Rumpelstiltskin

4.0

5.0 (1)

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Author(s)

Mac Barnett

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Carson Ellis

Publisher

Orchard Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

February 03, 2026

ISBN

978-1338673852

Buy This Book

In the follow-up to the highly acclaimed, instant bestseller, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, comes the second brilliant and highly anticipated fairy tale retelling from the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Award-winning creators, Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis.

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 will introduce this classic story to a new generation of readers!

Editor review

1 review

A Retelling with a Twist

March 26, 2026 (Updated: June 28, 2026)

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Rumpelstiltskin is a classic fairytale that many readers are familiar with, but Mac Barnett has teamed up with illustrator Carson Ellis to put a fresh, clever spin on the tale.

What I Liked: The premise stays true to the original version, but there is plenty of signature Barnett silliness sprinkled in. When the Queen needs to guess Rumpelstiltskin’s name, she comes up with some truly absurd guesses that will have readers giggling.

I also really liked that we get to see the Queen’s personality before the drama even starts. Instead of being a typical "damsel in distress," she’s introduced as a capable girl who loves nature and is perfectly happy catching frogs and exploring the woods on her own.

The artwork by Carson Ellis is a standout. The illustrations feel like they belong in a fairytale from long ago; the color choices are dark, muted, and somber, which fits the original "Grimm" vibe perfectly. Because the art looks so serious and "old-school," the silly parts of the story stand out even more.

This is a must-read for fans of Mac Barnett or anyone who appreciates a retelling with a bit of dark humor.

Sara Perrera, Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 207 reviews

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User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0(1)

Characters

5.0(1)

Writing Style

5.0(1)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0(1)

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A Clever and Playful Fairytale Retelling

April 23, 2026 (Updated: June 28, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

I absolutely love a good fairytale retelling, and I found this one to be especially memorable because of how it blends classic storytelling with unexpected humor. This version of Rumpelstiltskin keeps the familiar structure of the original tale, but it feels much more lively and personality-driven.

Right from the beginning, the main character feels more fully developed than in traditional versions. Instead of only being defined by her problem, she is shown as curious, independent, and comfortable exploring the world around her. That early glimpse into who she is makes everything that follows feel more meaningful, because you are not just watching a situation unfold, you are watching it happen to someone you understand.

The humor is one of the most distinctive parts of this retelling. When it comes time for the queen to guess Rumpelstiltskin’s name, the story leans into absurdity in a really fun way. The guesses are exaggerated and unexpected, creating moments that feel light and playful without completely losing the tension of the original story. It adds a layer of entertainment that makes the book enjoyable for both kids and adults.

The illustrations by Carson Ellis are incredibly striking and add a lot to the overall experience. The artwork has a muted, almost antique feel, with earthy tones and detailed textures that make it look like an old folktale brought to life. There is a quiet, slightly eerie atmosphere in the visuals, which contrasts beautifully with the humor in the text. This contrast makes the story feel richer, because it balances seriousness with playfulness.

What really stood out to me is how well the book respects the original fairytale while still making it feel new. It does not completely change the story, but instead adds depth, humor, and a stronger sense of character. That makes it a great introduction for new readers and a refreshing revisit for those already familiar with the tale.

Overall, I found this to be a beautifully crafted and entertaining retelling. It captures the magic of traditional fairytales while adding its own creative voice, making it both nostalgic and new at the same time.

Good Points

- Rich, descriptive storytelling that adds depth to a classic tale

- Clever humor that makes the story feel fresh and engaging

- Atmospheric illustrations that enhance both the mood and meaning

(I STRONGLY recommend to those who enjoy retellings!)