Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Adventurous princess does the rescuing in fun graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RATPUNZEL, Princess Harriet Hamsterbone has only just returned home, but she's already restless for adventure and chafing under her fretful mother's attention. So she's more than happy to help her friend Wilbur try to find out who stole his hydra's egg. Their search eventually takes them to a wood of strangely carved trees and an isolated tower, where they find Ratpunzel held captive by a selfish witch ... and egg thief. Although Harriet came for the egg, she can't leave Ratpunzel behind. She and Wilbur hatch a daring plan to try to steal the egg back and free Ratpunzel -- if they can steer clear of the witch.
Is It Any Good?
Princess Harriet turns fairy tale conventions on their head once again in her third graphic novel, a fast and hilarious read for would-be princesses, princes, and brave warriors of all types. Ratpunzel: Hamster Princess combines the classic tale of the magically long-haired prisoner with a whodunit involving a distraught mother and her stolen egg. Author Ursula Vernon balances sly jokes with just enough suspense to keep things from getting too comfortable. Harriet rolls her eyes at fairy tale traditions and is savvy enough to view her world through more practical eyes (would a rope climb really be the only way in or out of a tower?).
It's refreshing to see a female hero who can free not only the princess but a host of princes and would-be rescuers and then reject multiple offers of service and marriage ("I'm twelve!" she scolds her suitors). Vernon's illustrations -- colored in shades of gray and blue -- are just as charming as her wry, laugh-out-loud text.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Harriet views other female characters in Ratpunzel. She's a little disappointed in Ratpunzel but reminds herself that Ratpunzel's options have been very limited. Have you ever caught yourself being unfairly judgmental of someone?
Do you share Harriet's disinterest in princess story conventions? What appeals to you about more typical fairy tales?
Which traits make Harriet heroic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books
- Publication date : October 18, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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