To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Add Prime to get Fast, Free delivery
Amazon prime logo
Buy new:
-7% $8.36
FREE delivery Saturday, January 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$8.36 with 7 percent savings
List Price: $8.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, January 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, January 21. Order within 11 hrs 41 mins.
In Stock
$$8.36 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.36
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.27
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This item shows wear including moderate wear to edges and cover. This item shows wear including moderate wear to edges and cover. See less
FREE delivery Saturday, January 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, January 21. Order within 3 hrs 26 mins.
Only 4 left in stock - order soon.
$$8.36 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.36
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin Paperback – April 22, 2014

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,553 ratings

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$8.36","priceAmount":8.36,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"36","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xW8MtgjL%2FSal4ieUuWv7taZVx4aZ74bZFjrA2pVt%2Fyn2MVUKOtO6JUpfwkZCuxlruChaecHmEu2q0%2BG8yTneipDuJPJECGCyOhFQ20zP1NB4erIV6DLIMEsNJG2IFG%2Bouzhxy8has4eJVdI%2BfOl1xQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.27","priceAmount":6.27,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"27","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"xW8MtgjL%2FSal4ieUuWv7taZVx4aZ74bZ%2FP8z%2BzA8ERTEhoCQe0KL4Zjb5DY33KQqrDiuGB%2F26ZTi%2BNfHcwT4lvBHrISYGa4QP%2BVuakPos1%2FShvryMRLIwEbVsBH%2BMsd5Y%2FsgbfHbPyOwr5n70r6n7O9R67pfPsynLDrlHW9AbMtTbFqj8Zf3JhkCC6iZ2ISY","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This funny fractured fairy tale goes behind the scenes of Rumpelstiltskin. New York Times Bestselling author Liesl Shurtliff "spins words into gold [Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor winner]."

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 inventiveRump amusingly expands a classic tale." —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven.
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: Rump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Rumpelstiltskin
$8.36
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$8.99
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
$8.36
Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Treatment
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

People Magazine, August 12, 2013:
"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

Liesl Shurtliff was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the mountains for her playground. Just like Rump, Liesl was shy about her name, growing up. Not only did it rhyme with weasel, she could never find it on any of those personalized key chains in gift shops. But over the years she’s grown to love having an unusual name—and today she wouldn’t change it for the world!
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

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
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,553 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Liesl Shurtliff
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

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

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,553 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers 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

114 customers mention "Entertainment value"109 positive5 negative

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

105 customers mention "Story quality"105 positive0 negative

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

25 customers mention "Creativity"25 positive0 negative

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

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

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

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

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

15 customers mention "Message"15 positive0 negative

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

9 customers mention "Pace"5 positive4 negative

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

6 customers mention "Sadness"3 positive3 negative

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

Damaged
2 out of 5 stars
Damaged
Product came damaged. It’s a gift for my younger brother, and since I don’t want to base the entire rating on the fact that the book was torn, I gave it two stars.
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2013
    Two 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.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
    We 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.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    This 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!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • 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.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
    It was great. Advice to read
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
    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. Especially loved the ending!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
    One 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!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
    Highly recommend for upper elementary! Students were captivated by the story and humor
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • OLPamPam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
    Reviewed in Canada on September 11, 2018
    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.
  • stainless
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely written, good ideas
    Reviewed in Germany on July 30, 2017
    Very entertaining...to look at it from a different point of view. It is a good reading for adults as well.
  • Just Julia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good, well-written tale
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2013
    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.
  • Danielle
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 30, 2019
    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.
  • Pranta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quality
    Reviewed in Germany on October 24, 2013
    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