The Rat Prince

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.