Rumaysa: A Fairytale: 1

This book is suitable for both children and adults which is perfect for story-time and reading together with the little ones. I giggled at the names of the stories at first, and I still find it quite funny but that’s what makes it easy to remember. Throughout each of the stories, there’s alternative directions the plot takes which kept my curiosity going. What I absolutely loved was there is no happily ever after by being married to a man. In fact there is no love-plot at all and the focus is on the women and their strength! Even the interaction with males doesn’t put females in a vulnerable position. Girls and women speak for themselves and they easily challenge the intentions and viewpoints of the men around them which is empowering for children reading this book. I really enjoyed the overlapping between all three fairytales and the author seamlessly kept Rumaysa at the centre of all the sub-plots. The illustrations are also very good and I found myself getting lost in them. I wish it was in colour though as that would be fantastic for younger readers.

Loved reading this book! Takes inspiration from the fairy tales we read growing up and adds little twists to it here and there. Such a lovely inclusive book which I gave to my cousin whose name is Rumaysa!

A fun and delightful adventure delving into fairy tales that bend and challenge representation, cultural stereotypes and sexism. Rumaysa reminded and rekindled for me why I adore fairy tales so much - their resonance, their blur between light and dark, and the mirror they hold up ferociously to the world. This was also a whimsical read, that often felt at times very much like a Dream Works film mixed with a dash of 'Once Upon a Time.' My only query, is that the last tale of 'Sleeping Sara' felt a tad rushed. And the ending, although open to possibility, offered no closure for the main character of 'Rumaysa.' I think the closure AND the mix of possibility would have been the cherry on top! Overall however, I think these fairy tales will be a joyous treasure for any reader.

Absolutely loved this book, as did my children (aged 7 & 10). The characters and stories were familiar from fairytales, but with twists and turns along the way. Magical characters and such colourful descriptions. Loved the strong female characters too. I really want to know what happens to Rumaysa next!

It was for my daughter and she loves it

The book as a whole covers the retelling of three classic fairytales, giving more repress to minorities. I’ll certainly be recommending it to the young Muslim girl (10) who I taught last year and has struggled to find books she connects to in our small, predominantly white town. The writing style, while not dire, left me wanting something more. I found myself skipping lines to follow the story and there was a little too much tell instead of show. There is some challenging/uncommon words that could challenge children (thinking of my Year 4s this year) but not too many do as to detract from the plot. While okay, it’s not a book I would refer to as a model in writing lessons. A nice and easy enough read that children will enjoy, with female characters that stand on their own two feet instead of waiting for rescue, but I have read better children’s books.

Highly recommend this book for all ages. Wish I had these kind of books growing up. Love how the stories are interlinked and a classic with a modern twist! Even my 7 year old son is reading it again he enjoyed it too. Would make great gifts to loved ones too.

Rumaysa a fairytale, is about a girl who is trapped in her tower forced to spin straw into gold. Until one day she escapes from her tower using her hijab as a rope and meets Cinderayla and sleeping Sara. I enjoyed reading this book because I liked how it was a different version (but quite different) of Rapunzel. Even though I really enjoyed this book I wish it could have an alternative ending. I rate this book 4/5 stars and think the age rating should be 7-12 years

My 7 year old daughter who is a voracious reader says It is the best book ever. Kudos to the author for bringing alive such classics with fresh twists and turns.

My daughter loved the book and was so happy when I bought it for her!

Really good book Must read