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Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu
Last updated Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Author: Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrator: Crystal Kung
Date of Publication: 2024
ISBN: 0593533054
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2026
Synopsis:
The story of Rapunzel where she's being locked in a tower by a witch is a good one - but it's not totally the truth.
The real story is about a young princess in China named Ra Pu Zel who doesn't want to talk to princes or look proper. What Pu Zel wants is to cook and eat in peace, her long hair neatly braided to keep it out of her food. And when she gets tired of everyone telling her what to do, she locks herself in a tower with her dog Bao. Although princes from everywhere try to convince her to come down, it's not until a young chef arrives with an intriguing food to share that Ra Pu Zel finally has a reason.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What is your favorite food or dish?
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Have you ever tried food that smelled terrible but tasted good?
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Is there a food that you would like to taste one day?
Vocabulary
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Aroma: A distinctive, typically pleasant smell.
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Tower: A high, isolated structure.
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Braid: A length of hair made by weaving.
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Bao: A stuffed bun.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why does Ra Pu Zel lock herself in the tower?
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What kinds of things do the princes bring to try and make her come down?
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What finally makes Ra Pu Zel come out of the tower?
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Who is Bao? What is Bao?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Using blocks, cardboard boxes, or craft materials, have children build or illustrate their own "cozy" towers.
Materials needed: Construction paper, craft items, stencil and scissors.
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Tomorrow is a very special day- Mother’s Day! Let’s make a special card for Mom!
Using craft materials, have children create a Mother's Day card for their mother, grandmother, or someone special in their lives.
See this Pinterest board for ideas on making paper flowers:
https://www.pinterest.com/tanyacarabio/draft_may-2026-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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