I truly loved reading the book Ella Enchanted, and have heard from several young readers that they also love the book. A local librarian told me that the book is very rarely left on the shelf. Even though it was published in 1997, it has the timeless appeal of a fairy tale without being simplistic in its content or writing. Levine did a fabulous job in writing the story, an opinion I share with the committee that distributes Newbery Honor awards. Not only is the lead character intelligent and kind, she reveals her own inner strength as she is challenged through a variety of trials and must save herself from her own misfortune. Of course, I also love that it has a "happily-ever-after" type of ending. My favorite! I would definitely recommend that this book be part of a school library collection.
Although the movie is enjoyable, it is only very loosely based on the movie. In both the movie and the book, Ella is "gifted" with obedience from a fairy, but the gift turns out to be more of a curse. She must obey everyone who gives her an order. Aside from a few major characters, that premise is really the only thing shared by the movie and book (except for a "happily-ever-after" ending!). The path that Ella takes to become free of the curse and the relationships she has with the other characters are very different in the movie than in the book. I enjoyed watching the movie, but it definitely strayed from the storyline provided by Levine.
In summary, I enjoyed both the movie and the book, but definitely give the book a higher rating than the movie.
Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York: HarperCollins.
O'Haver, T. (Director). Ella enchanted [Motion picture]. United States: Miramax.
Although the movie is enjoyable, it is only very loosely based on the movie. In both the movie and the book, Ella is "gifted" with obedience from a fairy, but the gift turns out to be more of a curse. She must obey everyone who gives her an order. Aside from a few major characters, that premise is really the only thing shared by the movie and book (except for a "happily-ever-after" ending!). The path that Ella takes to become free of the curse and the relationships she has with the other characters are very different in the movie than in the book. I enjoyed watching the movie, but it definitely strayed from the storyline provided by Levine.
In summary, I enjoyed both the movie and the book, but definitely give the book a higher rating than the movie.
Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York: HarperCollins.
O'Haver, T. (Director). Ella enchanted [Motion picture]. United States: Miramax.
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