The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin

Category: Picture Book
Title: The Rough-Face Girl
Author: Rafe Martin
Illustrator: David Shannon
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons : New York
Publication Date: 1992
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Traditional Literature
Theme: Everyone is beautiful in their own way.
Number of Pages: Unpaged

Summary: In a lakeside Indian village, a mystical Invisible Being is sought after by all the young girls. To marry him, one must be able to see him, yet no one has been successful. A girl shunned by villagers and even her beautiful sisters because of her scarred face and body bravely ventures to meet the Invisible Being. Upon seeing him, and because he can sense the goodness and compassion in her heart, she wins his love. She is transformed emotionally and physically into a beautiful, happy woman.

Evaluation: This folktale is an enjoyable interpretation of the well-known Cinderella story, with the seemingly ugly sister mistreated for years but finally finding happiness as a result of her goodness and optimistic spirit. The theme is evident, simple and meaningful. Children would find the protagonist engaging. Her initial vulnerability forces the reader to root for her. Although folk tale settings are typically vague, the fact that this story occurs on the shores of Lake Ontario would make it appealing to readers learning about the Algonquin Indians or those living near the lake region. The illustrations add to the experience. Much of the imagery is dark and foreboding, which complements many parts of the story, but there also are pictures that depict beautiful scenes using soft lines and beautiful colors. The borders around the illustrations, which resemble wooden frames, give the images an appropriate rustic look.