In this adaptation of an Irish tale, the author introduces a male protagonist, Becan, subverting traditional gender norms and offering a fresh perspective. Including a magical bull as Becan's fairy godmother adds an Irish flavor to the story, drawing from the mystical qualities often associated with animals in Irish folklore. Becan's heroic adventures, such as defeating a giant and a dragon, resonate with the rich tradition of Irish heroic tales. The mysterious disappearance of Becan after saving the princess aligns with the prevalent theme of fate in Irish folklore. ( )

This is an alternate version of Cinderella with a male protagonist and much more action. Though Cinderlad has three wicked stepsisters he also has a battle with a giant and a dragon. As he has saved the princess and riding off he loses his shoe in the same way Cinderella lost her slipper and is eventually found by his unique feet. ( )

This book is about a boy named Becan, who befriends a bull that dies, this encouraged Becan to continue his journey as a herder, and to lead an adventerous life. This book would be useful to discuss while teaching about folktales. This book would be a good read aloud the adventure in the book would keep the audience captivated throughout the entirity of the story. ( )

Ever since he was a baby, Becan’s only worry has been his big feet—until his widowed father remarries. His new stepmother and her three daughters feed him crusts of bread and banish him to work in the fields. So Becan runs away. With the help of his only friend, a magical bull, he defeats a giant, slays a dragon, and rescues a princess. But before she can thank him, Becan disappears, leaving behind him one of his enormous boots. The princess scours the kingdom for the owner of the giant boot. Will Becan’s feet give him away? And what will his fate be if they do?

This retelling of a folktale is pretty different from the any other Cinderella story. This is due to the fact that the Cinderella of the story is a male who has to fight a dragon. The similarities are there, but it almost doesn’t even feel like a Cinderella story. It is good for the story it is trying to tell, but it does feel weird to call this a Cinderella story. I think generally people would enjoy the changes to this Cinderella. In my opinion it is much more interesting than the “original”. ( )