What Critics Say About The Original Book

"Stanley blazes a new path for herself in this effervescent revisionist fairy tale, and the results are as stunning as her best picture-book biographies (Leonardo da Vinci; Bard of Avon ). Here she brings her meticulous illustrator's eye for detail to bear upon a fantasy kingdom that exists somewhere between Versailles and high farce, projecting an ornately imagined setting for a tale that scores a few serious points as it pokes fun at a nursery room favorite... A 24-karat prize."

— Publishers Weekly
 

"A delightful picture book."

— Michele Landsberg, The Toronto Star
 

"This tongue-in-cheek update of Rumpelstiltskin is a rollicking and irreverent spoof. The comical, exaggerated illustrations feature bug-eyed characters, outlandish costumes for the foppish king, woven borders that frame the action, and humorous details like parodies of famous paintings. Stanley has spun 24-karat fun."

— Julie Cummins, New York Public Library
 

"Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter twists the old tale to deliver a message about The rewards of brainpower and generosity. (Diane Stanley's) prose is funny, and her labor-intensive, lavishly detailed illustrations have a wry, up-to-the-minute hipness."

— Margaret Moorman, The New York Times Book Review
 

"A wise and witty tale of kindness and cleverness rewarded. Diane Stanley's wickedly funny text and zesty illustrations put a delightful new spin on a classic fairy tale."

— Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza
 

"Pictures and story are a clever mix of period and contemporary. Stanley's artistry transforms the Renaissance court of her majestic Leonardo da Vinci  (1996) into delicious slapstick... This tale would make an uproarious readers' theater."

— Hazel Rochman, American Library Association
 

"Sometimes I run across a book that has such a well-crafted story and such exquisite illustrations that I just sit back and say, 'Wow!' This book by Diane Stanley is one of those 'wow' books."

5 Circles

— Kathy Bennett, Circle Time Book Reviews
 

"Delightful retelling of a favorite fairy tale. The illustrations are expansive spreads with varying perspectives, wonderful detail and rich colors. Humor abounds in the expressions, clothing, and lots of little touches (artwork on the palace walls, post cards on the title page). It is a great story and fun for girls and boys."

— Marilyn Courtot, Children's Literature
 

"Humorous parody of a traditional fairytale... Highly recommended."

— Jan Brandreth, Curriculum Materials Information Services, Australia
 

"This is an antidote for sappy fairy tales. Diane Stanley holds her tongue firmly in cheek as she restyles the classic tale of the miller's daughter captured and commanded by the king to turn straw into gold... delectably witty."

— Disney's Family.com
 

"A gifted author and illustrator, Diane Stanley reigns supreme in many areas of children's books."

— Kendal A. Rautzhan, Special to The Journal, Northern VA
 

"This delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale puts quite a different 'spin' on the traditional story."

— Jean Pyzik, The Reading Corner
 

"No fool's gold here — Stanley spins pure fun."

— School Library Journal
 

"Stanley's retelling is witty, smart, and funny, and her full-color illustrations are the same. ... The characters are imbued with personality, the perspective is engagingly off-kilter, and the compositions draw in the viewer with delightful ease. There are so many different audiences who are going to enjoy this book that you'd better buy two. This one is golden."

— Janice M. Del Negro, Editor, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
 

"Stanley plugs in quips and fast plot maneuvers to keep this tale hopping... detailed, humorous illustrations ...she slightly alters her familiar style to encompass the comic pitch ... plenty of giggles in this comic reworking."

— Kirkus Reviews
 

"The children's classic 'Rumpelstiltskin' undergoes an attitude update in Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter by Diane Stanley ...irresistible prose and detailed illustrations make Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter a golden yarn that's sure to be spun over and over."

5 Stars

— Amazon.com