Rumpelstiltskin Book & CD
Paul Galdone Classics Series
on Goodreads (388)
What’s inside...
Paul Galdone's masterful storytelling brings new life to this familiar high-stakes tale of a mysterious little man who makes a devastating deal with the miller's daughter. Sold to a king who expects her to spin straw into gold, she promises Rumpelstilstkin the most valuable thing of all in exchange for his help, and she must outwit him when he comes to claim his due.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the miller told the king that his daughter could spin straw into gold?
How do you think the queen felt when Rumpelstiltskin asked for her first-born child?
What would you have done if you were in the queen's place when you had to guess Rumpelstiltskin’s name?
How does the story show the importance of keeping promises?
What do you think is the moral of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the emotions of different characters at various points in the story to enhance empathy and understanding.
Relate the story to real-life situations of promises and honesty to make the themes more relevant.
Ask your child what they would have done differently in the story, encouraging personal reflection and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, the miller's lie about his daughter's ability to spin straw into gold leads to a series of challenging events for her. This highlights the consequences of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of truthfulness and the potential negative outcomes of lying, teaching them to embrace honesty in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of cleverness and resourcefulness
Explanation: The miller’s daughter uses her wits to discover Rumpelstiltskin’s name, ultimately saving herself. This demonstrates the importance of using one’s intellect and resources to solve difficult problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and use their problem-solving skills to navigate challenges they encounter in school or at home.
Example Lesson: The consequences of making promises
Explanation: The story shows how the miller’s daughter’s promise to give away her firstborn places her in a dire situation, teaching about the seriousness of making promises and agreements.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to consider the weight and implications of their commitments and promises, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Learning to seek help when needed
Explanation: The miller's daughter seeks the help of Rumpelstiltskin when faced with an impossible task, which illustrates the importance of asking for assistance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it’s acceptable to ask for help in difficult situations and that doing so can lead to problem-solving solutions.