The Rat Prince: A New Twist on Cinderella

A new "Cinderella" retelling includes the perspective of a rat living in her home.Chapters alternate narration between Char, the titular Rat Prince, and Cinderella. Though Char initially believes Cinderella is an idiot, allowing abuse from her stepmother and stepsister, it's soon apparent to him and to readers that Cinderella is shrewd and biding her time. When Char discovers that Cinderella is to attend a royal ball where the human prince will choose a bride, he investigates at the palace, hoping to learn that the prince is worthy of her (he's not). Meanwhile, Cinderella unwittingly summons her family's goddess, who plays the fairy-godmother role, with Char arriving on scene just in time to be transformed into a human footman. Much occurs in the short span of hours of the ball, including Cinderella's falling in love with the transformed Char (almost instantly) and the goddess playing deus ex machina, fixing all problems (save one) in a fairy-tale-tidy ending. The cover illustration of Char, a black rat (Cinderella calls him "Blackie"), is lit in such a way that readers may mistakenly perceive light fur; Cinderella's lovingly described physical attributes--her blonde hair, pale skin, and oft-praised "tiny" waist--play into tired and damaging tropes. Still, Cinderella is fairly empowered for a damsel in distress. Though Philip Pullman did it earlier and funnier with I Was a Rat! (2000), this take still feels fresh enough, despite misgivings. (Fantasy. 10-14)

Copyright 2016 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-7--Told in alternating chapters, this retelling brings together Cinderella and the prince of the local rats, Prince Char. Like most fairy-tale retellings, the story unquestioningly portrays heteronormative relationships and characters of white European heritage. However, the inclusion of a fully fleshed-out male lead and a romantic relationship that develops over time are valuable modernizations. Although the quickly moving plot is intriguing, with a new sense of suspense created through a love triangle, it stumbles with the arrival of the fairy godmother Ashiira. Cinderella's poorly considered wish to attend the ball becomes a thinly disguised plot contrivance to deliver Cinderella and Char to the palace for the climax. Cinderella spends a good deal of time observing the food preparation, in fear that someone will try to poison her father. Hodder's plot does incorporate more elements of adventure and mystery than is typical, with the rat-scale escapades and the tension regarding the poisoning. Loose ends such as why none of Cinderella's previous acquaintances come to her aid are neatly tied up with the father's dementia and the stepmother's schemes. The writing is a bit heavy-handed, with touches of purple prose.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Grades 4-6. You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but Prince Char will set you straight. Did we mention Char is a rat? Char pities Cinderella because of her unfortunate stepmother situation, and hopes for the best for her: that Prince Geoffrey will fall in love with her at the king’s ball. However, after some spying, Char and his friends discover that Geoffrey is fatally cruel. Upon returning home, a goddess recruits Char to serve as a temporarily human footman so Cinderella can attend the ball in style. While trying to protect her, Char realizes that he is in love with Cinderella. Even crazier, she returns his regard! But after the clock strikes 12 and the spell dissolves, can they find a “happily ever after”? Notable differences between this and the mainstream tale include an especially spirited Cinderella, a sweet stepsister, and, of course, supersentient rats. The alternating first-person viewpoints of Prince Char and Cinderella make for steady pacing, and although the inter-species romance is incredible, this story will still appeal to fans of fractured fairy tales.

Copyright 2016 Booklist, LLC Used with permission.

"You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but Prince Char will set you straight. Did we mention Char is a rat? Char pities Cinderella because of her unfortunate stepmother situation, and hopes for the best for her: that Prince Geoffrey will fall in love with her at the king's ball. However, after some spying, Char and his friends discover that Geoffrey is fatally cruel. Upon returning home, a goddess recruits Char to serve as a temporarily human footman so Cinderella can attend the ball in style. While trying to protect her, Char realizes that he is in love with Cinderella. Even crazier, she returns his regard! But after the clock strikes 12 and the spell dissolves, can they find a 'happily ever after'? Notable differences between this and the mainstream tale include an especially spirited Cinderella, a sweet stepsister, and, of course, supersentient rats. The alternating first-person viewpoints of Prince Char and Cinderella make for steady pacing, and...this story will still appeal to fans of fractured fairy tales." —Booklist