Three classic fairytales -Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty - given a spin. A fantastic, captivating and beautifully written release from an own voices author. While this is probably aimed lower in age than my current students - it would be a great fit for any KS2 classroom or library.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC

I adored this book and requested it as BoTM at Waterstones. A brilliant reimaging of classic fairytales with a BAME and gender role reversal spin!

I didn't finish this book. I quite enjoyed the stories I did read but it didn't grab me enough to complete it. I think it is slightly too young for the students that I teach.

What a wonderful twist on some classic fairy tales. I have a lovely young girl in my class who squealed to see her own name in the book, and was enthralled by the representation she experienced as she read. I loved how the traditional tales were waved together into one story - a beautiful read and certainly one to include on every diverse bookshelf!

You've heard of Rapunzel, but who is Rumaysa? This brilliant, adventurous, resourceful protagonist is the fairy tale heroine I wish I'd had when I was younger.

This middle-grade book is a beautiful retelling of three well known fairytales with diverse heroines who save themselves and each other. Beginning with Rumaysa, which retells the story of Rapunzel, we then see our heroine wander into the stories of Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara. Where fairytales traditionally prioritise traditional gender norms and romantic relationships, Radiya Hafiza instead chooses to empower her readers, giving them diverse representations of Muslim heroines, centring female friendships in the process.

I love how the stories are interwoven, taking you on a journey of discovery along with the characters, and giving these characters the opportunity to bloom outside of the traditional boundaries of their story. Moreover, as well as challenging traditional and euro-centric fairytale tropes, Hafiza gives us a fun adventure, with delightful twists and turns and dose of magic.

These are the kind of fairytales I wish I’d grown up with! I want to put this book in the hands of every child, but it's certainly not just for children - I highly recommend if you enjoy fairytales. I also can't wait to see what Radiya Hafiza does next!

Three classic fairytales – Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty – retold with Muslim main characters and a feminist slant that will be appealing to modern middle-grade readers who aren’t keen on sitting around waiting for a prince to sort all of their problems out.

Rumaysa, Cinderayla and Sleeping Sara’s stories link together as each ‘princess’ solves her own problems and rescues herself (with perhaps a little help from her friends!). We also meet Suleiman, who, unlike most fairytale boy-wanderers, is a reluctant adventurer, but a very keen student.

There are plenty of useful lessons about not judging someone by their appearance, creative problem-solving and finding your own path, along with interesting cultural details about Islamic food and clothing. As well as being an entertaining story in its own right, I can see this making a fantastic school resource for talking about different cultural storytelling and about effectively changing an existing story to paint a very different picture.

Full of unexpected twists and clever, practical (or magical) solutions, this is an ideal book for fairytale fans looking for own voice representation and more modern morality.

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog

Weaving together three classic tales, RUMAYSA is own voices with diverse rep. It was fun, entertaining and engaging and I'll be recommending this one to as many people as possible.

THIS IS AN AMAZING STORY!! I absolutely loved the tangle of fairytales, the gorgeous writing and the cover is also so adorable!!

Rumaysa was such a quick read that I became quickly absorbed in! As someone who loves fairytales I was intrigued to see how this story panned out, and to say I was blindsided would be an understatement. Rumaysa was such an incredible character, and I know she will become a role model for any child who decides to pick this book up. The concept of a Muslim retelling of Rapunzel was inspiring and was definitely the kind of representation that needs to be featured more in children’s fiction. Representation matters and all children have the right to see someone like them featured in a book.

The other two stories of Ayla (Cinderella) and Sara (Sleeping Beauty) were equally as stunning as Rumaysa, and I found the interwoven elements of all three stories to be both captivating and enjoyable. Ayla and Sara were both own voices characters, and I also liked the fact that Sara was also plus-sized, which you never see in a fairytale. All of this representation within each of the stories is so important and I am pleased that stories like this are being told.

Rumyasa: A Fairytale ultimately was a beautiful read, full of magic, wonder and diversity. The gorgeous storytelling, representation and stunning illustrations make for an incredible read. It’s a book that all children should pick up, for sure.

This is a superb reimagining of three well loved fairy tales. The author uses humour well and brings three separate stories together in a unique way.

Fabulous twist on traditional fairy tales. Loved the female empowerment and the friendship & loyalty depicted throughout.

Oh, this book was an utter joy to read! Amusing, linked stories with familiar sounding heroines - based on the traditional stories of Rapunzel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty - but with a couple of fascinating quirks. The characters and settings are South Asian and Muslim and the girls are not passive princesses. These girls work out how to rescue themselves (and an Aladdinesque lad called Suleiman) without the help of adults, heroes or any of the usual suspects AND they support each other throughout. Lots of fabulous, positive messages here for girls and boys from any background. In fact, many of the copies I have sold since our shop reopened have been to young adults, mostly women, who have, perhaps, previously been denied a version of themselves in this kind of story. However, whatever your own heritage (or, indeed, age or gender) this book is an entertaining and exciting read.

Rumaysa, the central character of the first story in this delightful collection, reappears throughout the book in stories that are at once familiar and original, with settings reminiscent of 1001 Nights and a narrative voice that blends the style of traditional stories with characters who speak in a more contemporary idiom. They are ideal for reading aloud to children or for doing what I did as a child, scooching down with a book under the covers when I was supposed to be going to sleep. Although some of the wicked creatures in the stories do get their comeuppance, this book is kinder to both good and bad characters than many versions of well-loved fairy tales, and the young Muslim heroines are not old enough for the usual happy ever after marital ending. Instead, friendship, freedom, independence and being true to themselves is their reward. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

A brillaintly imaginative and adventurous mix of diverse fairytales. I love the way that each story - Rapunzel(Rumaysa), Cinderella(Cinderayla) and Sleeping Beauty(Sleeping Sara) all blended together. I only wish that Rumaysa got to find her family in the end!

A great collection of fairytales retold, fun and enjoyable. It was great to read a diverse and non-conventional take on fairytale retellings. Definitely worth a read.

I received this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a cute set of short stories. I am not sure I was expecting that, but they are all linked so really it’s one story with three distinct parts. And it works so well. It’s a slightly younger middle grade I think, and a very easy read (I think I read it in about 45 minutes), but very enjoyable.

For a start, the concept of a hijabi Rapunzel is LOVELY and I really enjoyed it. I also loved that she got to have faith and we see her praying. And honestly she is just fun - who doesn’t love a self rescuing princess?! Rumaysa is a simplified concept, but I think it absolutely does what it sets out to do.

We also get similar own voices short stories centred around Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, which show lots of different aspects. I particularly loved that Sara was fat. Their interactions with Rumaysa are super cute and fun.

These feel like a great way to show your kids that princesses don’t have to be white and thin, and to show that there are lots of ways to tell fairytales.

4 stars.

Thank you Netgalley UK and Macmillan Children's Books for sending me an advance reader copy in exchange of an honest review.

Solid 5 stars from me (I honestly did not have single criticism, and trust me I tried!)

Early in the book, our heroine pulls out a copy of One Thousand and One Night. "It was the only book Rumaysa owned where the characters had similar names to her and shared her skin colour." Rumaysa felt like that book to me. A fantastic book, weaving three classical fairytales into a beautiful tale of courage, self-respect and friendship. Debutante writer Radiya Hafiza's story has fearless princesses, talking owls, the power of sisterhood, and strong girls who don't wait to be rescued by princes, rather helps them break free too.

Rumaysa is one of the most joyful and inspiring.stories I have read in a long time, and that's saying something about a story with a baby-stealing witch, a bitter stepmother and a giant magical dragon. I don't want to talk too much about the plot as I don't want to spoil it for readers. The storyline of Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are, of course, well-known. In Hafiza's retelling, these stories take a modern and inclusive turn, each concluding with a refreshingly new ending.

The beautiful illustration from Rhaida El Touny adds extra joy and meaning to the story and deserve a standing ovation on their own.

Ayla and Sara both well fleshed out characters, comfortable in their own "warm brown skin". Cinder-Ayla's incredible hope in the face of being heart-breaking neglect from her step-family filled me with positivity, which multiplied the excitement of the royal Eid ball in Qamaroon. Sleeping Sara's sassy voice exudes confidence and a natural flair for leadership, fitting for the future ruler of Farisia. But the beating heart of this story is the eponymous Rumaysa.

Stolen as a baby by the witch Cordelia and stuck in a tower in an enchanted forest, Rumaysa's magic, both literal and figurative, makes her the hero of this story. From spinning straw into gold for the witch who refuses gaslights her to the point of calling her "Romsara" and "Rumseera", to spinning her way out with her magical hijab, Rumaysa can be the inspiration for all readers.

The supporting cast is also super exciting. Hafiza takes the narcissistic stepsisters from Cinderalla and molds them into more human characters in Rubina and Sufina. They still order "Ayla to do this and that with no regards to her own feelings or needs", but are surprised when their mother tries to stop Ayla from going to the Eid ball. Suleiman and his carpet always brought a smile on my face whenever they appeared. I would love to read more of his adventures although I have a feeling he might "just want to sit in his house for a year."

Of course, I save the best for the last: my favourite (after Rumaysa herself) is Zabina, the Owl. She lights up the scene every time she appears, and I so wish we saw more of her.

The best part of this story is the three climactic moments and I can't choose a favourite., although "MY NAME IS RUMAYSA!" and "I like mine how they are!" are probably my favourite quotes from the book.

I hope Rumaysa will end up on more adventures and will we will also get to see how Ayla, Sara and Suleiman are getting on with their lives. Next time, I hope we will get to see more of Griselda and definitely need to find out how Zabina's love life is going!

Last word from me: this is a book I wish I had growing up and I can't wait for more young people to grow up with this amazing story.

This is a beautiful fairytale and I loved the twists that where in the story. The writing was beautifully written and it was easy read to get into. I loved there was drawings in the book which made it even nicer to look in and separated the writing a little.
I read the story in a day and the characters where really easy to get on with. I really hope you found out what happens to Rumaysa and she gets a happy ever after like her two friends.
Thank you NetGalley letting me read this book.

I LOVED what Radiya Hafiza created here, Rumaysa is a Rapunzel retelling set in a fictional version of South Asia and it is EVERYthing.

Rumaysa was stolen from her parents as a child. She was imprisoned in a tower, her only friends being books (lots of books!) and Zabina, a talking owl who flies by and pops in. Imprisoned by a witch who makes her spin gold, Rumaysa starts to find her own kind of magic and... escapes!

Along the way she meets Suleiman, a young boy who is also searching for something. Both of them are the thread that links each of the three stories in this collection, as each of them is on a personal journey.

Hafiza expertly whisks us through Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella with hints of Aladdin weaved in. The fairy-tale tropes and gender expectations are expertly nudged to the side, replaced with refreshing and energising characters and plot twists. The result is three interconnected stories full of humour, hope and warmth. I’ve got my fingers firmly crossed for a book two...

Emma Perry