). Plus 500+ multicultural variants and why the story keeps getting told.
May 4, 2026
Activity Guide New
20 Cinderella activities organized by category — crafts, games, classroom lessons, party ideas, and writing prompts. Each one connected to a specific theme in the story. Plus a free printable activity pack with templates.
May 4, 2026
Reading Guide New
The 15 best princess chapter books for early readers, organized by reading level — with a complete reading path from princess picture books all the way through independent chapter books for second and third graders.
May 4, 2026
Reading Guide
Twelve Cinderella variants from China, Africa, the Americas, Persia, and beyond — curated for compare-and-contrast units. From the Disney author of the 75th Anniversary Edition.
April 29, 2026
Reading Guide
25 classroom-tested Cinderella discussion questions organized by age and theme — from concrete questions for 4-year-olds to critical-thinking prompts for 8-and-up. Includes a free printable PDF guide.
April 29, 2026
Author Essay
After Disney asked me to retell Cinderella, I realized the real lesson isn't about the glass slipper — it's about who you choose to be when life is unfair. An author's first-person look at the values inside one of the world's most beloved stories.
April 29, 2026
Reading Guide
From multicultural retellings to modern fairy-tale reinventions to chapter books that carry Cinderella's heart — a Disney author's complete guide to what to read if your child loves Cinderella.
April 29, 2026
Reading Guide Updated
A Disney author's complete guide to the reading path from princess picture books to chapter books — including which Disney princess pairs with which chapter book series, and the original heroine your child will love.
April 29, 2026
Reading Guide Updated
Picture books and chapter books that celebrate Black, brown, and marginalized kids — including a brand-new section on multicultural Cinderella retellings from China, Mexico, Africa, and beyond.
March 18, 2026 · Updated April 29
Reading Guide Updated
A Disney author's top picks for ages 3–8 — featuring her own retellings of Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Tiana, plus the chapter book heroine who picks up where the princesses leave off.
March 15, 2026 · Updated April 29
Reading Guide Updated
Finished Junie B.? Powered through Ivy + Bean? Meet Millie Magnus — the hilarious, heartfelt next series for your young reader, from a Disney author who also retold Cinderella.
March 10, 2026 · Updated April 29
For Parents & Educators Updated
How to use stories to help your child navigate bullying — plus a free downloadable discussion guide and a chapter book heroine who shows kids that being different is a superpower.
March 1, 2026 · Updated April 29
EXPLORE THE BOOKS
The acclaimed chapter book series from Disney author Brittany Mazique