What a fun mashup of stories!

I really enjoyed this retelling of Rapunzel and the Little Mermaid. Full of twists and turns, surprises and additional fairy tale characters, Bussing does a great job to incorporate the traditional stories into an exciting new set up where villains and allies will surprise you.

There is a small romance element that includes hugs, hand holding, and kissing among a myriad of feelings expressed throughout the story. There is nothing explicit and it's slight enough to not take away from the main story.

I haven't read the others in the series, but can say this one is well written and engaging for middle grades.

I haven't read the two books that come before this, but I love fairy tales and I LOVE fractured fairy tales. I found the idea of two fairy tale princess swapping places to be very intriguing!
I wouldn't quite call this book a mystery, but first I was hooked trying to figure out when/how they would switch, and then I was hooked on the mystery of who caused the storm as well as each character's personal goal, and THEN I was hooked on the larger mermaid vs human conflict. So, layers!
Each character was definitely distinct, and even the side supporting characters and villains seemed to leap off the page.
You did NOT have to read the first books to understand this one, though I'm pretty sure there were some nods and easter eggs you would catch.
I thought it was very interesting to see both sides of a mutual fear-mongering campaign. The humans described the mermaids as terrifying creatures, and the mermaids described the humans pretty much the same, and neither was right.
I don't think it was really ever properly explained why the two characters switched places, though Hana and Rapunzel both think they know why, it just didn't seem quite right to me. But by the end I was satisfied and I don't need every answer for every story, so... I let it go. Mostly.

Fairytales will always bring me joy. Add curses, storms, and princesses swapping places?? I couldn't pass this up and I haven't even read the first two! Fortunately, it didn't matter.

Rapunzel and Hana were ridiculously fun to follow, and the age-appropriate romance sprinkled in was adorable. I would have been all about it at that age too! I remember starting to be interested in love stories but being too embarrassed to ask anyone to help me find something lol.

I do wish the characters leaned more into fresh takes and less into the familiar Disney vibes. But I love Disney movies too, so I can't complain too much. There was also a lot going on. I usually love middle grade because the plots are simpler and that's a lovely break sometimes. But this one felt crowded and some threads didn’t really get the closure I wanted, and it made the story feel a little messy.

If you're not already into fairy tales and princesses, this isn’t going to change your mind. But if you are and son’t mind some chaotic fun, this is a charming twisty mashup and a fun read.

This book (and the series) had a really cool premise, but I felt that it had to jump through some real hoops in order to bring the whole plot together. I didn’t have any major content concerns, but I didn’t love the attitude of the main characters in several circumstances. If my daughter asked to read it, I’d most likely let her, but I’d be reluctant to purchase.

Rapunzel and the Littlest Mermaid switch places by accident. I mean, the premise is right there in the title. The mermaid, Hana, is trying to figure out the cause of the mysterious storm on the surface that none of the other merple are taking seriously when she's swept into an unexpected deal and finds herself in a tower. Rapunzel, on the other hand, dreams of leaving her tower one day but doesn't expect that wish to be fulfilled by pulling her to the bottom of the ocean! Soon, the clock is ticking, and it becomes clear that each girl will have to use her unique character traits to stop a war or something even worse.

While a premise alone is not enough to carry a book, this book has a ton of good ideas. The plot, characters, and writing style rise to meet it, resulting in a captivating read featuring strong female protagonists, enchanting twists, and a clever ending. I had a great time reading this book and am looking forward to further installments of this series. Which princesses will we see next?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Kim Bussing does it again!! Growing up, the little mermaid was firmly cemented favorite, while Rapunzel was more consolation price. In this interwoven tale, both Rapunzel and Hana shine!! I loved the homage to kiss the girl, find the shell, and all the little gems in the storyline. The tale is fast paced and is decidedly more plot twisted than previous ( Jack wasn't who I pegged him to be)..
I polished the book off in a couple of hours and would highly recommend this to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings. The kinship and found family tropes that imbibes this series draws me in every time. Many thank yous to Netgally and Random Children's Bookhouse for sharing the Arc!

The concept for these books is so clever and so well carried out by the author. I love that the stories are swapped and that the princesses get to meet one another and work together. With this book, I also really liked that each princess had the chance to save themselves rather than needing to be saved by anyone else. Having the sea witch be morally ambiguous made her a very enjoyable character as well, I would love to learn more about her and her contracts. I would have liked just a little more between Rapunzel and Eloise - you would think there would have been more of a big moment between then considering everything that had happened. Also, how did Eloise not recognize Rapunzel right away? Especially since The General figured it out almost right away. The little twist involving Hana was interesting and opened up the opportunity for her to explore both land and sea. This seems like an end to the series, but the door is also left open for more stories within this world. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next!

Cute fairytale retelling but with a mash up twist!
The stories start out separate then mix together perfectly.
Unique way of our favorite fairytales!

I loved this. 1. I like that it’s an interconnected standalone. I didn’t feel lost not having read the previous installments, but it is alluded to at points in the book. 2. I loved all the characters and felt connected to each of them. I think it’s a must to watch Tangled after reading this, of course. 3. I really love any book that encourages young girls to find their voices. I’m interested in continuing the series and going back to see what I’ve missed.

This is a fairy tale remix, but the two stories mesh together fairly quickly and become their own story.

First off, yes, you can read this series out of order. It's probably better to read them in order. I started with this one and didn't feel too entirely lost. It's a solid entry in fairy tale mashups. The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel wind up in each other's stories and use that to their advantage to solve problems. There is a little romance, but it's a solid story of girl power, team work, and found family. Rapunzel's "mother" is an evil villain and her real mother is very sweet. I enjoyed this book and will return to the others.

This is the third book in The Princess Swap series, but you definitely don’t have to read the others first to enjoy it. I hadn’t, and I still followed everything just fine.
This book mashes up The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel, two of my favorite Disney princesses. Hana is the youngest and smallest mermaid (thus “Little” Mermaid) of six sisters, and Rapunzel is a girl locked in a tower because she’s supposedly cursed.
As much as I like the Disney princesses, though, I wish their characterization hadn’t leaned so hard into the Disneyfied versions of the characters. At times, I wished the story leaned more into the classic lore, or even in a completely new/original direction.
I also really liked the boys in this story. They weren’t just background characters, and I had a good time trying to guess which fairy tale characters they might be inspired by.
Overall, with its action, magic, and a weeee bit of romance, this one’s perfect for middle-grade readers (8–12ish).
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers, and Kim Bussing for this free, advance copy in exchange for an honest review

I received Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) by Kim Bussing from NetGalley. I had not read any other books in the series, but I feel as though it was ok to start with any book. I adore fairytale retellings and this was no exception. It was a fun spin that highlights how we often see the lives of others and wonder what it would be like to switch places.  

We all know the classic tale of Rapunzel. The girl with luscious locks that has been hidden away in a tall tower for her whole life until the handsome man comes to rescue her. This time the handsome man doesn't come to rescue her, but she does have a friend that accompanies her to save herself from the curse.  As well as the Little Mermaid. The story of the youngest of the royal mermaid princesses that longs to see what life on land is like and to find out how to stop the storm. 

This book is perfect for young readers who like to go on adventures in far away and mystical places (but really...don't they all?).  With a few friends joining in the adventure will the princesses succeed in breaking their own curses? Will they form a friendship? Do they even meet?!  All things you will find out when you open this third installment of the princess swap.

Rating: 3.5 stars!

I have loved the Princess Swap series, and this story is no exception. We follow the journey of Rapunzel locked in her tower and Hana (Ariel?) who wants to see the human world. Like the other books in the series, we are almost immediately throw into the swap drama with other familiar storybook characters we know and love. Can Rapunzel find joy in the basic human activities outside of her tower without her voice? Can Hana explore the human world without getting caught by the Sea Witch and stop the storm?

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fairytale retelling for younger readers. This is a nice beginning for young readers who are transitioning to full chapter books and have shown an interest in fantasy. There are some characters to learn and plot points to keep straight, but the chapters are short. Some of the writing is poetic and it flows nicely.

Thank you for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.

This puts a fun twist on two fairy tales we mostly all know, thanks to Disney. But what I've liked about this series is that it isn't the 'Disneyfied' version of the stories to begin with. This, just like the others in this series, blends two stories into an packed story full of surprises including the main role reversal. Younger readers will like the fast pace and imaginative plot, but the story does get a bit messy. With so many characters, many of which are original to this book, unexplained situations/plot points, older kids may not enjoy this.

Our leads are strong and likable, perfect for young readers to look up to. If you love fairy tale retellings and adventurous plots with female leads, this could be a fun time for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Random House Books for Young Readers, and Kim Bussing for the opportunity to read Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) in exchange for an honest review.

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) is the thirst installment to The Princess Swap series. While this can be an enjoyable read on it's own. I do recommend reading Cinderella and the Beast and Snow White and the Dragon, as the world does reference other events and characters, making for a fun interconnected series.

This novel follows Rapunzel, a girl who has been Cursed her whole life. Bad things happen to the people around her, so she must live in a tower. Hana, on the other hand, is the daughter of the merfolk queen, who seeks to find a way to stop the Storm, a torrent making its way to her people's kingdom. Often referred to as "the little mermaid," Hana seeks the sea witch to form a contract and find a way to end the Storm.

When signing the contract, Hana and Rapunzel swap places. Never having been out of her tower before, Rapunzel sees a curse-breaking opportunity. It may only cost her her voice. Hana, now having legs, teams up with local boy Oliver to help solve the mystery of the Storm, while Rapunzel, and her bean-obsessed friend Jack, find a way to break her curse while leaning dark secrets about the one person she thought she trusted.

Yet another fun installment to the series. It's always fun to see what aspects of the original tales remain, and what becomes twisted into its own unique story. There were some great twists and turns in this story, some predictable, some fun and unexpected. With Oliver and Jack, not only does the reader have two FMC's to follow, but two daring young men as well, making for a larger main cast of characters, all of which have a fun impact on the story.

A must for middle grade readers who love princesses, or find themselves lovers of strong female characters.

In the third installment of the Princess Swap series, Hana (the little mermaid) and Rapunzel switch places while trying to figure out and solve the mystery of the large storm hovering over the mermaid kingdom of Avalon. Oh, and did I mention there's also a curse on Rapunzel? Hana and Rapunzel encounter many obstacles in their search for answers, but this is a fun read with lots of twists and turns. I read it aloud to my six-year-old daughter and she declared that this is her favorite Princess Swap book yet.

As an adult, I agree with other reviewers who mentioned an abundance of characters and events. It does feel overrun with fairy tale characters and elements at times, but it is still an enjoyable read with lots to discuss with a younger audience. My daughter and I can't wait for the next one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for an advanced copy of this novel.

I really loved the way two distinct fantasies were woven together here. It was completely inventive and captivating, while still have kid friendly nods to the original fairytales. It was a quick, immersive read for sure. I enjoyed the multiple points of views and the magic and worldbuilding. I think kids — especially those who like fairytales — Will love this one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Rapunzel and the Sea Witch (or, The Little Mermaid and the Tower) by Kim Bussing is a third person multi-POV Middle Grade fantasy remix of The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel. Rapunzel has spent her entire short life in a tower with only a fox named Pepper, the Lady Grimm, and the occasional sight of a boy named Jack to keep her company. Hana wants to learn more about the human world but her mother has strictly forbidden it. When Hana wishes to know what caused a great storm, it sends her and Rapunzel into each other’s stories.

Kim Bussing has done it again! The Little Mermaid has been my favorite fairy tale for my entire life and the Disney movie had a real chokehold on me for a good chunk of my childhood, so this was a very highly anticipated book when I first heard about this series. As such, I had to request it the second it went up and it didn’t disappoint. In previous books, romance didn’t play a very big part and it plays a bigger part here, especially between Hana and Oliver, who have a sweet, age-appropriate romance. I wouldn’t have been upset if the romance hadn’t been included because I understand that MG hasn’t had a lot of room for romance in more recent years, but I’m so very happy it was in this one. I loved Leonard the yellow shark, who is Hana’s companion. We needed an animal companion for her.

Jack is a reference to Jack and the Beanstalk, so not only is this a remix of Repunzel and The Little Mermaid, it is a remix of that story as well. I really liked the addition of Jack, especially in Rapunzel’s story. Given that both of them have a story connected to plants and climbing, it made sense for them to be combined here and they have a bit of a sweet romance as well, though it doesn’t get as much attention as Hana and Oliver’s romance.

Of course, I love the cover just as I loved the others. Pink and green mixed together is always a bold choice because they work together but they are rarely presented with each other outside of things with strong floral themes. I loved Leonard being close to the top and how similar his coloring is to Rapunzel’s hair and the beanstalk winding around Rapunzel’s tower was such a great choice to really hint at the Jack and the Beanstalk elements. These are really some of my favorite MG covers ever.

I would recommend this to fans of the previous books, readers of MG looking for fairy tale remixes with age appropriate romance, and those looking for a gift for the young reader in their lives who loves fairy tales

As a mom to a curious and imaginative 5-year-old who adores both Rapunzel and Ariel, Rapunzel and the Sea Witch was an instant win in our house. We were drawn in by the whimsical title—and the story truly delivered a magical blend of both fairy tales with a twist that kept us turning pages at bedtime.

In this story, Rapunzel isn't just stuck in a tower—she ends up in the ocean! And the Little Mermaid finds herself in that very same tower. The idea of the girls swapping places was so fun for my daughter, who kept asking, “What would I do if I woke up in a tower? Or under the sea?” It sparked her imagination in the best way.

The writing is geared toward older readers (probably 8–12), but with some light summarizing and pauses for questions, it was still a great read-aloud experience. The themes of bravery, friendship, and discovering who you are resonated deeply, even for a kindergartner. Plus, it was empowering to see two princesses take charge of their own stories!

I especially loved that the story didn’t rely on romance but instead focused on self-growth and helping others. The sea witch wasn't your usual villain either—there were layers to every character, which opened up good conversations about how people aren't always just “good” or “bad.”

If your child loves fairytales, mermaids, towers, or anything magical, this book is a perfect adventure to share. We can’t wait to check out the other books in the Princess Swap series next!