Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky

Image courtesy of Puffin Books

Bibliography

Zelinsky, Paul O. Rumpelstiltskin. New York: Puffin Books, 1986. ISBN 9780525442653

 Plot Summary

Trying to impress the king, the miller lies and says his daughter spins straw into gold. Impressed indeed, the king orders his daughter to the castle where she is ordered to spin straw into gold or die. A little man arrives who spins the straw into gold in exchange for her belongings. The king decides to marry her if she spins the gold one more time, but she has nothing left to trade. She accepts the little man’s offer to spin in exchange for her first born child. When the king and queen have their first baby she asks the little man if he will accept anything else. He says she must guess his name, so the queen’s servant goes out to learn the name. The mission was successful and the king and queen keep the baby.

Critical Analysis

Rumpelstiltskin, as retold and illustrated by Paul Zelinsky is a fine example of the classic tale. The story is based on the Grimm brothers’ 1819 edition of German origins. Zelinsky’s tale of Rumpelstiltskin is the familiar version told to most modern English children.

Zelinsky’s illustrations are beautifully painted with rich detail and color. The depictions of the miller’s daughter wonderfully portray deep emotion in each scene. Illustrations in this book create a softer touch for this tale by giving the king soft facial features. Upon reading this book, I am lead to believe the king is not entirely cruel but that he has a character flaw. Given the right circumstances, there is hope for him yet. Therefore, this version of Rumpelstiltskin is recommended for very young audiences since it is a tame rendition.

Also, the illustrations add a tremendous depth of character in the little man, Rumpelstiltskin. When Rumpelstiltskin flies around his beer brew singing, the reader can see he rejoices because he needs something more in his life, perhaps a little companionship. After all, most people don’t even know his name. This is a great book to get started enjoying the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, as the pictures go a long way in telling the story themselves.

Review Excerpts

1987 Caldecott Honor

1998 Caldecott Medal

1998 ALA Notable Children’s Book

From Kirkus Reviews: “Zelinaky's illustrations are opulently painted, full of classical architectural detail, fantastic distant landscapes, and that early use of perspective which gives a raked stage effect.”

 Connections

In a study of types of government, read Rumpelstiltskin and discuss origins of monarchy. Why would the villagers need to impress the king? How did the king rule the people? What caused the first kings to be considered for their command? What factors helped the king retain authority over the people? How was monarchy similar to other forms of government?

This is a German version from the Grimm brothers. Read and teach students to compare and contrast with other versions. Many versions of various origins available at SurLaLune. Children may want to create their own illustrated version of one of these tales.

• ·       Duffy and the Devil, an English version of the tale.
• ·       Ferradiddledumday, an American Appalachian version of the tale.
• ·       The Golden Spinster is a Slavonic, specifically Hungarian-Slovenish, version.

After reading, start a read aloud or literature circle with Rump, The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtiff. ISBN 978-0307977960

For a math and science connection, involve students in researching valuable goods for trade. Compare what was valuable in the past to what is valuable today. Research the trade prices. Calculate how much you would need to meet a level of wealth today. Ask students to learn why the various materials are valuable. What are these materials used for? What do manufacturers need these materials to produce? Who controls the price of these goods? How does this affect governments today?