RED: THE TRUE STORY OF RED RIDING HOOD, Liesl Shurtliff

I’m starting to realize that I’ve read and reviewed a fair number of fantasy books inspired by the Little Red Riding Hood story, and more are on the way. So either this cape-wearing girl is just really popular, or my repertoire is too narrow, and what little readership I have will soon be sick to death of her. In my defense, two of those stories were about the same Red Riding Hood from Once Upon A Time, just as this Red is the same character featured in Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin. For both girls, the second book is their true debut as protagonists, so technically I’ve only reviewed two Red Riding Hood stories, right? (Not for long—be on the lookout for Sisters Red.)

In my further defense, I had to give Red a try after enjoying Rump so much, even if part of that enjoyment came from my attachment to the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale—and a certain TV show’s rendition of its titular character. But Shurtliff’s smart and fun writing styles played no small part, so Red deserves as much consideration. 

RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN, Liesl Shurtliff

One of the questions I ask myself about the books I choose for reviews is whether it’s worth the effort to look at ones intended for a younger audience--not just YA, but ages 8 through 12 (so Yearling tells me in miniscule print on the book’s rear; hah, rear). Maybe I ask this to potentially spare myself minor embarrassment at the bookstore or the library, but the truth is children’s literature should face discernment. We should measure it by appropriate standards and reward those works that go beyond our expectations. I admit my heart was already soft toward this book due to my growing love for the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale and a certain character on a certain television show that just returned for its fifth season (if only they’d actually let him be in the show now).

Ahem.

With that said, I dare anyone to read through Rump and reach its final pages without the tiniest smile on his or her face. Not only is it a fun retelling of the old story and sneaks in nods to other classics like Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Rapunzel, but it takes its material seriously, and it takes its readers seriously. It doesn’t rest on pseudo-lingo for a joke or “speak the youth language.” Its narrative is straightforward and honest and shimmers with charming humor.