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Summary
Summary
The Rat Prince by Bridget Hodder is a funny and magical retelling of the Cinderella story from the point of view of one of her footmen, a rat!
Before Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters moved into Lancastyr Manor she was known as the beautiful Lady Rose de Lancaster. Then her stepmother forced her to become a kitchen maid and renamed her. At first the rats of the manor figure her for a lack-wit and take pity on her by bringing her food and a special family heirloom. But when Cinderella's stepmother finds a way to prevent her from attending the ball, the rats join forces to help her. The night of the ball is filled with magic and secrets-not least of all who Lady Rose will choose as her Prince Charming.
A Margaret Ferguson Book
Author Notes
Bridget Hodder was previously an archeologist and currently works to help families who struggle with autism. The Rat Prince is her debut novel. She lives with her family in New England.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
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. VERDICT A valiant attempt at recrafting the Cinderella story, with adequate, if not effortless, results.-Erin Reilly-Sanders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This "Cinderella" retelling is narrated in alternating chapters by teenage Cinderella and Char, a rat prince who falls in love with her. When the rodent is turned into a coachman, he must expose the true nature of the human prince at the ball. Machinations and secrets, as well as some humor, run through this love story, which slows at times but ends neatly. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
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.--Young, Michelle Copyright 2016 Booklist
