The stories of a Cinderella character go far beyond the familiar tales of Perrault and Grimm. Author Judy Sierra presents 24 versions that represent a broad range of cultures and geographical areas, styles, with variations on the theme of the persecuted heroine (or occasionally hero) who emerges victorious, regardless of the circumstances. Each version is accompanied by a short introductory paragraph that summarizes the plot and discusses the cultural background of the story.

Judy Sierra, PhD, a former children's librarian, is a leader of workshops in storytelling, folklore, and children's literature. She has received wide recognition as both a storyteller and a teacher of storytelling. She is author or coauthor of several books on storytelling, including Cinderella and Multicultural Folktales: Stories to Tell Young Children, published by Oryx Press.