The Rat Prince

“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...this story will still appeal to fans of fractured fairy tales.” —Booklist