Ask Rapunzel: Good-for-nothing critters

Cursed, hexed, or just plain vexed? Ask Rapunzel! She can untangle any fairy-tale dilemma.

 

I live in an enchanted forest, as many of us do, and was brought up to believe that keeping house would be a breeze! But I can’t get the woodland creatures around my cottage to pitch in and help! They just stare at me whenever I bring out the cleaning supplies, and when I ask them to make me a ball gown, they scatter into the woods. I’m exhausted! Was all that jabber about reliable help just an old fairy tale?

—Once upon a Time When Creatures Helped

 

Dear Once: Reluctant woodland creatures can be the result of several causes. First of all: when addressing them, are you using your flutey voice? We also recommend singing to inanimate objects in an impossibly high and wobbly soprano. If you’ve already taken these steps and the odd behavior continues, the woodland creatures could be under some sort of spell. In that case, contact www.spellbegone.st.gov right away! There might also be a possibility that you are an Evil Witch. Get tested!

 

Don’t miss any of Rapunzel’s fantastic advice! Click on the tag Ask Rapunzel to read all of her columns. For conflicts requiring legal mediation, Rapunzel recommends Judge Judy, the fairest judge in storybook land.
Elizabeth Thomas
Elizabeth Thomas
Elizabeth Thomas has an MFA from Hamline University in Writing for Children & Young Adults. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?