What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fairy Tale Fixers #1
The Fairy Tale Fixers: Cinderella—A Graphic Novel
The Investigators meet The First Cat in Space in this hilarious graphic novel. Fairy and Mouse will forever change young readers’ perspectives on stepmothers, princes, and pumpkins as they help Cinderella set things right when her carriage veers off course.
Every fairy tale needs a fairy. Because sometimes stories go off the rails, and this fairy knows just what to do to fix them.
Actually, he doesn’t . . . He makes it up as he goes along.
And sometimes he needs help. A lot of help. Which is where Mouse comes in.
Together, she and Fairy will make sure this tale has a happily ever after—just maybe not the one you expect.
Every fairy tale needs a fairy. Because sometimes stories go off the rails, and this fairy knows just what to do to fix them.
Actually, he doesn’t . . . He makes it up as he goes along.
And sometimes he needs help. A lot of help. Which is where Mouse comes in.
Together, she and Fairy will make sure this tale has a happily ever after—just maybe not the one you expect.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published August 12, 2025
3 people are currently reading
4231 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 3, 2025
In a Nutshell: A children’s comic about a bumbling “fairy” forced to turn godmother for Cinderella. Whimsical, witty, and wonderful! Love how it adds its own twist to the Cinderella story. I had great fun reading this. Much recommended.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I enjoy fairy tale retellings. But this is the first time I have read a retelling aimed at children. It offers one heck of a ride!
The key characters in this story – Fairy and Mouse – are brilliant in various ways. You would think that Fairy, with his detective-like trenchcoat and magical powers, would find it easy to resolve the issue Mouse is facing in Cinderella’s house. You might also assume that Fairy is kind and sweet, like fictional fairies often are. So to see this Fairy—so sarcastic and selfish and short-sighted—bumble and stumble through the rescue is hilarious. Mouse acts as the perfect counterfoil to Fairy’s goofs. I love how she points out Fairy’s shortcomings without insulting him outright. That said, she also has a selfish agenda behind her request.
The retelling approach of this story is also wonderful. It contains all the usual suspects: Cinderella, the stepmother and the two stepsisters, and of course, Prince Charming. But it even adds two interesting new characters to the fairytale cast. The characters from the original tale reprise their roles but not their personalities. As such, the fundamental flaws of the fairy tale, especially with respect to Cinderella’s “rescue”, are mostly ironed out in this version. The new characters are outstanding. (This might be the first and last time I ever say this: the cockroach was adorable! I wish there had been more of him.)
As with all retellings, the story will deliver better if you know the original, though it is a hoot even on its own. There were many scenes when my buddy reader and I burst out laughing. The humour is a nice mix of witty and silly and cheesy. Perfect for the target age group.
The plot leaves out a few key details. We don’t know Fairy’s background or how he began this business, or how he ventures into a book and alters its story. Given the amazing opening scene, with Fairy sitting at his table like a detective from a classic noir movie and answering his antiquated rotary phone, I wish we could have had more of his backstory. Then again, this isn't the kind of book to be read with the head. It promises sheer entertainment, and it delivers on this from start to end.
This is not to say that the book offers no learning points. Au contraire, it offers plenty of discussion fodder in terms of gender assumptions, predetermined roles in society, fulfilment of responsibilities, and helping others for one’s own benefit. Cinderella’s arc with its twist, though somewhat guessable, is perfect for this modern era, and one that kids and adults are sure to appreciate. Fairy’s cocky assumptions and half-baked ideas also offer much learning to children about not jumping to preconceived conclusions and preparing and planning better before beginning a task.
The vocabulary level is perfect for this age group. There are plenty of onomatopoeic effects to add to the fun. Font size variations are used to great effect.
The graphics might remind you of the Geronimo Stilton series, but this one is way better. The characters, their expressions, and the magical transitions all pop out amazingly due to the colour scheme. I love how Cinderella is not blonde and blue-eyed as is the usual depiction for fairytale FMCs.
All in all, I had a jolly good time with this children’s graphic novel. Anyone who loves smartly silly stories ought to give this a try. The ending indicates that this is the first of a planned series, and based on this experience, count me in for all further fairy-tale fixing adventures of Fairy and Mouse.
Definitely recommended to little fans of fractured fairy tales with modernised tropes. The official target audience is kids aged 6-10 years.
4.5 stars, delighted to round up.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Clarion Books for providing the DRC of “The Fairy Tale Fixers: Cinderella” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Fairy, a trenchcoat-wearing rat (or mouse – not sure), works as a fixer of fairy tales. When something goes wrong in stories, he steps into the book and sorts out the issue. Rather, he claims to do so. His latest client Mouse discovers, much to her surprise and dismay, that Fairy has no idea how to resolve most messes, and that he wings the solutions as he goes along. Mouse can see that he needs help, probably as much help as Cinderella does. Can Fairy and Mouse work together to fix Cinderella’s life without worsening the situation?
I enjoy fairy tale retellings. But this is the first time I have read a retelling aimed at children. It offers one heck of a ride!
The key characters in this story – Fairy and Mouse – are brilliant in various ways. You would think that Fairy, with his detective-like trenchcoat and magical powers, would find it easy to resolve the issue Mouse is facing in Cinderella’s house. You might also assume that Fairy is kind and sweet, like fictional fairies often are. So to see this Fairy—so sarcastic and selfish and short-sighted—bumble and stumble through the rescue is hilarious. Mouse acts as the perfect counterfoil to Fairy’s goofs. I love how she points out Fairy’s shortcomings without insulting him outright. That said, she also has a selfish agenda behind her request.
The retelling approach of this story is also wonderful. It contains all the usual suspects: Cinderella, the stepmother and the two stepsisters, and of course, Prince Charming. But it even adds two interesting new characters to the fairytale cast. The characters from the original tale reprise their roles but not their personalities. As such, the fundamental flaws of the fairy tale, especially with respect to Cinderella’s “rescue”, are mostly ironed out in this version. The new characters are outstanding. (This might be the first and last time I ever say this: the cockroach was adorable! I wish there had been more of him.)
As with all retellings, the story will deliver better if you know the original, though it is a hoot even on its own. There were many scenes when my buddy reader and I burst out laughing. The humour is a nice mix of witty and silly and cheesy. Perfect for the target age group.
The plot leaves out a few key details. We don’t know Fairy’s background or how he began this business, or how he ventures into a book and alters its story. Given the amazing opening scene, with Fairy sitting at his table like a detective from a classic noir movie and answering his antiquated rotary phone, I wish we could have had more of his backstory. Then again, this isn't the kind of book to be read with the head. It promises sheer entertainment, and it delivers on this from start to end.
This is not to say that the book offers no learning points. Au contraire, it offers plenty of discussion fodder in terms of gender assumptions, predetermined roles in society, fulfilment of responsibilities, and helping others for one’s own benefit. Cinderella’s arc with its twist, though somewhat guessable, is perfect for this modern era, and one that kids and adults are sure to appreciate. Fairy’s cocky assumptions and half-baked ideas also offer much learning to children about not jumping to preconceived conclusions and preparing and planning better before beginning a task.
The vocabulary level is perfect for this age group. There are plenty of onomatopoeic effects to add to the fun. Font size variations are used to great effect.
The graphics might remind you of the Geronimo Stilton series, but this one is way better. The characters, their expressions, and the magical transitions all pop out amazingly due to the colour scheme. I love how Cinderella is not blonde and blue-eyed as is the usual depiction for fairytale FMCs.
All in all, I had a jolly good time with this children’s graphic novel. Anyone who loves smartly silly stories ought to give this a try. The ending indicates that this is the first of a planned series, and based on this experience, count me in for all further fairy-tale fixing adventures of Fairy and Mouse.
Definitely recommended to little fans of fractured fairy tales with modernised tropes. The official target audience is kids aged 6-10 years.
4.5 stars, delighted to round up.
My thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books and Clarion Books for providing the DRC of “The Fairy Tale Fixers: Cinderella” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
June 25, 2025
What a hilarious read! Every aspect of this novel was charming, although I wish there was more clarity on how exactly the fixers enter the fairy tales. Coachman the cockroach was my favourite character 💙
March 31, 2025
Short and fun fresh approach to Cinderella. Loved all of the alterations to the original story. The art itself feels inspired by classic Disney Channel animated series. Kids are sure to love the surprises in this from a fairy tale they know well! It definitely seems like the start to a series readers would come back for more of.
Thanks to Netgalley and Clarion Books for the arc!
Thanks to Netgalley and Clarion Books for the arc!
August 12, 2025
I loved this fractured fairy tale and the graphics were so fun. There were several humorous moments that made me laugh out loud. I am excited to read the next book in the series. This is a definite purchase for my elementary library!
Thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
Thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
August 6, 2025
5.0 ⭐ - I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
At the beginning, I thought this was going to be your usual Cinderella retelling, but it was so much more! I loved the fixers and the art style. I even laughed a couple of times while reading! I really liked the unexpected ending, and I’m very excited for book 2!
At the beginning, I thought this was going to be your usual Cinderella retelling, but it was so much more! I loved the fixers and the art style. I even laughed a couple of times while reading! I really liked the unexpected ending, and I’m very excited for book 2!
March 31, 2025
This was so much fun! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this graphic novel, but seeing as I love fairytales I thought I’d give it a shot. The art style immediately made me feel nostalgic for books I read as a kid. I adored it! At the beginning it reminded me of Geronimo Stilton, which was one of my childhood favorites. I loved this twist on Cinderella. The character of Cinderella was so refreshing and inspiring. She has different dreams than we are used to seeing. The humor was excellent. The story had such a good message. I am so glad this will be a series because I definitely want more! This was simply charming and adorable!
*Thank you not Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
*Thank you not Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
August 31, 2025
This is a fun, delightful and often amusing fractured fairy tale. This sort of retelling is no longer unique or even unusual but it was still a hoot. I love this author and I enjoyed this illustrator’s illustrations. As an adult I enjoyed the retelling. I think children will find it humorous and will like it too which is good since they are the intended audience.
It looks as though the next book in the series will be about Sleeping Beauty. Their heroines have a lot in common and I’m assuming the retellings will too. Neither are among my favorite fairy tales. I see why these books work with these particular stories though. I’d love to see further books about some of my favorite fairy tales. One is Hansel and Gretel and I’m not sure what this author would do with that one but I have confidence that she could do it proud.
There is nothing earthshaking here but it was an enjoyable and quick read.
Well written short story and great illustrations.
3-3/4 stars
The author is local to me and is an online friend of mine (someone I admire for all sorts of reasons) and I don’t like “rating” this book but I did anyway.
ETA: After reading most of the other reviews I want to add that the details of this retelling were creative and unexpected. That’s a good thing.
It looks as though the next book in the series will be about Sleeping Beauty. Their heroines have a lot in common and I’m assuming the retellings will too. Neither are among my favorite fairy tales. I see why these books work with these particular stories though. I’d love to see further books about some of my favorite fairy tales. One is Hansel and Gretel and I’m not sure what this author would do with that one but I have confidence that she could do it proud.
There is nothing earthshaking here but it was an enjoyable and quick read.
Well written short story and great illustrations.
3-3/4 stars
The author is local to me and is an online friend of mine (someone I admire for all sorts of reasons) and I don’t like “rating” this book but I did anyway.
ETA: After reading most of the other reviews I want to add that the details of this retelling were creative and unexpected. That’s a good thing.
Read
August 6, 2025A short, humorous graphic novel for elementary-aged readers, this first installment of The Fairy Tale Fixers offers a feminist and diverse twist on the classic Cinderella tale. However, with countless Cinderella retellings already on shelves, this one doesn’t bring much new to the table.
Comparisons to popular series like InvestiGators and The First Cat in Space set a reasonably high bar. Unfortunately, this first volume falls short of matching their quirky charm or clever problem-solving. It’s also noticeably shorter than volumes from those series, leading to a rushed ending and limited character development.
The noir theme had promise but wasn’t fully realized, and the somewhat dated color palette didn’t help the visual appeal. While kids might enjoy the humor, there’s little here to engage adults who might want to read along. It’s unlikely to become a must-read family series, but some young readers may still find enough fun to stay curious about future installments.
Thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
Comparisons to popular series like InvestiGators and The First Cat in Space set a reasonably high bar. Unfortunately, this first volume falls short of matching their quirky charm or clever problem-solving. It’s also noticeably shorter than volumes from those series, leading to a rushed ending and limited character development.
The noir theme had promise but wasn’t fully realized, and the somewhat dated color palette didn’t help the visual appeal. While kids might enjoy the humor, there’s little here to engage adults who might want to read along. It’s unlikely to become a must-read family series, but some young readers may still find enough fun to stay curious about future installments.
Thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.
April 4, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
This was a truly delightful read. I love a good fractured fairy tale/fairy tale retelling, and this one was such a fun read. The characters had so much personality, I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times, and it clearly presented a much needed message without shoving it down the reader's throat. While the art style wasn't my favorite and it was a bit predictable, it was still a genuinely fun read, full of clever one-liners and panel designs without anything that I would view as potentially objectionable for younger audiences. I highly recommend this book for especially elementary-aged audiences who are exploring fairy tale retellings for the first time, but I also enjoyed the story a lot without being elementary-aged, so don't let that recommendation stop you from giving it a try yourself. You might find yourself laughing out loud like I was.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a truly delightful read. I love a good fractured fairy tale/fairy tale retelling, and this one was such a fun read. The characters had so much personality, I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times, and it clearly presented a much needed message without shoving it down the reader's throat. While the art style wasn't my favorite and it was a bit predictable, it was still a genuinely fun read, full of clever one-liners and panel designs without anything that I would view as potentially objectionable for younger audiences. I highly recommend this book for especially elementary-aged audiences who are exploring fairy tale retellings for the first time, but I also enjoyed the story a lot without being elementary-aged, so don't let that recommendation stop you from giving it a try yourself. You might find yourself laughing out loud like I was.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 2, 2025
In fractured fairy tale fashion, this new version of Cinderella goes in unexpected directions.
Here is what I liked:
👸Cinderella does not look like a classic Disney character and she is spunky! Does she even need a fairy tale fixer?
🐭It all starts with a mouse trying to help out a friend. Things snowball from there in "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" fashion.
🤴The Prince is a blabbermouth. No one can get in a word edgewise. Quite a comical character -- not the "catch" you might expect.
🎁In the end, Cinderella gets exactly what she wanted. You'll never guess, but here is a hint: ☕
This was clever and entertaining. The fairy tale fixer was a bit of a confusing character for me. How much power did he really have? I will be watching for more books in this series. A big thank you to my GR friend Rosh for bringing this one to my attention.
Thank you to Clarion Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Here is what I liked:
👸Cinderella does not look like a classic Disney character and she is spunky! Does she even need a fairy tale fixer?
🐭It all starts with a mouse trying to help out a friend. Things snowball from there in "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" fashion.
🤴The Prince is a blabbermouth. No one can get in a word edgewise. Quite a comical character -- not the "catch" you might expect.
🎁In the end, Cinderella gets exactly what she wanted. You'll never guess, but here is a hint: ☕
This was clever and entertaining. The fairy tale fixer was a bit of a confusing character for me. How much power did he really have? I will be watching for more books in this series. A big thank you to my GR friend Rosh for bringing this one to my attention.
Thank you to Clarion Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Boks for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I grew up watching The Rocky & Bullwinkle show, and my favorite part was always the Fractured Fairy Tales. When I saw The Fairy Tale Fixers, I immediately requested it because of the similarities. I like my fairy tales with a touch of whimsy and an explanation of how/why ideas changed.
This is a very cute read, and I thought the artwork matched the story pretty well, too. This is the first book in what appears to be e a series. I liked the fact that the familiar story of Cinderella was twisted on its side. It really fits modern sensibilities, and I think this is a great way to show kids that there are different variations to fairy tales.
Fairy Tale Fixers is bound to be a hit with young and old alike. I can’t wait to see what tale is next for a modern revision!
I grew up watching The Rocky & Bullwinkle show, and my favorite part was always the Fractured Fairy Tales. When I saw The Fairy Tale Fixers, I immediately requested it because of the similarities. I like my fairy tales with a touch of whimsy and an explanation of how/why ideas changed.
This is a very cute read, and I thought the artwork matched the story pretty well, too. This is the first book in what appears to be e a series. I liked the fact that the familiar story of Cinderella was twisted on its side. It really fits modern sensibilities, and I think this is a great way to show kids that there are different variations to fairy tales.
Fairy Tale Fixers is bound to be a hit with young and old alike. I can’t wait to see what tale is next for a modern revision!
June 16, 2025
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Charming and humorous look at how Cinderella ended up at the ball with a powerful statement about listening to what someone really wants. Readers meet the Fairy Tale Fixer on a Friday evening when he decides to take a case and help a mouse with their problem. They will recognize the story and enjoy the humor as the two figure out how to help the mouse with their noise issue and get Cinderella out of the situation she is in. The two learn a hard lesson when she runs from the ball to escape from the prince. They finally get it right when they offer Cinderella her real dream. Underwood is a master of humor with underlying serious points to think about for any age. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an electronic ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley.
Charming and humorous look at how Cinderella ended up at the ball with a powerful statement about listening to what someone really wants. Readers meet the Fairy Tale Fixer on a Friday evening when he decides to take a case and help a mouse with their problem. They will recognize the story and enjoy the humor as the two figure out how to help the mouse with their noise issue and get Cinderella out of the situation she is in. The two learn a hard lesson when she runs from the ball to escape from the prince. They finally get it right when they offer Cinderella her real dream. Underwood is a master of humor with underlying serious points to think about for any age. Looking forward to the next book.
June 9, 2025
Really silly, fun twist on the traditional Cinderella story.
Loved the slightly mis-guided but we'll intentioned "Fairy" and big-hearted but maybe a teensy selfishly-motivated "Mouse".
Overall: 3.75✨
Plot/Lesson: 4📍
Illustration: 3🖌️
Smiles: 3 😅
Suggested Ages:
Read To: 6+
Read By: 6+
(Full Review To Come)
BLUF: Entertaining but didn't keep attention of "C" (3ish) and "A" (6ish) I don't think found it as amusing as it could be.
"Mom's" Review
I loved the premise of the book but it feels unfinished? Unpolished?
The opening premise of the book is Mouse asking Fairy for help b/c of the yellijg in the house... But then Fairy and Mouse were both yelling throughout the book.
I'm still very curious to hear about the next "Case File!" but I'd rather see better behavior modeled by the main characters as kids typically mold what they read and see.
A big thank you to Deborah Underwood, Jorge Lacerno, Harper Alley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel.
All opinions are our own.
Loved the slightly mis-guided but we'll intentioned "Fairy" and big-hearted but maybe a teensy selfishly-motivated "Mouse".
Overall: 3.75✨
Plot/Lesson: 4📍
Illustration: 3🖌️
Smiles: 3 😅
Suggested Ages:
Read To: 6+
Read By: 6+
(Full Review To Come)
BLUF: Entertaining but didn't keep attention of "C" (3ish) and "A" (6ish) I don't think found it as amusing as it could be.
"Mom's" Review
I loved the premise of the book but it feels unfinished? Unpolished?
The opening premise of the book is Mouse asking Fairy for help b/c of the yellijg in the house... But then Fairy and Mouse were both yelling throughout the book.
I'm still very curious to hear about the next "Case File!" but I'd rather see better behavior modeled by the main characters as kids typically mold what they read and see.
A big thank you to Deborah Underwood, Jorge Lacerno, Harper Alley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this graphic novel.
All opinions are our own.
May 10, 2025
There have been so many twists on fairy tales over the years, but nothing quite like The Fairy Tale Fixers. In this first book of the series, the focus is on Cinderella and her wish. Our friendly neighborhood detective is brought in by one of the mice in the story, who is SO TIRED of the constant bickering in Cinderella's story.
Now, this is no ordinary detective, of course, he's one who knows his stuff. He knows it so well, he decides that he will grant Cinderella her wish, without actually confirming that he has the right wish! The hijinks that ensue are sure to delight any reader as this graphic novel takes us on a brand new spin with Cinderella.
Now, this is no ordinary detective, of course, he's one who knows his stuff. He knows it so well, he decides that he will grant Cinderella her wish, without actually confirming that he has the right wish! The hijinks that ensue are sure to delight any reader as this graphic novel takes us on a brand new spin with Cinderella.
June 20, 2025
I truly didn’t care much at all for Deborah Underwood’s Fairytale Fixers. Though filled with adorable illustrations from Jorge Lacera, I spent most of the story feeling deeply irritated with the main character, a Sherlock Holmes-esque, self-centered detective who is called in by the Watson-esque character to support in getting the cruel step-family to stop yelling at poor Cinderella.
This character quite literally spends a rather large portion of the story completely dismissing the Cinderella character’s wants, needs, hopes, and desires in favor of pushing his own belief of what she wants onto her. He takes on the role of her fairy godmother and goes out of his way to follow the typical Cinderella plotline, even though the only thing this character truly wants is to own and run a diner of her own.
On some level, I think I’m also rather tired of the excessive amount of subversion and criticism of the Cinderella character’s journey finding love. Sure, it’s nice to see the character dream focused from time to time, but I also think we’ve seen this enough that it’s not a big or exciting thing anymore. And when it’s coupled with a jerk “fairy” trying to push his view of what Cinderella should want and be onto her, I found myself just cringing the entire time.
Now, I’ll concede that this story does have a good message in the end. This “fairy” learns the error of his ways and helps Cinderella to get to where she wants to be and it makes sense to introduce kids to the truth that there will sometimes be meddlesome people who dismiss their desires in favor of the life they believe a certain person should lead. This is largely why I, personally, would never dismiss this book entirely. I think it could be great for a large number of kids.
But for me, I think having the Sherlock-mouse (or is he a rat?) become the fairy godmother and also be seen as this great detective who fixes things when he’s actually just a nuisance—subverting the Sherlock role in the process, might I add, which I also found annoying—just made this story overall a miss for me. The themes and tropes, I’m sure, could be found and seen in other stories in one that annoys me much less.
So, all in all, not a bad story by any means but this is definitely one I’d personally decide to skip.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This character quite literally spends a rather large portion of the story completely dismissing the Cinderella character’s wants, needs, hopes, and desires in favor of pushing his own belief of what she wants onto her. He takes on the role of her fairy godmother and goes out of his way to follow the typical Cinderella plotline, even though the only thing this character truly wants is to own and run a diner of her own.
On some level, I think I’m also rather tired of the excessive amount of subversion and criticism of the Cinderella character’s journey finding love. Sure, it’s nice to see the character dream focused from time to time, but I also think we’ve seen this enough that it’s not a big or exciting thing anymore. And when it’s coupled with a jerk “fairy” trying to push his view of what Cinderella should want and be onto her, I found myself just cringing the entire time.
Now, I’ll concede that this story does have a good message in the end. This “fairy” learns the error of his ways and helps Cinderella to get to where she wants to be and it makes sense to introduce kids to the truth that there will sometimes be meddlesome people who dismiss their desires in favor of the life they believe a certain person should lead. This is largely why I, personally, would never dismiss this book entirely. I think it could be great for a large number of kids.
But for me, I think having the Sherlock-mouse (or is he a rat?) become the fairy godmother and also be seen as this great detective who fixes things when he’s actually just a nuisance—subverting the Sherlock role in the process, might I add, which I also found annoying—just made this story overall a miss for me. The themes and tropes, I’m sure, could be found and seen in other stories in one that annoys me much less.
So, all in all, not a bad story by any means but this is definitely one I’d personally decide to skip.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
Fairytale with a twist ✅
Fun animal characters ✅
Family friendly story ✅
What if you could enter any story and fix the problems of the characters you find? That’s what’s about to happen with Cinderella and she didn’t even ask for the help!
This book reminded me of the reading level of Dogman but about fairytales. My 9yo is past the stage of graphic novels like this, but early readers would really enjoy this reading level. It’s a fun story but it’s not long enough to be very intimidating. I recommend for early readers, appropriate for all ages.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Fun animal characters ✅
Family friendly story ✅
What if you could enter any story and fix the problems of the characters you find? That’s what’s about to happen with Cinderella and she didn’t even ask for the help!
This book reminded me of the reading level of Dogman but about fairytales. My 9yo is past the stage of graphic novels like this, but early readers would really enjoy this reading level. It’s a fun story but it’s not long enough to be very intimidating. I recommend for early readers, appropriate for all ages.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 21, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I am always a fan of a fairy tale with a twist and this one was so much fun! There was something very reminiscent of the old "Lonely Ghosts" cartoon with Fairy waiting to get the call that his investigative services were needed. The dynamic between Fairy and Mouse offers a lot of humor - they are very much an odd couple who actually make a great team. The author's twists and the hallmarks of the Cinderella story are clever and make this very different from all the versions that have come before it. I highly recommend this for middle grade readers and school/classroom libraries.
I am always a fan of a fairy tale with a twist and this one was so much fun! There was something very reminiscent of the old "Lonely Ghosts" cartoon with Fairy waiting to get the call that his investigative services were needed. The dynamic between Fairy and Mouse offers a lot of humor - they are very much an odd couple who actually make a great team. The author's twists and the hallmarks of the Cinderella story are clever and make this very different from all the versions that have come before it. I highly recommend this for middle grade readers and school/classroom libraries.
March 29, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for providing an ARC🪻
Omg! the new approach to the story was so funny and fresh!
Library mice helping sad stories reach a better ending... And here we have Cindrella!
It pulled off what the latest Cindrella movie wanted to do, but couldn't.
It felt a little rushed but I don't think it could be helped much. (Being a children's graphic novel.)
The art and character designs were amusing and delightful; and the plot unfolded charmingly.
A lovely short book with better written characters! Totally recommend.
Omg! the new approach to the story was so funny and fresh!
Library mice helping sad stories reach a better ending... And here we have Cindrella!
It pulled off what the latest Cindrella movie wanted to do, but couldn't.
It felt a little rushed but I don't think it could be helped much. (Being a children's graphic novel.)
The art and character designs were amusing and delightful; and the plot unfolded charmingly.
A lovely short book with better written characters! Totally recommend.
May 31, 2025
This was a super cute graphic novel about a twist on the Cinderella fairy tale in which Cinderella wants to open a diner not marry a prince. Loved that the fairy godmother is a rat that is hired by mouse to stop Cinderella’s family from yelling at her and disturbing him. While Fairy needs a lot of help to figure out what Cinderellas dream is, he eventually gets it right and its happy ever after for everyone.
Thanks to Clarion Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Clarion Books and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 7, 2025
This book follows two mice on a journey to "fix" broken fairytale stories to ensure the characters have a happy ending. This hilarious book begins with them wanting to fix the story of Cinderella, who mouse thinks is having a hard time. Of course, the traditional Cinderella she falls in love with a prince and they live happily ever after. Armed with a wand and hoping to make Cinderella's life better, the two mice head into the story to solve her problem. However, does Cinderella even want to saved? Such a well written cute graphic novel that is great for all ages.
April 19, 2025
What an absolute treat to read! We love fun, silly graphic novels and "The Fairy Tale Fixers" did not disappoint, this one is sure to be a hit with many ages! My 3yo (cinderella obsessed) and 7yo absolutely loved this and we read through in a single sitting!
Illustrations are fun and text is simple enough for beginner readers.
Arc from NetGalley
Illustrations are fun and text is simple enough for beginner readers.
Arc from NetGalley
July 8, 2025
Perfect for younger readers! Fairy Tale Fixers takes a new twist on the fairy tales we know and love.
When something goes wrong they know who to call in. We start with the story of Cinderella, a mouse living in their house can’t stand to hear the yelling anymore! So in comes the Fairy Tale Fixer to the rescue to try to get Cinderella out of the house and married to the prince.
When something goes wrong they know who to call in. We start with the story of Cinderella, a mouse living in their house can’t stand to hear the yelling anymore! So in comes the Fairy Tale Fixer to the rescue to try to get Cinderella out of the house and married to the prince.
August 30, 2025
[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
5 stars = Outstanding!
What a hoot! This is a fantastic fractured fairytale. It's funny without being "dumb" or overdone or cruel. There's a clever twist. This book sets up a series, and I am here for it. I will absolutely read more of these. Highly recommend!
5 stars = Outstanding!
What a hoot! This is a fantastic fractured fairytale. It's funny without being "dumb" or overdone or cruel. There's a clever twist. This book sets up a series, and I am here for it. I will absolutely read more of these. Highly recommend!
September 1, 2025
This is a brilliant children's graphic novel retelling of the Cinderella story. Cinderella doesn't want to marry a Prince! Absolutely hilarious, and I loved it. Please read it to all of those little people who adore princesses (which is fine), but this Cinderella has a different dream.
September 9, 2025
This charming graphic novel is full of humor and the noir mood broadens the appeal to fans of detective stories too. It does a nice job of flipping the fairy tale trappings like happily ever after with a prince.
April 19, 2025
This was such a cute little quick read! Gives you a nice fairy tale spin with a detective added to it.
April 27, 2025
It was a great book. It was a funnier version of the story of Cinderella. The part in the diner was my favorite part!
June 21, 2025
I need this to be a full series where they go into all the different fairy tales! I loved the different spin on the Cinderella and this story had the whole family laughing together throughout.
August 26, 2025
Cute and straightforward retelling. Good for kids.
August 28, 2025
What a fun, witty, adorable take on a classic. I can’t wait for the next one. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews