Rumpelstiltskin

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the complicated nature of promises, truth-telling, and the consequences of adult mistakes. This exquisite retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale follows a miller's daughter who is trapped by her father's lies and a king's greed, forced to rely on a mysterious figure who asks for a price she cannot bear to pay. It is a profound exploration of how one lie can snowball into a life-altering bargain. While the story is a traditional folk tale, Zelinsky's breathtaking oil paintings elevate the emotional weight, making it a perfect choice for children ages 5 to 12. Younger children will be captivated by the magical transformation of straw into gold, while older children can engage with the moral ambiguity of the characters. It serves as a gentle but firm entry point for discussing integrity, the importance of names, and the reality that actions always have consequences.