{My Thoughts} – Rapunzel has to be one one of my favorite fairytale characters. I like how the authors have changed her appearance so that she isn’t what one would consider normal. In this series she is a Goth girl, her hair is black with blue streaks and she dresses all things Goth while sleeping in the dungeon of the Academy. Her favorite color seems to be black and she loves cats! She is like a picture perfect version of what one might think a fairytale character should be right? Not really, but I love this depiction of her so much more then the many others I have read in the past.

Onto the book, Rapunzel, Snow, Cinder and Red all have been working out where the mapestry they had found in book one is suppose to take them, where they are suppose to find the treasure and how they are suppose to save the Academy. I cannot help but love each of the main characters in these books, but Rapunzel I can relate to the most, because I have the Goth personality I suppose or I use to, not so much anymore. Although, I am a massive animal lover which she appears to be as well.

In this book the big weekend comes for the festival. The festival was a plan the girls had come up with and pitched to Principal R as a means to try and save the Academy. The Academy seems to be in a mass amount of debt, but also it is threatened by the E.V.I.L. society. The girls believe that their goal is to take over all of Grimmlandia and they have yet, to discover a way to prevent such a disaster from happening. Can they stop that from happening? I don’t know, I mean I do, but I won’t tell you, you must read the book to find out.

Also, you get to learn more about Rapunzel, her secrets and what kind of character she really is, within Grimmlandia. I am certain you will fall even more in love with her once you learn more about her! I know I did!

I am almost certain that anyone that enjoys reading about fairytales, retellings and just plain a good relaxed story that they will be able to enjoy this book series. I cannot wait until I am able to read book 5! I am truly intrigued by this series! ( )

I love this series so much! Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams are the authors behind the popular Goddess Girls series and have brought their charm and talent to writing stories about fairy tales!

Grimmtastic Girls is a series written for readers aged 8-12, who love fantasy, fairy tales, mystery, and adventure! The story is set at Grimm Academy, where most of our beloved heroes are students or teachers, and the iconic villains we love to hate are lurking within the school borders. The series is very age-appropriate and centres on four best friends: Cinda, Snow, Red, and Rapunzel—all of whom who are positive role models for readers in many ways!

While I haven't yet read Snow White's story, this book is the darkest yet. Rapunzel's villain (the witch who wants to lock her in her infamous tower) kidnaps her pet cat (the cat is released unharmed), immobilizes the girls in vines, and there's a VAGUELY chilling scene where the man behind the EVIL Society makes his first appearance. Nothing in the book is frightening or disturbing per se, but there was some real zing to the plot that I hadn't seen in books one and two.

It's notable that the series is aimed at female readers who, like Rapunzel and her friends, are beginning to realize their romantic feelings for boys. Fortunately, this series encourages readers to develop healthy attitudes about self-esteem and self-worth (girl power!). When Prince Perfect reveals he doesn't find Rapunzel pretty with short hair, she coolly tells him he's being shallow and superficial, and then shrugs it off and moves on, recognizing this boy isn't worth her time. Love the positive life lessons for impressionable preteens!

This is a charming series for readers who like girly, happily-ever-afters. A light and easy read for those new to chapter books, this series is a great choice for educators, too. Readers are exposed to a wealth of folklore, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and literary figures. There are plenty of opportunities for discussion and further reading!

4 Stars ( )