Rapunzel


Bibliography
Zelinsky, Paul O., 1997. RAPUNZEL. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 9780525456070.

Plot Summary
The tale begins when a man and his wife become pregnant after many tries. However, the pregnant wife becomes overwhelmed by this craving for an herb planted in a sorceress' garden. The wife's craving is so strong, the husband has no choice but to steal the rapunzel from the garden each day until he is caught by the sorceress. In order to repay for the stolen herb, the couple must give her their newborn baby as soon as she's born. The child grew into a beautiful woman, forced to live in a high tower, with no way of escaping. Years pass until one day, a prince grows curious when he hears a sweet singing voice. He soon discovers Rapunzel in the tower, calling out to her for her long hair and it was love at first sight. They marry immediately and meet in secret, as the sorceress leaves the tower each day. One day, Rapunzel finds herself pregnant and the sorceress immediately knows of her betrayal. She proceeds to cut off her long hair and send her into the wilderness, pregnant and alone. Unaware of these events, the prince climbs up Rapunzel's braids and is confronted by the angry sorceress. Frightened and upset, the prince lets go and falls down to the ground, losing his eyesight in the process. Wandering in the wilderness, the prince hears a sweet singing voice and is reunited with Rapunzel and their children. Rapunzel heals her husband's eyes and the reunited family travel to the kingdom where they live happily ever after.

Critical Analysis
Zelinsky's retelling of this traditional tale is sure to capture readers with this complex love story. Children will be hooked by the mention of the familiar characters such as Rapunzel, the prince, and a sorceress. The  story events still include a child taken away from her family, she grows beautiful long hair, living far away in a high tower with no way of escaping, and Rapunzel falling in love then escaping the sorceress. However, this retelling is unique as it calmly tells the story of Rapunzel and includes frightening yet romantic scenes. The illustrations Zelinsky has created to tell the story of Rapunzel are similar to Renaissance inspired art. The oil painting illustrations with beautiful details create a soft yet powerful image of the forbidden love between all characters. The sorceress exercises her power to forbid any human contact to occur around Rapunzel, forcing her to depend solely on the sorceress. Despite the misfortunes, it is heartwarming to see that love conquers all. Overall, a great retelling of the beloved Brother Grimm's fairy tale.

Review Excerpt(s)
The Caldecott Medal - 1998
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Suffused with golden light, Zelinksy's landscapes and indoor scenes are grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command."
- Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: "Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of the painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision."

Connections
- For any readers who admire and enjoy the retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
- For readers who enjoy a complex love story involving familiar fairy tale characters.
- Similar book recommendations: 
Isadora, Rachel. RAPUNZEL. ISBN 9780399247729
Zelinksy, Paul O. RUMPELSTILTSKIN. ISBN 9780140558647

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