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Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin Paperback – April 22, 2014
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In a magic 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 Riding Hood, 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.
A Texas Bluebonnet finalist and winner of the ILA award for middle grade fiction, Rump is perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm. And don't miss Liesl Shurtliff's other fairy tale retellings: Jack: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk and Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood.
"A fresh riff on the Grimm Brothers' Rumpelstiltskin, told with wit from the impish point of view of the troublemaker himself." —People
"Lighthearted and inventive, Rump amusingly expands a classic tale." —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 - 7
- Lexile measure660L
- Dimensions5.19 x 0.7 x 7.63 inches
- PublisherYearling
- Publication dateApril 22, 2014
- ISBN-10030797796X
- ISBN-13978-0307977960
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A fresh riff on the Grimm Brothers' Rumpelstiltskin, told with wit from the impish point of view of the troublemaker himself."
The Denver Post, May 6, 2013:
“A startlingly original book.”
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2013:
“As good as gold.”
School Library Journal, May, 2013:
“A beguiling take on a classic tale.... This captivating fantasy has action, emotional depth, and lots of humor.”
BookPage, April 9, 2013:
“Shurtliff takes the traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head, interspersing humor with tenderness, action with insight. Rump shows the other side of Rumpelstiltskin, one of the most vilified characters in fairy tales, and reminds readers that in a good story, very little is as it seems.”
"Liesl Shurtliff does more than spin words into gold—she gets us rooting for Rumpelstiltskin, a most magical feat."
—Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hattie Big Sky
"Lighthearted and inventive, Rump amusingly expands a classic tale."
—Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven
About the Author
Before she became a writer, Liesl graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in music, dance, and theater. Her first three books, Rump, Jack and Red are all New York Times bestsellers and Rump was named to over two dozen state award lists and won an ILA Children’s Book Award. She lives in Chicago with her family, where she continues to spin fairy tales.
Visit her at lieslshurtliff.com
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Mother had been very ill when I was born. Gran said she was fevered and coughing and I came before I was supposed to. Still, my mother held me close and whispered my name in my ear. No one heard it but me.
“His name?” Gran asked. “Tell me his name.”
“His name is Rump . . . haaa- cough- cough- cough . . .” Gran gave Mother something warm to drink and pried me from her arms.
“Tell me his name, Anna. All of it.”
But Mother never did. She took a breath and then let out all the air and didn’t take any more in. Ever.
Gran said that I cried then, but I never hear that in my imagination. All I hear is silence. Not a move or a breath. The fire doesn’t crack and even the pixies are still.
Finally, Gran holds me up and says, “Rump. His name is Rump.”
The next morning, the village bell chimed and gnomes ran all over The Mountain crying, “Rump! Rump! The new boy’s name is Rump!”
My name couldn’t be changed or taken back, because in The Kingdom your name isn’t just what people call you. Your name is full of meaning and power. Your name is your destiny.
My destiny really stinks.
I stopped growing when I was eight and I was small to begin with. The midwife, Gertrude, says I’m small because I had only the milk of a weak goat instead of a strong mother, but I know that really it’s because of my name. You can’t grow all the way if you don’t have a whole name.
I tried not to think about my destiny too much, but on my birthday I always did. On my twelfth birthday I thought of nothing else. I sat in the mine, swirling mud around in a pan, searching for gold. We needed gold, gold, gold, but all I saw was mud, mud, mud.
The pickaxes beat out a rhythm that rang all over The Mountain. It filled the air with thumps and bumps. In my head The Mountain was chanting, Thump, thump, thump. Bump, bump, bump. Rump, Rump, Rump. At least it was a good rhyme.
Thump, thump, thump
Bump, bump, bump
Rump, Rump, Rump
“Butt! Hey, Butt!”
I groaned as Frederick and his brother Bruno approached with menacing grins on their faces. Frederick and Bruno were the miller’s sons. They were close to my age, but so big, twice my size and ugly as trolls.
“Happy birthday, Butt! We have a present just for you.” Frederick threw a clod of dirt at me. My stubby hands tried to block it, but it smashed right in my face and I gagged at the smell. The clod of dirt was not dirt.
“Now that’s a gift worthy of your name!” said Bruno.
Other children howled with laughter.
“Leave him alone,” said a girl named Red. She glared at Frederick and Bruno, holding her shovel over her shoulder like a weapon. The other children stopped laughing.
“Oh,” said Frederick. “Do you love Butt?”
“That’s not his name,” growled Red.
“Then what is it? Why doesn’t he tell us?”
“Rump!” I said without thinking. “My name is Rump!” They burst out laughing. I had done just what they wanted. “But that’s not my real name!” I said desperately.
“It isn’t?” asked Frederick.
“What do you think his real name is?” asked Bruno.
Frederick pretended to think very hard. “Something unusual. Something special . . . Cow Rump.”
“Baby Rump,” said Bruno.
“Rump Roast!”
Everyone laughed. Frederick and Bruno fell over each other, holding their stomachs while tears streamed down their faces. They rolled in the dirt and squealed like pigs.
Just for a moment I envied them. They looked like they were having such fun, rolling in the dirt and laughing. Why couldn’t I do that? Why couldn’t I join them?
Then I remembered why they were laughing.
Red swung her shovel down hard so it stuck in the ground right between the boys’ heads. Frederick and Bruno stopped laughing. “Go away,” she said.
Bruno swallowed, staring cross-eyed at the shovel that was just inches from his nose. Frederick stood and grinned at Red. “Sure. You two want to be alone.” The brothers walked away, snorting and falling over each other.
I could feel Red looking at me, but I stared down at my pan. I picked out some of Frederick and Bruno’s present. I did not want to look at Red.
“You’d better find some gold today, Rump,” said Red.
I glared at her. “I know. I’m not stupid.”
She raised her eyebrows. Some people did think I was stupid because of my name. And sometimes I thought they were probably right. Maybe if you have only half a name, you have only half a brain.
I kept my eyes on my pan of mud, hoping Red would go away, but she stood over me with her shovel, like she was inspecting me.
“The rations are tightening,” said Red. “The king—”
“I know, Red.”
Red glared at me. “Fine. Then good luck to you.” She stomped off, and I felt worse than when Frederick and Bruno threw poop in my face.
Red wasn’t my friend exactly, but she was the closest I had to a friend. She never made fun of me. Sometimes she stood up for me, and I understood why. Her name wasn’t all that great, either. Just as people laugh at a name like Rump, they fear a name like Red. Red is not a name. It’s a color, an evil color. What kind of destiny does that bring?
Product details
- Publisher : Yearling; Reprint edition (April 22, 2014)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 030797796X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0307977960
- Reading age : 8 - 10 years, from customers
- Lexile measure : 660L
- Grade level : 3 - 7
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.19 x 0.7 x 7.63 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #93,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,671 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books
- #2,305 in Children's Humor
- #3,196 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Liesl Shurtliff is a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of books for young readers. Her books include RUMP, JACK, RED, and GRUMP, all part of the (Fairly) True Tales series from Knopf/Random House. Her latest book is the first in a new trilogy, TIME CASTAWAYS: The Mona Lisa Key from KatherineTegen/HarperCollins. TIME CASTAWAYS #2: The Obsidian Compass will be available October 15, 2019.
Liesl was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the mountains for her playground. Before she became a writer, Liesl graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in music, dance, and theater. She now lives in Chicago with her husband and four children. Visit Liesl online at www.lieslshurtliff.com and @lieslshurtliff everywhere.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book entertaining and enjoyable for young readers. They praise the unique storyline with interesting plot twists that hold their attention. The writing is described as creative, whimsical, and original. The book is easy to read with detailed descriptions and word choices. Readers appreciate the great characters and relatable backstories. The message is encouraging and magical, making it feel magical and meaningful. However, opinions differ on the pacing, with some finding it fast-paced and others finding it slow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's entertainment value. They find it entertaining for young readers and adults alike. It is a must-read for middle grade fairy tale lovers, and has just enough humor to attract those less experienced. Readers love the story and find it delightful, keeping them wanting to read more to find out what happens. The author's storytelling from Rumpelstiltskin is interesting and brings a new perspective to their favorite childhood fairytale.
"...The story advances with balance, suspense, and well-placed humor...." Read more
"...We read it as a family, and it kept my kindergarten-aged child all the way up to my junior high-aged child (and everyone in-between) entertained and..." Read more
"...are some interesting plot twists and Shurtliff keeps it light-hearted with plenty of humor...." Read more
"Highly recommend for upper elementary! Students were captivated by the story and humor" Read more
Customers enjoy the unique storyline and clever writing. They appreciate the interesting plot twists and that the story holds their attention. The book is described as a charming retelling of Rumplestiltskin with a fun twist on the classic fairy tale. Readers enjoy the adventure, humor, sadness, magic, and suspense that keep them coming back for more.
"...departing from the original Grimm -- draws its audience into a fresh, exciting and, I believe, improved version, aka, a Liesl Shurtliff fairy tale." Read more
"...He likes me to read to him, and I love doing so. This is a nice story for us both." Read more
"...Overall, this is a well-written book. There are some interesting plot twists and Shurtliff keeps it light-hearted with plenty of humor...." Read more
"...Can be read on many levels. Especially loved the ending!" Read more
Customers find the book creative and imaginative. They describe it as whimsical, original, and entertaining. The cover and storyline capture their attention.
"...The other is the actual magical sparkle spun by a masterful storyteller...." Read more
"I read Rump a few years ago and thought it was really cute. I decided recently to read the series aloud to my younger kids. They absolutely loved it!..." Read more
"...Shurtliff's unnamed fantasy land (for names carry weight) is whimsical enough that readers will want to stay just to find out what quirky creature..." Read more
"...She really liked it and I loved it. What a creative and wonderful story. Recently bought another copy for a friend's child...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read with detailed descriptions and wonderful word choices. They enjoy listening to it aloud and appreciate the special names and humorous rumps. The story is well-crafted and an example of improvising classic stories.
"...It seems to appeal to ages 8 to 12. It was easy to read,but sometimes there where words one would not understand...." Read more
"...It tends to be a bit wordy (my son) but I got it and appreciated her attention to details...." Read more
"...This book was fantastic to read out loud and made bedtime our most favorite time of the day...." Read more
"This story is a well showed example of improvising classic stories and making them much different...." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the characters fun and endearing, with complex yet accessible personalities that young readers can relate to. The villain is given a heart and backstory that readers can connect with. Readers also appreciate the focus on the character's name and its significance to him.
"I loved this book. I love the focus on his name and what he would mean to him in his journey of self discovery. Can be read on many levels...." Read more
"...The characters were fun, the moral was great, and the story was well-paced and fun. I recommend!!" Read more
"Really well written with complex yet accessible characters for young ones. A touching story that new and interwoven with fairy tale lore...." Read more
"...the story from Rumpelstiltskin's point of view and made him a very likeable character. I highly recommend this for kids or adults." Read more
Customers find the book enjoyable and engaging. They find it magical and meaningful, with a different perspective that makes them think. The characters are fun and the moral is great. The excitement lasts throughout the storyline, making it addictive.
"...Mixed in with the fun is a heart-felt and encouraging message for everyone trying to find their place in this journey of life. I highly recommend!" Read more
"...This isn't a prequel or a sequel or a spin-off, but a far more meaningful and far less grim take on the Grimm tale...." Read more
"...asked to describe "Rump" using one word each, the words: Fun, magical, happy, and adventurous came from my four children who all (amazingly)..." Read more
"...The characters were fun, the moral was great, and the story was well-paced and fun. I recommend!!" Read more
Customers have different views on the book's pace. Some find it fast-paced and fun, finishing the book in less than a week. Others feel the beginning is slow and boring, making it hard to get into the storyline.
"...I know, she's reading several chapters per day and finishes the book in less than a week. I was impressed the story held her attention." Read more
"...The story begins at a rather plodding pace in its first 50 pages. Its aim is to reveal the "little man's" side of the story...." Read more
"...The entire story flows effortlessly from beginning to end. This was an enchanting story of the beginning of Rumpelstiltskin." Read more
"...It's a hilarious story, but the beginning is kinda boring. It seems to appeal to ages 8 to 12...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's sadness. Some find it a perfect blend of humor, sadness, magic, and suspense that brings tears to their eyes. Others say the ending is happy yet a little sad, and some parts are a little sad or gross.
"...She created the perfect blend of humor, sadness, magic, and suspense to keep me coming back for more. This book will not leave you disappointed!" Read more
"...sneak in another version of R. Most of the book was dreary, depressing, and hopeless. Sad. Ugh...." Read more
"...It made my daughter laugh and cry several times throughout the book. We look forward to reading it again" Read more
"...The ending is happy yet a little sad. It was probably my 3rd favorite book I have read (and I have read a lot of books)." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2013Two kinds of magic operate here. One is toxic, uncontrolled and at the story's core. The other is the actual magical sparkle spun by a masterful storyteller.
The tale is a good one and most have no doubt heard some version of it before. This time, however, it unfolds from inside the mind of Rumpelstiltskin himself, a character traditionally marked as a villain. We see him now as a well-meaning, but inexperienced, bungling and over-matched "tweener" suddenly aware that he's misused magic and made a mess of things.
The real strength of this book is the skill of the writer. She has fashioned an uninterrupted hum of action involving a cast of characters finely scaled to precisely the proper degree of "appealing" or "disagreeable" without crossing the line to genuinely "offensive." The story advances with balance, suspense, and well-placed humor. The result invites ongoing reader reaction ranging from dismay to approval to surprise.
Even if your memory has muddled somewhat with time, it doesn't matter. The tale in these pages -- while departing from the original Grimm -- draws its audience into a fresh, exciting and, I believe, improved version, aka, a Liesl Shurtliff fairy tale.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023We are really enjoying this take on the fairytale Rumplestilskin. He likes me to read to him, and I love doing so. This is a nice story for us both.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023This story is such a fun read! We read it as a family, and it kept my kindergarten-aged child all the way up to my junior high-aged child (and everyone in-between) entertained and asking for another chapter. Mixed in with the fun is a heart-felt and encouraging message for everyone trying to find their place in this journey of life. I highly recommend!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2013"My mother named me after a cow's rear end."
The first sentence of Liesl Shurtliff's book RUMP sets the stage for the book's protagonist and his life on The Mountain. Rump is not his entire name, mind you. As his mother attempted to utter it on her deathbed, Rump was all that she could muster before taking her last breath. The problem is that names are one's destiny and have magic powers. With a name like Rump, the future doesn't look very bright. Also, he's teased and tormented by the village bullies, Fredrick and Bruno, who call him "Butt".
Though the book's first sentence is an attention grabber, especially for kids. The story begins at a rather plodding pace in its first 50 pages. Its aim is to reveal the "little man's" side of the story. How he got his name, and the journey to spinning straw for the queen in exchange for her first born child. It's quite a page-turning story, indeed, if you can hang in there and get through the beginning.
As with most stories that interweave magic throughout the plot, there are pixies, trolls, and gnomes. Shurtliff presents them with a twist by making the gold-loving pixies as annoying and bothersome, trolls as loving through dirty creatures, and for me the most humorous, message delivering gnomes who take their jobs very seriously. When Rump discovers his mother's spinning wheel, that is when all the trouble begins. Warned by his Gran and his friend Red not to spin, Rump discovers that magic has a price and, at times, dire consequences.
Throughout the plot, rhyme-creating, and self-deprecating Rump, is in search of his true and complete name to discover his true destiny. Unfortunately, his ability to spin straw into gold has him under the power of the Miller who is determined to exploit Rump and his dimwitted daughter, Opal, to his maximum benefit. Thus, he manages to marry Opal off to King Bartholomew, otherwise known as King Barf. Rump, feeling responsible for the fate of Opal, decides he must rescue her from a very unpleasant demise. Yet, the magic that Rump possesses doesn't always allow to him adhere exactly to his plan.
Overall, this is a well-written book. There are some interesting plot twists and Shurtliff keeps it light-hearted with plenty of humor. Being familiar with the story Rumpelstiltskin makes this much more interesting and fun. Since it was one of my favorites growing up (I always liked that the queen guessed his name and kept her baby.), it was the primary reason I decided to give it a read. I found the author's note in the back interesting. Like Shurtliff, I have an uncommon first name. At least the spelling is unusual. So, I can relate to why she would tell Rump's story.
(I could never get one of those name key chains either.)
Four stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024It was great. Advice to read
- Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023I loved this book. I love the focus on his name and what he would mean to him in his journey of self discovery. Can be read on many levels. Especially loved the ending!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023One of the best books I’ve read to my students! I teach 5th grade and read-a-loud books don’t always hold their attention. This one grabbed us all! I usually read one chapter per day, but my students were begging me to read 2! Highly recommend!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023Highly recommend for upper elementary! Students were captivated by the story and humor
Top reviews from other countries
- OLPamPamReviewed in Canada on September 11, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
My kids love this book (age 8-11). Such a great twist on a classic fairy tale. I also read this to my grade 4 students at school and they loved it. The kids are constantly begging me to read more.
- stainlessReviewed in Germany on July 30, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely written, good ideas
Very entertaining...to look at it from a different point of view. It is a good reading for adults as well.
- Just JuliaReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2013
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, well-written tale
This is an excellent tale with some lovely characters. It joins together the story we all recognise with a totally different point of view. It provides reasons you don't even realise are needed behind the action of the original story. It transforms your idea of who are the heroes and who are the villains of the tale, and what constitutes a happy ending. It is beautifully written and ultimately very enjoyable, although I did struggle with the first few chapters simply because they were so depressing and sad - but from the ashes of Rump's dreadful early life grows a great tale of adventure, excitement, new friends, fearful enemies and moral dilemmas. Great reading.
- DanielleReviewed in Canada on July 30, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
A wonderful adventure of how Rump turned straw to gold and how it lead to trouble, his true name, his inner power and friendship. A book that's difficult to put down.
I can't say enough for this collection of books by this author. My 7yr old daughter and I have read Grump, Rump and currently on Red with Jack on our self to follow once we are done Red. All have been phenominal and I will be sad once we've finished them all. I hope the author is busy writing another.
- PrantaReviewed in Germany on October 24, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quality
This book is excellent quality, just a little dent on the bottom, but other than that everything is super cool, currently reading and enjoying it thoroughly. I hope to finish reading it soon, it's an instant like. :D