Rumpelstiltskin (Winner of Caldecott Honor Book Award)
Paul O. Zelinsky
Rumpelstiltskin (Winner of Caldecott Honor Book Award)
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Paul O. Zelinsky
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if a tiny, mysterious man promised to spin straw into gold—but only if you kept his name a secret? Imagine the palace filled with endless piles of straw and one clever girl trying to outsmart a tricky bargain. Will she uncover the secret before it's too late?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin offers middle-grade readers an engaging story about cleverness, promises, and consequences. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book introduces folklore themes and encourages critical thinking about trust and negotiation. Parents should note the story includes tension and magical elements typical of traditional fairy tales but no graphic content.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 1 — GentleNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Content Flags
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Rumpelstiltskin (Color Book Theater)
Sheba Blake
Rumpelstiltskin (Color Book Theater)
Sheba Blake
Straw into gold
Gary D. Schmidt
Straw into gold
Gary D. Schmidt
Rapunzel
Paul O. Zelinsky
Rapunzel
Paul O. Zelinsky
Rapunzel
Bernice Chardiet
Rapunzel
Bernice Chardiet
Rapunzel
Rose Impey
Rapunzel
Rose Impey
Snow White
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Rachel Louise Lawrence
Snow White
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Rachel Louise Lawrence
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780590306720
- Pages
- 128
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Published
- 1997
- Type
- Nonfiction