Sadie Jones and the Ball

The palace is buzzing with gossip. The prince has been told by the queen that he must find a wife by the end of the summer. He decides to hold a ball to find a suitable bride. Sadie Jones, the smallest kitchen maid at the palace, doesn’t think this event will involve her – until she receives an invitation. She discovers all the unmarried girls in the kingdom have been invited, even the servants, but unfortunately there is no invitation for Sadie’s friend Joey, a kitchen boy at the palace.

After surmounting difficulties in finding an outfit, Sadie attends the ball. Also attending is a very mysterious and rather familiar girl who captivates the prince, and leaves behind a glass slipper….

This is an amusing take on the Cinderella story told from a different perspective. It poses several ‘what if’ questions – including what might a ball be like if only girls are invited? Will the male servants including Sadie’s friend Joey find a way to join in with the fun? And what might happen if the prince isn’t keen on marrying Cinderella once he discovers she is only a servant?

Another engaging and accessible read from award winning publisher Barrington Stoke. Written by highly acclaimed author Sally Nicholls, key moments in the story are perfectly captured in Ashley King’s greyscale illustrations. An ideal book for newly independent readers.