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Rumaysa: A Fairytale
This funny and empowering story weaves together three classic fairytales into one new adventure with an unusual structural twist: Rumaysa is a Muslim girl who lets her hijab down from a tall tower in order to escape. Set in a magical version of South Asia, Rumaysa explores enchanted forests and dragon lairs, teaming up with Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara along the way to create a strong sense of sisterhood.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
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2588 people want to read
About the author
Radiya Hafiza
6 books46 followersRadiya Hafiza is the acclaimed author of the Rumaysa duology and Aya and the Star Chaser. Her debut, Rumaysa, was the Waterstones Children's Book of the Month in April 2021 and has won critical acclaim across the UK and US. The Silver Kingdom is her debut YA fantasy, exploring empires, history and forbidden love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
August 19, 2022
This was such a sweet little story!! Rumaysa: A Fairytale was a really heartwarming book that is just ADORABLE. 🥰🥰✨✨
“It was one thing to grieve a loss, but another thing to grieve something you could only imagine.”
Rumaysa: A Fairytale is a collection of three fairytale retellings, except these all have a special twist- they all feature Muslim girls as the leads. The three stories are:
~ Rumaysa, a retelling of Rapunzel
~ Cinderayla, a retelling of Cinderella
~ And Sleeping Sara, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty
Rumaysa: A Fairytale may seem overly simplistic and young at first glance, but it's actually such a cute book that really warms your heart. The writing is quite simplistic, but it's written with such heart that you can feel the author's love for this world throughout the book. The characters are a bit flat, yes, but I feel like they helped display subtle themes of feminism, showing that girls could save themselves too. As for the plot, it's pretty fast-paced and never boring, with plenty of fun to be had in its 240 pages! 😁🙌
I also really admire the author for the lovely Muslim representation in the book. The sometimes subtle elements of the Muslim culture (the ball in Cinderella is an Eid ball, Rumaysa uses her hijab to escape her tower, etc.) were woven well into the story and I loved how this really shone through in every fairytale. And this part in the about the author page just really warms my heart- "Radiya grew up reading classic Western fairy tales that never had any brown girls in them- Rumaysa is her debut novel, bringing such stories to children who need to see themselves represented." ❤
However, despite all this, there are still issues that prevent me from giving it more than 3 stars. The whole story is VERY simple, with a fairly straight-forward plot and uncomplicated writing style. Everything is resolved very quickly and easily, without much trouble. I suppose this is because it's middle grade and obviously aimed towards a young audience, but these still made me cringe sometimes. 😬😬
"What's the point of being evil if you're not going to be creative about it?" (I actually love this quote tho, it's so true 😂😂😁😁)
Overall, however, this was so cute!! I loved the Muslim representation & the creative retellings and would definitely recommend Rumaysa to middle-grade readers looking for a sweet and quick read. ADORABLE 🤌🤌
~ 3 stars
“It was one thing to grieve a loss, but another thing to grieve something you could only imagine.”
Rumaysa: A Fairytale is a collection of three fairytale retellings, except these all have a special twist- they all feature Muslim girls as the leads. The three stories are:
~ Rumaysa, a retelling of Rapunzel
~ Cinderayla, a retelling of Cinderella
~ And Sleeping Sara, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty
Rumaysa: A Fairytale may seem overly simplistic and young at first glance, but it's actually such a cute book that really warms your heart. The writing is quite simplistic, but it's written with such heart that you can feel the author's love for this world throughout the book. The characters are a bit flat, yes, but I feel like they helped display subtle themes of feminism, showing that girls could save themselves too. As for the plot, it's pretty fast-paced and never boring, with plenty of fun to be had in its 240 pages! 😁🙌
I also really admire the author for the lovely Muslim representation in the book. The sometimes subtle elements of the Muslim culture (the ball in Cinderella is an Eid ball, Rumaysa uses her hijab to escape her tower, etc.) were woven well into the story and I loved how this really shone through in every fairytale. And this part in the about the author page just really warms my heart- "Radiya grew up reading classic Western fairy tales that never had any brown girls in them- Rumaysa is her debut novel, bringing such stories to children who need to see themselves represented." ❤
However, despite all this, there are still issues that prevent me from giving it more than 3 stars. The whole story is VERY simple, with a fairly straight-forward plot and uncomplicated writing style. Everything is resolved very quickly and easily, without much trouble. I suppose this is because it's middle grade and obviously aimed towards a young audience, but these still made me cringe sometimes. 😬😬
"What's the point of being evil if you're not going to be creative about it?" (I actually love this quote tho, it's so true 😂😂😁😁)
Overall, however, this was so cute!! I loved the Muslim representation & the creative retellings and would definitely recommend Rumaysa to middle-grade readers looking for a sweet and quick read. ADORABLE 🤌🤌
~ 3 stars
Want to read
December 21, 2020December 20, 2020: Do you see 'magical version of South Asia'? Also, fairy tales retold with Muslim girls?? YES PLEASE.
May 12, 2021
Re-imagination and middle grade mixed together!
Discussed in my April Wrap Up Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWZJ3...
Starts with a re-telling of Rapunzel, then a re-telling of Cinderella and lastly a re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. Quite clever how the stories are woven together,
So refreshing to see that this book completely breaks the thinking the girls are princesses who need to be saved and boys are always brave and strong. Love that Sleeping Sara is a plus sized girl.
Discussed in my April Wrap Up Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWZJ3...
Starts with a re-telling of Rapunzel, then a re-telling of Cinderella and lastly a re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. Quite clever how the stories are woven together,
So refreshing to see that this book completely breaks the thinking the girls are princesses who need to be saved and boys are always brave and strong. Love that Sleeping Sara is a plus sized girl.
March 2, 2021
This is a collection of three interconnected stories, titled Rumaysa, Cinderayla, and Sleeping Sara. Each reworked a renowned fairytale with a Muslim protagonist, a feminist angle, and a unique dash of magic. Despite aimed at a far younger target audience, I admired and adored the contents. I also appreciated the representation provided. A quote from this anthology accurately describes just why books like this are so important:
"It was the only book Rumaysa owned where the characters had similar names to her and shared her skin colour."
More little readers deserve to find themselves within more books like this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Radiya Hafiza, and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Books, for this opportunity.
"It was the only book Rumaysa owned where the characters had similar names to her and shared her skin colour."
More little readers deserve to find themselves within more books like this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Radiya Hafiza, and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Books, for this opportunity.
December 12, 2021
Like any girl, I thoroughly enjoyed the Disney movies—particularly the princess ones. Though I wasn’t too fussed about representation at five years old, as I grew older, I yearned to see someone like myself in the media I consumed. Muslims today constitute almost a quarter of the world’s population, and yet it seems that the representation we routinely see resorts to pitiful stereotypes, both in media aimed at children and at adults.
Rumaysa is the Muslamic retelling of three fairytales – Rapunzel (Rumaysa), Cinderella (Cinderayla) and Sleeping Beauty (Sleeping Sara). Deeply captivating from the get-go, this collection of short but wholesome stories takes the young Muslimah on an exciting adventure. Though South Asia is already a beautifully diverse region, Radiya Hafiza dials this up a notch by including all sorts of whimsical creatures with references to traditional South Asian food and clothing (creamy kheer, anyone?!).
Though I don’t read many children’s books (I likely will when I have children to authorise what will and won’t be making it onto the bookshelf!), I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were some minor plot holes and elements of the story that didn’t really make sense (why is she wearing her hijab in an abandoned tower and what is the point of a post-Ramadan Eid ball? Lol), it doesn’t take away from the positive lessons and good representation of Muslims in this book. What I particularly loved was the references to Rumaysa praying in her tower – “The next day, Rumaysa did her prayers…”, “She did her night prayers and got ready for bed.” Love that mashaAllah. We seldom see prayer being alluded to adult novels let alone kids’ ones, so I love that this is included and prioritised.
The emphases on sisterhood, good company, and supporting one another were evident throughout each story. The three protagonists are both supported by others and support each other in overcoming difficult situations. Though there are a couple of male characters (Harun the Prince of Qamaroon and Suleiman from Farisia), the author makes a point to steer clear of the inappropriate find-a-man-and-falling-in-love clichés and focuses more on the individual and collective journeys of the protagonists.
Rumaysa is the Muslamic retelling of three fairytales – Rapunzel (Rumaysa), Cinderella (Cinderayla) and Sleeping Beauty (Sleeping Sara). Deeply captivating from the get-go, this collection of short but wholesome stories takes the young Muslimah on an exciting adventure. Though South Asia is already a beautifully diverse region, Radiya Hafiza dials this up a notch by including all sorts of whimsical creatures with references to traditional South Asian food and clothing (creamy kheer, anyone?!).
Though I don’t read many children’s books (I likely will when I have children to authorise what will and won’t be making it onto the bookshelf!), I still thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were some minor plot holes and elements of the story that didn’t really make sense (why is she wearing her hijab in an abandoned tower and what is the point of a post-Ramadan Eid ball? Lol), it doesn’t take away from the positive lessons and good representation of Muslims in this book. What I particularly loved was the references to Rumaysa praying in her tower – “The next day, Rumaysa did her prayers…”, “She did her night prayers and got ready for bed.” Love that mashaAllah. We seldom see prayer being alluded to adult novels let alone kids’ ones, so I love that this is included and prioritised.
The emphases on sisterhood, good company, and supporting one another were evident throughout each story. The three protagonists are both supported by others and support each other in overcoming difficult situations. Though there are a couple of male characters (Harun the Prince of Qamaroon and Suleiman from Farisia), the author makes a point to steer clear of the inappropriate find-a-man-and-falling-in-love clichés and focuses more on the individual and collective journeys of the protagonists.
November 14, 2021
Rumaysa reimagines three well known fairy tales with a more diverse, modern cast. Rumaysa has spent her whole life locked up in a tower, spinning straw into good for a wicked witch. Until one day, she gets the idea that her golden spun hijab could be the perfect rope ladder...
I enjoyed the overall concept of this. Popular fairy tales are heavily Western inspired, and there's a real lack of diversity. Everyone is slim with pale skin and reliant on being rescued by a prince. Rumaysa goes against all this, offering up stories of female empowerment while I injecting some cultural diversity and body types. It was refreshing, and should be applauded.
However, for me there were two main points that I felt ruined my enjoyment of this. One is that instead of focusing on one specific fairy tale and retelling it in a way that feels different, the story instead tries to incorporate numerous fairy tales and it ends up feeling messy and disjointed. We have Rapunzel mixed with Rumpelstiltskin and hints of Aladdin, moving into Cinderella (actually my favourite part of the book, I loved the feminist take) and then into Sleeping Beauty. Although there's one character who goes between all the stories, it still doesn't feel cohesive and a bit sloppy.
My other main issue is with the writing style. It feels confused as to whether it wants to keep with the traditional style or be more modern in its approach. We have owls talking about going in dates, mixed with discussions of balls and ruling kingdoms. It quite often threw me out of the story. The ending also feels very rushed.
I liked the general idea of this, but I think it struggled to really achieve what it wanted to achieve. It's very hard to take such a wide variety of stories and try to amalgamate them into one.
I enjoyed the overall concept of this. Popular fairy tales are heavily Western inspired, and there's a real lack of diversity. Everyone is slim with pale skin and reliant on being rescued by a prince. Rumaysa goes against all this, offering up stories of female empowerment while I injecting some cultural diversity and body types. It was refreshing, and should be applauded.
However, for me there were two main points that I felt ruined my enjoyment of this. One is that instead of focusing on one specific fairy tale and retelling it in a way that feels different, the story instead tries to incorporate numerous fairy tales and it ends up feeling messy and disjointed. We have Rapunzel mixed with Rumpelstiltskin and hints of Aladdin, moving into Cinderella (actually my favourite part of the book, I loved the feminist take) and then into Sleeping Beauty. Although there's one character who goes between all the stories, it still doesn't feel cohesive and a bit sloppy.
My other main issue is with the writing style. It feels confused as to whether it wants to keep with the traditional style or be more modern in its approach. We have owls talking about going in dates, mixed with discussions of balls and ruling kingdoms. It quite often threw me out of the story. The ending also feels very rushed.
I liked the general idea of this, but I think it struggled to really achieve what it wanted to achieve. It's very hard to take such a wide variety of stories and try to amalgamate them into one.
Want to read
October 22, 2024guys i think this book was written for me!!
February 2, 2021
The world needs more books like this: #ownvoices fairytale retellings with diverse representation. A lovely debut about three intertwining stories that step away from the traditional and has some rather delightful and empowering twists.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2021
[H]er favourite book, 'One Thousand and One Nights'...had beautiful drawings of palaces and animals, women in hijabs and men in magnificent robes. It was a relief to step into someone else's life and escape her tower room, if even just for a moment.4.5 stars
Content warnings:
[Note: All quotes are from the ARC version and may be different in finalised editions.]
This was such a sweet, entertaining and original read that was unexpectedly funny too!
'Do all evil people just like towers and one window?', [Rumaysa] said out loud, feeling quite frustrated by now. 'What's the point of being evil if you're not going to be creative about it?'
I loved how the central character Rumaysa connects the Rapunzel tale to the other spins on Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty! The inclusion of Muslim protagonists and South Asian culture was seamless and very refreshing. There were some cool plot twists and some actually quite thrilling scenes!. Bonus point if you love reading flying carpet rides. The illustrations were also whimsy and dynamic and one day I'd love to see how it looks in a paper version!
The characters all felt real and distinct from each other, and I liked that side characters (e.g. Ayla's stepsisters) weren't written as caricatures but like actual children/teens with realistic reactions.
Losing a loved one is a strange thing. It can come upon you out of nowhere, knocking you sideways and changing the colour of your life for many years to come.
I also enjoyed how feminism threads throughout this story without being heavy-handed. This includes challenges to anti-toxic masculinity and there was a nice little bit of anti-classism too. Definitely an enjoyable and recommended read from me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan's Children's Books for an eARC for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
This middle grades retelling of the classic fairytales: Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, replaces white characters with diverse Desi characters, reclaims female characters' empowerment, and weaves the stories together with Rumaysa first freeing herself, and then using a magic necklace that takes her to those in need (Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara) in her quest to find her long lost parents. After a few chapters, I started writing a list of gaping-huge-ginormous plot holes, they are frequent and laughable, then I took a deep breath and recalled the similar eye-rolling inconsistencies that plague perhaps all fairy tales, but specifically Disney-esque ones. Once I let go of trying to understand why Rumaysa is wearing hijab while locked in an isolated tower, or how the witch can't remember her name, but Rumaysa knows the name her parents gave her when she was kidnapped on the day of her birth, or that she knows she was kidnapped and her whole backstory, just to name a few, the book was much more enjoyable. I still have major issues with some of the forced Islamization and cultural tweaks, but not because they existed, but rather because they weren't strong enough. Why have an Eid ball for all the fair maidens in the land. It was awkward to read all the young people showing up to pair off, and then people asking the prince to dance, and him saying he didn't know if he could. Why not just make it an over the top Desi wedding with families, where dancing and moms working to pair their kids off is the norm. Having it be a ball for the maidens in the land, just seemed like it was afraid to commit to the premise of twisting the fairytales completely. There are a few inconsistencies, however, that I cannot overlook. This is a mainstream published books and there is at least one spelling error and grammar mistake. I could be wrong, as it is British, and I am by no means competent in even American English, but I expect better. Even content wise, Prince Harun for example, is wearing a mask, but the text comments on his blushing cheeks, eyes, eyelashes, and smile, not a typical mask perhaps? And don't get me started on the illustrations, the same awkward ball has Ayla leaving, and in the picture not wearing a mask concealing her face as the text states. Overall, the inside illustrations are not well done. The cover, by artist Areeba Siddique is beautiful with the shimmery leafing on the edges, that would have brought the inside pages a lot more depth and intrigue than the ones it contains. Despite all the aforementioned glimpses of my critiques to follow, I didn't hate the book and quite enjoyed the light handed morals and feminism that was interwoven with clever remarks and snark. The first story has Rumaysa wearing hijab, finding a book about salat and praying. The second story takes place on Eid and Ayla eats samosas, discusses Layla and Majnun, and has a duputta. The third story I don't recall any culture or religious tidbits other than keeping with the consistency of cultural names. There is mention of romance between an owl who has a crush on a Raven, but the heroines themselves are learning to be self sufficient from errors of their parents/guardians and are not looking for any males to save them. Other than that the book really needs an editor and new illustrations, I can see fairytale loving middle grade kids reading the book and finding it enjoyable, or even younger children having it read aloud to them a few chapters at a time, and being drawn in to the stories and eager to see what happens next. It would work for that demographic, but perhaps no one else.
SYNOPSIS: (spoilers)
Rumaysa's parents steal vegetables from a magical garden when there is no food or work to be found, as a result when Rumaysa is born, the owner of the garden, an evil witch, takes Rumaysa and places her in a tower protected by an enchanted forest and a poisonous river. No one can get in, and Rumaysa cannot get out. In the tower Rumaysa reads, no idea how she learned, and spins straw in to gold as she sings a song that channels the magic she consumed in utero from the stolen garden. With only rations of oats to eat, a friendly owl named Zabina frequents Rumays daily and brings her berries and news . When he brings her a new hijab, Rumaysa has the idea to lengthen the hijab with bits of gold over time, so that she might escape. When she finally gets her chance, she is met by a boy on a magic carpet named Suleiman, and is both shocked and annoyed that someone got close to the tower, and only after she saved herself. The two however, and Zabina, are caught by the witch and must escape her as well. When that is all said and done, Suleiman gives Zabina a necklace that takes one to someone in need of help. His parents want him to save a princess, he wants to study in his room, so he hands off the necklace hoping it will help Rumaysa find her parents, and he heads off on his flying carpet.
The necklace doesn't transport Rumaysa to her parents, however, it takes her to a street where a girl is throwing rocks in desperation having been denied attending an Eid ball after her dress was torn to shreds. The story starts with Ayla's back story before Rumaysa arrives, but the two girls befriend each other, Rumaysa uses her magic gold weaving abilities to conjure up a new and beautiful dress and golden shoes and the girls head to the ball. When Ayla heads off to get samosas she meets the prince, but doesn't know he is the prince. They argue about the play Layla and Majnun and when her stepmother asks about the dress, Rumaysa and Ayla make a run for it. A shoe is lost, the stepmother comes to know, the guards search for the missing girl, and all is well. Except Harun is incredibly shallow and superficial and only interested in Ayla's clothes and status, so she rejects him and points out that she is much too young for marriage. She instead reclaims her home, fixes her relationship with her stepsisters and begs Rumaysa to stay. Rumaysa makes her excuses and is whisked away to a land that is being ruled by a man and his dragons.
Originally the land of Farisia is ruled by King Emad and Queen Shiva, but they have become unjust and disconnected from their people. When Azra gets a chance to steal Princess Sara and take the kingdom, he does. Rumaysa arrives to free a sleeping Sara from the dragon and restore apologetic and reformed leaders to the thrown.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I do like the spinning of familiar stories and either updating them, or twisting them, or fracturing them, so I am glad to see an Islamic cultural tinge available. I feel like the first story was the strongest conceptually even if the details and morals weren't well established. The second story was strong in the messaging that Ayla, and any girl, is more than just a pretty dress, but the premise was a little shaky and not that different from the original. The third story was a little lacking developmentally for me and all three I felt could have gone stronger in to the religion and culture without alienating readers or becoming heavy. There are characters illustrated in hijab, some in saris, some in flowing robes. Princess Sara is noted to be a larger body type and I appreciated that in elevating the heroines, other's weren't put down. Even within the book, there is diversity which is wonderful.
FLAGS:
There is lying and stealing with consequences. "Shut up" is said. There is magic, death, destruction, and a brief mention of an avian crush.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I could see this being used in a classroom for a writing assignment to urge students to write their own tales. I think it is fourth or fifth grade that children read fairytales from different points of view: think the three little pigs from the wolf's perspective or the Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and this book would lend itself easily to that lesson as well.
SYNOPSIS: (spoilers)
Rumaysa's parents steal vegetables from a magical garden when there is no food or work to be found, as a result when Rumaysa is born, the owner of the garden, an evil witch, takes Rumaysa and places her in a tower protected by an enchanted forest and a poisonous river. No one can get in, and Rumaysa cannot get out. In the tower Rumaysa reads, no idea how she learned, and spins straw in to gold as she sings a song that channels the magic she consumed in utero from the stolen garden. With only rations of oats to eat, a friendly owl named Zabina frequents Rumays daily and brings her berries and news . When he brings her a new hijab, Rumaysa has the idea to lengthen the hijab with bits of gold over time, so that she might escape. When she finally gets her chance, she is met by a boy on a magic carpet named Suleiman, and is both shocked and annoyed that someone got close to the tower, and only after she saved herself. The two however, and Zabina, are caught by the witch and must escape her as well. When that is all said and done, Suleiman gives Zabina a necklace that takes one to someone in need of help. His parents want him to save a princess, he wants to study in his room, so he hands off the necklace hoping it will help Rumaysa find her parents, and he heads off on his flying carpet.
The necklace doesn't transport Rumaysa to her parents, however, it takes her to a street where a girl is throwing rocks in desperation having been denied attending an Eid ball after her dress was torn to shreds. The story starts with Ayla's back story before Rumaysa arrives, but the two girls befriend each other, Rumaysa uses her magic gold weaving abilities to conjure up a new and beautiful dress and golden shoes and the girls head to the ball. When Ayla heads off to get samosas she meets the prince, but doesn't know he is the prince. They argue about the play Layla and Majnun and when her stepmother asks about the dress, Rumaysa and Ayla make a run for it. A shoe is lost, the stepmother comes to know, the guards search for the missing girl, and all is well. Except Harun is incredibly shallow and superficial and only interested in Ayla's clothes and status, so she rejects him and points out that she is much too young for marriage. She instead reclaims her home, fixes her relationship with her stepsisters and begs Rumaysa to stay. Rumaysa makes her excuses and is whisked away to a land that is being ruled by a man and his dragons.
Originally the land of Farisia is ruled by King Emad and Queen Shiva, but they have become unjust and disconnected from their people. When Azra gets a chance to steal Princess Sara and take the kingdom, he does. Rumaysa arrives to free a sleeping Sara from the dragon and restore apologetic and reformed leaders to the thrown.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I do like the spinning of familiar stories and either updating them, or twisting them, or fracturing them, so I am glad to see an Islamic cultural tinge available. I feel like the first story was the strongest conceptually even if the details and morals weren't well established. The second story was strong in the messaging that Ayla, and any girl, is more than just a pretty dress, but the premise was a little shaky and not that different from the original. The third story was a little lacking developmentally for me and all three I felt could have gone stronger in to the religion and culture without alienating readers or becoming heavy. There are characters illustrated in hijab, some in saris, some in flowing robes. Princess Sara is noted to be a larger body type and I appreciated that in elevating the heroines, other's weren't put down. Even within the book, there is diversity which is wonderful.
FLAGS:
There is lying and stealing with consequences. "Shut up" is said. There is magic, death, destruction, and a brief mention of an avian crush.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I could see this being used in a classroom for a writing assignment to urge students to write their own tales. I think it is fourth or fifth grade that children read fairytales from different points of view: think the three little pigs from the wolf's perspective or the Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and this book would lend itself easily to that lesson as well.
August 13, 2021
This is such a cute retelling of fairytales with an all-Muslim cast for the heroes! It intertwines three classics - Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty - in a fantastical tail of bravery and friendship. I love that it mentions prayer, Ramadan, and Muslamic cultural references like 1001 Nights, flying carpets, Layla and Majnun, and desserts eaten in Muslim-majority countries. I really like that it erased the whole "prince charming" trope from the fairytales - although there is a prince and a kind Muslim boy, the princesses are really the true heroes of the story, and there is no falling in love which is really unnecessary for such a young audience. Of course there were a few plot wholes and the endings were very whimsical and unlikely but it's a children's fairytale after all, and I think it would make a great addition to any Muslim child's shelf.
July 1, 2021
4.75 stars!
This was SO GOOD!! It has amazing own voices rep, and is just so cute and fun! Highly recommend this one.
This was SO GOOD!! It has amazing own voices rep, and is just so cute and fun! Highly recommend this one.
August 10, 2022
Look at me reading a whole book in one day. Granted, it's middle grade and a quick read, but it was also so much fun! I wish I had fairytale retellings like this one growing up. I loved Cinderella as a kid, and the Cinderayla story might be my favourite. A happily ever after does not need to include falling in love with a prince and getting married. Sometimes it's just escaping an abusive situation, making your own found family, and living a life you've always dreamt of.
Each fairytale has its own unique spin and I really appreciated that.
I also really loved how Rumaysa was a part of each story and how Suleiman kept popping in too. And they kept saying "I'll pray for you" which just made me 🥺 I'm curious to read the next book and see what other adventures Rumaysa goes on and if she ends up finding her parents.
Each fairytale has its own unique spin and I really appreciated that.
I also really loved how Rumaysa was a part of each story and how Suleiman kept popping in too. And they kept saying "I'll pray for you" which just made me 🥺 I'm curious to read the next book and see what other adventures Rumaysa goes on and if she ends up finding her parents.
August 20, 2021
the best thing was that the villain was named cordelia and that ayla rejected harun
April 14, 2021
This was such an interesting book. It's told as three stories that connect to one another, and puts a spin on the traditional stories of Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. I know that author said she was inspired to write it because she didn't see any fairy tale characters that looked like her growing up, so I'm glad to see a fantasy that centers around Muslim characters.
April 23, 2021
This is the book kid me needed and I am so glad it exists now and so wonderfully written.
I loved this book so much! The story was fun and entertaining and also full of south Asian culture that was so familiar to me and the best part was that the characters were Muslim! Muslim princess fairytales, books I wish I could I have had as a kid.
I loved way that Radiya made each story her own while still keeping the original fairytale recognisable. While we don’t get to see all the illustrations in the arc we do get one of Rumaysa in her tower and it’s so cute. My finished copy has arrived and I can say that the art is amazing! Girls in hijab, south Asian culture on full display, I love it so much!
I really loved how three fairytales were woven together with Rumaysa as the central character but not overtaking the other stories. It was so well done and such a wonderful surprise to read those twists. I loved how her hijab is key to her escaping the tower and that we see her struggle with being so isolated and alone. Her sole companion is an owl who helps her escape and is her eyes to the outside world. It was also so great to see that Rumaysa mentions praying her daily prayers and that it gave her structure to her day. The way they were just included as a normal part of her just made me smile.
Rumaysa is a wonderful character, she is determined and resilient and because she has never been outside so she is so grateful for all the experiences she now gets to see because she has missed out for many years and it reminded me of how girls are kept incredibly sheltered and not allowed to experience things and kept at home and so miss out on so many things. Sara’s story is also similar in that because her parents are afraid of losing her they go to extremes to keep her safe but that puts her at a disadvantage and she is unable to help those that she is responsible for. It shows how girls are so much more capable than adults give them credit for.
I really loved all three stories even though I’m not a fan of the original Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty story. I especially loved how the princesses saved themselves instead of waiting for a prince to turn up to save them. They helped and supported each other and they knew their worth. Especially Ayla who stood her ground and said she doesn’t want to be with someone who thinks wealth and looks is so important. Ayla’s step sisters also were a nice surprise. They copied the way their mother behaved towards her and it shows that children will copy what adults will do. But they also knew it wasn’t okay and eventually changed for the better and stood up for themselves too.
I loved this book so much and how message of girls supporting girls but also how toxic masculinity was tackled too through Suleiman. He doesn’t want to be the type of boy that his parents expect and push him into her prefers building things and being creative, not being outdoors all the time and that this is okay too. This book tackles many issues that are prevalent in the south Asian community in a way kids can understand but also not being so heavy that it takes away from the fun and magic of the story.
Give this book to all the kids you know. Everyone deserves to see themselves as the hero in the story and this book made kid me so very happy.
I loved this book so much! The story was fun and entertaining and also full of south Asian culture that was so familiar to me and the best part was that the characters were Muslim! Muslim princess fairytales, books I wish I could I have had as a kid.
I loved way that Radiya made each story her own while still keeping the original fairytale recognisable. While we don’t get to see all the illustrations in the arc we do get one of Rumaysa in her tower and it’s so cute. My finished copy has arrived and I can say that the art is amazing! Girls in hijab, south Asian culture on full display, I love it so much!
I really loved how three fairytales were woven together with Rumaysa as the central character but not overtaking the other stories. It was so well done and such a wonderful surprise to read those twists. I loved how her hijab is key to her escaping the tower and that we see her struggle with being so isolated and alone. Her sole companion is an owl who helps her escape and is her eyes to the outside world. It was also so great to see that Rumaysa mentions praying her daily prayers and that it gave her structure to her day. The way they were just included as a normal part of her just made me smile.
Rumaysa is a wonderful character, she is determined and resilient and because she has never been outside so she is so grateful for all the experiences she now gets to see because she has missed out for many years and it reminded me of how girls are kept incredibly sheltered and not allowed to experience things and kept at home and so miss out on so many things. Sara’s story is also similar in that because her parents are afraid of losing her they go to extremes to keep her safe but that puts her at a disadvantage and she is unable to help those that she is responsible for. It shows how girls are so much more capable than adults give them credit for.
I really loved all three stories even though I’m not a fan of the original Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty story. I especially loved how the princesses saved themselves instead of waiting for a prince to turn up to save them. They helped and supported each other and they knew their worth. Especially Ayla who stood her ground and said she doesn’t want to be with someone who thinks wealth and looks is so important. Ayla’s step sisters also were a nice surprise. They copied the way their mother behaved towards her and it shows that children will copy what adults will do. But they also knew it wasn’t okay and eventually changed for the better and stood up for themselves too.
I loved this book so much and how message of girls supporting girls but also how toxic masculinity was tackled too through Suleiman. He doesn’t want to be the type of boy that his parents expect and push him into her prefers building things and being creative, not being outdoors all the time and that this is okay too. This book tackles many issues that are prevalent in the south Asian community in a way kids can understand but also not being so heavy that it takes away from the fun and magic of the story.
Give this book to all the kids you know. Everyone deserves to see themselves as the hero in the story and this book made kid me so very happy.
October 15, 2023
This book offers fresh takes on three timeless fairy tales, imbued with a Muslim twist. Rumaysa finds herself ensnared in a tower within an enchanted forest, compelled to spin straw into gold after being taken from her parents by a witch. Her sole companion is Zabina, an owl (who was smashing - I would have liked them to stay in the story more). Whilst escaping, she encounters Suleiman, a lost boy on a magic carpet mission to rescue a princess captured by a dragon.
Together the pair begin to free other familiar characters not only from their fairy tale role but also from their gendered and cultural constraints. The book stands out for portraying the female characters as strong, independent, and clever, rather than fixating on traditional happily-ever-after endings or romance. Suleiman, too, embarks on a journey to challenge gender expectations.
I enjoyed the book, although I felt that at times, it was a bit too forceful in its approach to challenging stereotypes. It might have been more impactful to give children the freedom to read between the lines and show rather than tell. In addition, there is no growth in Rumaysa whilst all other characters around her change.
Together the pair begin to free other familiar characters not only from their fairy tale role but also from their gendered and cultural constraints. The book stands out for portraying the female characters as strong, independent, and clever, rather than fixating on traditional happily-ever-after endings or romance. Suleiman, too, embarks on a journey to challenge gender expectations.
I enjoyed the book, although I felt that at times, it was a bit too forceful in its approach to challenging stereotypes. It might have been more impactful to give children the freedom to read between the lines and show rather than tell. In addition, there is no growth in Rumaysa whilst all other characters around her change.
April 11, 2021
'It was the only book Rumaysa owned where the characters had similar names to her and shared her skin colour' ✨
November 10, 2021
This was such a cute read!! I love the spins on the classic fairytales to include Muslim characters and culture. And some fairytale elements were even combined from different stories which just made for such an entertaining and fun read! The storytelling was simplistic but quite engaging, and the characters were developed just enough for you to like them and want to follow them on adventures! And the friendships were so cute and lovely to read.
It seemed a little like this was setting up for further books or stories which I hadn't been aware of picking it up. I had thought it was a standalone and things would be wrapped up, so I was a tiny bit disappointed when they didn't. But if you go in not expecting everything to wrap up, it will be all good!
I think this is just such a great and fun read for kids to see themselves in the classic fairytales!
TW: kidnapping, confinement, fire, death, emotional abuse
It seemed a little like this was setting up for further books or stories which I hadn't been aware of picking it up. I had thought it was a standalone and things would be wrapped up, so I was a tiny bit disappointed when they didn't. But if you go in not expecting everything to wrap up, it will be all good!
I think this is just such a great and fun read for kids to see themselves in the classic fairytales!
TW: kidnapping, confinement, fire, death, emotional abuse
August 3, 2021
“It was one thing to grieve a loss, but another thing to grieve something you could only imagine.”
I wanted to read it for so long and got a copy as a birthday gift from a friend. It is a collection of 3 short stories. Rumaysa, Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara are Muslim and desi take of Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping beauty.
The story also focused on women empowerment and showed them their own saviour. I also liked the way the author introduced the prequel of each story which made things more logical. In sleeping, Sara author introduced a plus size girl. That is also a good thing for children to learn that not everyone has to be skinny. It is definitely targeted towards the young audience who won't be as critical as I am. Although there were a few plot holes every fairytale has a few. So I am not gonna discuss them.
I really enjoyed the way the author told the story and the world-building was intriguing.
I wanted to read it for so long and got a copy as a birthday gift from a friend. It is a collection of 3 short stories. Rumaysa, Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara are Muslim and desi take of Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping beauty.
The story also focused on women empowerment and showed them their own saviour. I also liked the way the author introduced the prequel of each story which made things more logical. In sleeping, Sara author introduced a plus size girl. That is also a good thing for children to learn that not everyone has to be skinny. It is definitely targeted towards the young audience who won't be as critical as I am. Although there were a few plot holes every fairytale has a few. So I am not gonna discuss them.
I really enjoyed the way the author told the story and the world-building was intriguing.
March 25, 2022
A beautiful, creative retelling of Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
April 25, 2021
Completely charming, witty and inspiring!
November 15, 2020
Such a cute, loveable series of interwoven fairytale retellings. Don't want to spoil too much so early before release so I will keep this review short for now, but I will say I would love to see a sequel with more adventures from Rumaysa and the other wonderful characters!
July 14, 2021
This was a super adorable read for any middle grade to pick up. There is so much of action in each one of the fairytale story. The funniest one was the sleeping beauty. But I loved the first one which was the Rapunzel hijab adaptation!!!!
May 18, 2021
books i would have loved as a second or third grader 🥺🥺
February 23, 2022
Rumaysa is a retelling featuring an amalgamation of Rumplestilskin, Rapunzel, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. I enjoyed the story, although I'd be lying if I said I did not get annoyed at some of the inconsistencies, like an Eid ball, Rumaysa wearing a hijab even in the tower, and being aware of her own name when even the witch is not. The story could also be more cohesive, but it felt somewhat scattered. Rumaysa's adventures did not seem relevant to her story, at least in book 1.
I appreciated that it had Muslim representation and mentioned prayers and delicious food.
I did not enjoy the "I don't need a prince" storyline. I understand why the idea would be appealing, but it felt half-done. The prince could've been given more depth than only superficiality and surface-level misogyny. I actually found myself agreeing with his opinion on the tale of Layla and Majnun. Although, ruining your life for any person of the opposite sex because romance seems excessive. Also, 19 is an okay age to get married, depending on your situation.
Unpopular opinion: I haven't ever read a story and wished the characters resembled me. Most of them were detective novels that could take place anywhere or fantasy where I just pretended it was me. I understand the importance of diverse representation in literature. But I believe the sheer amount of energy dedicated (by readers) to getting the right kind could instead be invested into more important things with consequences in the real world. Though, I'm always happy to see a Muslim author thrive.
Conclusively, I opine I'd have enjoyed the story much more as a kid. I plan to read the sequel insha'Allah.
I appreciated that it had Muslim representation and mentioned prayers and delicious food.
I did not enjoy the "I don't need a prince" storyline. I understand why the idea would be appealing, but it felt half-done. The prince could've been given more depth than only superficiality and surface-level misogyny. I actually found myself agreeing with his opinion on the tale of Layla and Majnun. Although, ruining your life for any person of the opposite sex because romance seems excessive. Also, 19 is an okay age to get married, depending on your situation.
Unpopular opinion: I haven't ever read a story and wished the characters resembled me. Most of them were detective novels that could take place anywhere or fantasy where I just pretended it was me. I understand the importance of diverse representation in literature. But I believe the sheer amount of energy dedicated (by readers) to getting the right kind could instead be invested into more important things with consequences in the real world. Though, I'm always happy to see a Muslim author thrive.
Conclusively, I opine I'd have enjoyed the story much more as a kid. I plan to read the sequel insha'Allah.
September 6, 2021
'Rumaysa, Rumaysa, let down your hijab!' For as long as she can remember Rumaysa has been locked away in her tall, tall tower, forced to use her magic to spin straw into gold for the evil Witch and unable to leave. Until one day, after dropping a hijab out of her small tower-window, Rumaysa realizes how she might be able to escape ... Join Rumaysa as she adventures through enchanted forests and into dragon's lairs, discovers her own incredible magical powers and teams up with Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara!
This book was delightful to read the language was so understandable that I think almost any age could read it and get something out of it. The spins and changes that were done to the stories brought a fresh and new type of storytelling, and the way these three stories were retold, I thought was really clever and effective. And the characters themselves were funny and interesting and especially Rumaysa who was a fierce, dedicated and strong individual not usually seen with women in these classical stories. I also liked that it dealt with multiple tones and had many representations from a plus size princess to a feminist main character and how all of these stories were weaves into one was really nice. A great book to sit down and relax to and brilliant for a Disney fan, this in many ways is Disney done right.
This book was delightful to read the language was so understandable that I think almost any age could read it and get something out of it. The spins and changes that were done to the stories brought a fresh and new type of storytelling, and the way these three stories were retold, I thought was really clever and effective. And the characters themselves were funny and interesting and especially Rumaysa who was a fierce, dedicated and strong individual not usually seen with women in these classical stories. I also liked that it dealt with multiple tones and had many representations from a plus size princess to a feminist main character and how all of these stories were weaves into one was really nice. A great book to sit down and relax to and brilliant for a Disney fan, this in many ways is Disney done right.
March 9, 2021
I loved this!! It was a lot shorter (I read it in an hour!) and more simplistic than I was expecting - I would categorise it as a borderline chapter book, so there isn't masses of character development or introspection, but it's just so much fun!
I loved the way Hafiza reimagined the three fairytales, and the way the girls really save themselves and each other. I love that Rumaysa's hijab provides a key part of her escape, and the mention of how her daily prayers calm her and give her structure in her days! Rumaysa herself was so determined and kind, and I loved her (and I also loved that the witch mispronouncing her name one too many times is the thing that finally unlocks her anger and her magic - because I relate! And a lot of children reading this sadly will too.)
Definitely a book I plan to get for my 7yo sisters!
I loved the way Hafiza reimagined the three fairytales, and the way the girls really save themselves and each other. I love that Rumaysa's hijab provides a key part of her escape, and the mention of how her daily prayers calm her and give her structure in her days! Rumaysa herself was so determined and kind, and I loved her (and I also loved that the witch mispronouncing her name one too many times is the thing that finally unlocks her anger and her magic - because I relate! And a lot of children reading this sadly will too.)
Definitely a book I plan to get for my 7yo sisters!
January 3, 2024
“What's the point of being evil if you're not going to be creative about it?”
Finished reading it in a day! It was 3.5 stars for me. It's a great mix of fairytales with an Islamic setting. I loved this combination also the artwork in the book is really pretty and cute.
I was amazed by the author, how creative she is with all of these stories, and how she connected them all and alternated them, especially the story of Rumaysa.
I found Ayla's one the most entertaining because She decided to hold onto her dignity and ego instead of giving them up for some prince she met at the Eid ball. Sara irritated me a bit. She doesn't even know about the outside world and all she did was being some whiny and then bossy princess.
.
I wanted to read Rumaysa: Ever After too but I can't seem to find it online.
Finished reading it in a day! It was 3.5 stars for me. It's a great mix of fairytales with an Islamic setting. I loved this combination also the artwork in the book is really pretty and cute.
I was amazed by the author, how creative she is with all of these stories, and how she connected them all and alternated them, especially the story of Rumaysa.
I found Ayla's one the most entertaining because She decided to hold onto her dignity and ego instead of giving them up for some prince she met at the Eid ball. Sara irritated me a bit. She doesn't even know about the outside world and all she did was being some whiny and then bossy princess.
.
I wanted to read Rumaysa: Ever After too but I can't seem to find it online.
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