Fantasy Book Review: Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin

Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff

Synopsis:
In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone’s joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

Review:
Readers will feel for Rump who is teased and bullied. In fact, Red is his only friend. His mother is dead, so Rump is raised by his frail grandmother. When Rump fails to mine enough gold to feed the two of them, he discovers he has a gift (or curse) for turning straw into gold.

With clever characters, humor, and suspense – Rump is an enjoyable tale for readers of all ages. It’s a fresh take on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, impossible to put down and incredibly charming. I didn’t want this impressive debut to end. Rump is endearing, and Red is spunky and smart. I’d love to read more of their adventures.