Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The tale of the legendary golden flower is widely known. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the flower is coveted by an old witch to keep herself young and beautiful. And always the flower is used to save a dying queen, who then gives birth to a princess with magical hair. Not willing to lose the flower, the old witch steals the princess and locks her away in a high tower, raising her as her own. But the princess always finds out who she truly is and manages to defeat the old witch. And yet this is only half the story. So what of the old witch, Mother Gothel? Where does she come from? And how does she come across the magical golden flower? Here is one account that recounts a version of the story that has remained untold for centuries... until now. It is a tale of mothers and daughters, of youth and dark magic. It is a tale of the old witch.
Is Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch (Villains) appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
This retelling explores Mother Gothel's backstory and motivations, including her kidnapping of Rapunzel and use of dark magic. Contains mild peril and morally complex themes about obsession and control.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include child harm, kidnapping, and captivity (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Middle grade readers will enjoy learning the untold story of a classic Disney villain and seeing her side of the tale.