In this librarian book review, I explore the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett and share why this captivating retelling makes an excellent read-aloud for upper elementary and middle school students.
The Magic of Books in the Library
As a librarian, one of my true passions is to guide a student into the magical world that only lives inside of a book, holding the keys to the magical worlds that live upon the library shelves. As a librarian, I act as a guide who takes my students through the magical journey of truly entering the world of a book, as the door slowly closes behind them, engulfing them in a world of enchantment.
Why Fairy Tales Hold the Most Magical Doors
Ah, there are so many wonderful books on the shelves of a library: historical fiction, adventure, and mysteries, just to name a few. But only one type of book can truly be crowned as the winner of the coveted award for holding the most keys to magical doors. Drum roll, please… And the winner is fairy tales.
The Return of Old-World Fairy Tales
Sadly, though, true old-world fairy tales seem to have been put aside for new modern-day versions. Now, there is nothing wrong with this. I, myself, have enjoyed the new form of fairy tales, as well. We have many such books in my library, such as fractured fairy tales, fairy tales told from many viewpoints, and graphic novels, just to name a few. However, the true old-world fairy tales just aren’t getting the recognition they deserve anymore, until now.
A Masterful Retelling: Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett has brought the joy of reading old-world fairy tales back to life. His latest book, Rumpelstiltskin is a true masterpiece. His recreation of this ancient folklore will instantly lure readers into its grasp.
Publisher’s Synopsis of Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett
Once upon a time there was a clever girl with a not-so-clever father. When her father claims she can spin straw into gold, the king forces the girl to perform this impossible task. She has no other choice than to accept a strange deal from a mysterious little man. But when he arrives and attempts to collect the debt, the fiendish trickster Rumpelstiltskin discovers that he is the one who has been tricked! This is the second in the groundbreaking new collection of masterfully retold fairy tales crafted by one of today’s most celebrated and esteemed authors, Mac Barnett, paired with the stunning illustrations of the acclaimed and award-winning creator, Carson Ellis.
With Barnett’s signature pacing and wit, his subversive storytelling style and narrative voice, and Ellis’s stunning folk-art style, this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett will introduce this classic story to a new generation of readers!
Book Details and Characteristics
Rumpelstiltskin’s Book Characteristics
- Title: Rumpelstiltskin
- Author: Mac Barnett
- Illustrator: Carson Ellis
- Genre: Classic Fairy Tale / Retelling
- Recommended Grade Levels: Upper Elementary and Middle School
A Stronger Female Character in This Retelling
Even though this is a classic fairy tale, Barnett has woven in a retelling of the story to include more of a modern female character than in the past versions. For instance, in the past versions, the damsel in distress was simply helpless. She was at the mercy of her cruel father, greedy king, and a little, but talented miser who was all ready to take advantage of her.
In this version, the damsel isn’t really a lady in waiting at all. She knows who she is, and frankly, she is very happy and content being her own person. Our modern-day heroine feels and acts more like a naturalist, perfectly at home in the quiet world of the woods. She spends her days wandering beneath tall trees, studying the small wonders around her, and happily catching frogs along the edge of a pond.
The forest is not a frightening place to her; it is where she feels most alive. She moves through the woods with the confidence of someone who understands nature and enjoys her own company. Rather than waiting for someone to rescue her, she carries a quiet independence about her. A girl who is perfectly content exploring the world on her own terms until her father’s boastful words suddenly pull her into the king’s impossible demand.
Literary Elements in Rumpelstiltskin: Symbolism and Naming
In literature, authors often use symbolism through naming, which is sometimes called onomastics. This simply means that authors choose names very intentionally. A name can hint at a character’s personality, show relationships between characters, or even reveal deeper themes within the story.
Understanding Motifs in Fairy Tales
In Rumpelstiltskin, the same name appears more than once, between the father, the king, and even the guesses made for Rumpelstiltskin’s name. This repetition may also be an example of a motif, which is a repeated element in a story that helps reveal a deeper meaning. By repeating the name, the storyteller may be drawing attention to how these male characters share similar traits, such as power, greed, or control over the young girl.
Character Development in Mac Barnett’s Retelling
Furthermore, Barnett’s retelling reveals a strong female lead who is more of a modern-day heroine. For someone as wise as she is, she soon applies negotiation tactics with the little miser who is so willing to take advantage of a female in distress. Well, in his mind, she was in distress. In her mind, it was just another day in her life, and soon she would be back in the woods, hunting frogs again.
Believe me, I would write more, but like any good librarian, I will simply tell you to check out this book for yourself.
Watch the Author and Illustrator Read Rumpelstiltskin
Want to peruse before you purchase? Please enjoy the captivating reading of this much-loved tale by the author himself and the book’s most talented illustrator. It is one to definitely share with your students on a rainy day.
The Stunning Illustrations by Carson Ellis
The illustrations first seem like they are from a long-lost fairy tale from years ago. That is until you take a closer look and realize the majestic artwork that has graced the pages. Deep in texture, filled with warm golds, dark browns, forest greens, and shadowy blues, these details give the story an old-world feeling that pulls readers right in. It truly feels like stepping into a classic fairy tale that sits on an old castle shelf.
How Illustrations Tell the Story
Furthermore, one of the things I absolutely love about these illustrations is how much of the story the illustrations tell without a single word being written on the page. The smallest details speak volumes. A character’s glance across the room, the way someone is quietly standing in a shadowed corner, or the subtle expression on a character’s face reveals so much about what is happening in that moment. These are the kinds of illustrations that invite readers to slow down, study the page, and discover pieces of the story hidden right inside the artwork.
Artistic Style and Visual Shifts in the Story
One thing that I did notice was that on certain pages, the illustrations soon turned into black and white ink drawings, and switched back as quickly as they changed the first time around. I don’t know if this was intentional to grab the student’s attention or a more deviated plot to push the story forward. Nevertheless, the illustrations are spellbinding.
Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett: Why This Book Is Perfect for a Read-Aloud
Every now and then, a book comes along that reminds us why stories have been passed down for hundreds of years. This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin does exactly that. It carries the mystery and wonder of an old-world fairy tale while still appealing to the modern-day student with its superior character development and story resolution. Of course, I chuckled at the end, but not at how it ended, but how the ending was so cleverly resolved.
Why Older Students Appreciate Fairy Tales Differently
One awesome skill older students have now that they have matured as readers is they notice the deeper layers of a story, compared to when they were much younger. They see the cleverness or lack of cleverness in each character, the building of the tension of the impossible situation placed upon the hero, and the humor tucked away that they never realized before. They now see how these much-loved tales are full of choices, consequences, and overcoming the impossible. Ah, Barnett and Ellis have created the retelling of what I have dreamt fairy tales should be like in this modern age. In my students’ language, Barnett and Ellis nailed it.
Persuasive Writing Activity – Write a Book Review for Upper Elementary Students
Ready to help your students move beyond basic summaries? Explore the Persuasive Writing Activity – Write a Book Review and see how it transforms reading responses into persuasive writing.
Conclusion: A Must-Read Fairy Tale for Your Classroom Library
So, if you’re looking for a book that will truly pull your students into the magical world of storytelling and fairy tales, this is one I highly recommend adding to your classroom library. Read it aloud, or watch the video and enjoy a master storyteller at work.
Let students linger on the illustrations. Let them talk about the surprising twists along the way, because sometimes all it takes is one good story to open the door to a whole new love of reading.
And once your students step through that enchanting world of stories, well, they were glad you held and turned the key to the magical door that only a book can hold.
Want more picture books for upper elementary and middle school students? We have just what you need.
