What was WITH that BIZARRE fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin?

WHY would a miller claim that his daughter could spin straw into gold? WHY would the king believe him? And WHY would an odd little man that CAN spin straw into gold do so in exchange for a tiny gold ring? The story is just SILLY.

In an attempt to make sense of this wayward fairy tale, Vivian Vande Velde provides six alternative versions of the classic account, each of which is far more intriguing and revealing than the original. ( )

If you ever thought that the Rumpelstiltskin tale left something to be desired, then this is the book for you! Author Vivian Velde takes the story as it has come down to us through the ages, points out its weak spots, and then writes six alternative stories featuring Rumpelstiltskin. The tales vary much and there is sure to be one that appeals to you more than the original story. Anyone who likes fairy tales will enjoy this collection. ( )

As a lifelong lover of fairy tales and a fan of Once Upon a Time since its beginning (and hooked since Robert Carlyle graced my television screen as Rumpelstiltskin), I searched our library catalog on a whim to see what a keyword search of Rumpelstiltskin and discovered this gem of short stories published in 2000 through the Ohio Digital Library site. Vivian Vande Velde captured my attention immediately with the introduction about the "Rumpelstiltskin Problem" as she wittingly explained flaws in the original tale and then in the six stories she wrote, set about working out those problems with entertaining results. The stories "Straw Into Gold" and "The Domovoi" were my two personal favorites as the variations on the character of Rumpelstiltskin were sympathetic. Next in line would be the "As Good As Gold" story which sets the story from the king's viewpoint. "A Fairy Tale in Bad Taste" provides an unsavory reason for Rumpelstiltskin wanting a child; "Ms. Rumpelstiltskin" offers the character as a witch who dislikes being called "little man;" lastly, "Papa Rumpelstiltskin" shows what trouble bragging creates for the Miller with humorous results. ( )

Author is one of my favorites. In this she retells the Rumpelstiltskin story six different ways dealing with all the questions the story raises for us.

Enchanting - naturally. And hilarious. Six more plausible versions of the classic fairy tale. Don't forget to read the introduction! ( )