Cinderella, and Other Tales from Perrault: And Other Tales from Perrault

SLEEPING BEAUTY (I've not yet read the other tales in this collection) Overall I found this an enjoyable telling of Sleeping Beauty. Much more detail is included, and the flow and completeness of the story is very decent. The illustrations are quite nice, mostly for their use of colors. Here, there are 7 fairies of the kingdom that are invited to Sleeping Beauty's celebration, and a golden, bejeweled set of dinnerware is created for all 7 fairies. The "evil" fairy is not invited for the simple reason that she was thought dead or enchanted because she had not been see for 50 years (this, I must say, seems a far better reason for not having been invited than in some other tales). So, when she arrives, angered at being slighted and having no golden dinnerware, she curses the child. Another aspect I enjoyed was the forward thinking seventh fairy, who, upon hearing the angry mutterings of the eighth (evil) fairy, is concerned that she may curse the princess and thus hides herself so that she may be the last fairy to give a gift to the princess and be able to alter the curse of the evil fairy. It was interesting that the populace of the castle was sent to sleep so that the princess wouldn't awaken alone. However, why were the king and queen not put under the sleeping spell? Why were they required to live out their lives in solitude and without their daughter? Though, I must say, I was glad that the faithful dog was able to sleep by the side of the princess for the 100 years. :) Also, I was a little unhappy that the gifts weren't more important. The gift of music, dance, beauty, etc. Nothing really special there. The prince doesn't need to do much in this tale either. He has "been chosen" but all he really needs to do is find the princess. When he does, love blooms and they are married. I loved the humor here, that, beautiful as the princess was in her garments, the Prince thought it best not to mention that she was dressed like his grandmother! Haha! Fashions must have changed in those 100 years! So, ta-da, end of story, right? WRONG! Now we go on to what feels like a whole new fairytale! ***IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED, READ NO FURTHER!*** The prince must hide the fact that he marries the Princess from his parents (even though the mother still suspects him of having "a ladylove"). But, why must he lie? Because his mother is part ogress (what!?) and she might want to eat the children that the prince and princess now have. (didn't see that coming!) Okay, so, I get it. But then, WHY, after the king dies and the prince becomes king and goes off to fight in a war, does he see it fit to entrust his wife and children to the presence of his ogress mother!? But, he does (do'h!) and guess what, the ogress queen takes the princess and two children (interesting note, the children are named Aurora and Day) to a tiny cottage where she tells the cook that she will eat them in a special sauce. Suddenly I feel transported to Snow White ta