RAPUNZEL by Paul O. Zelinsky

Review by Christi De Leon

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zelinsky, Paul O. Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1997. ISBN 0525456074

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a retelling of a German folktale in which a young girl with long, gorgeous hair is kept in a lonesome tower. When the sorceress wants to enter the tower, she calls for Rapunzel to let down her hair. A prince notices and decides to enter the tower the same way, eventually marrying her. When the sorceress discovers this, she cuts off Rapunzel’s long hair and sends her away to live alone again. After being tricked by the sorceress, the prince ventures off to find Rapunzel. In the end, the prince reunites with Rapunzel and his two children.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This familiar, emotional tale takes place long ago in a forest. After a brief, somber background about her parents, the story continues by telling how baby Rapunzel is forcefully taken away by the sorceress. Time passes quickly as Rapunzel lives alone inside of a high tower for many years. A prince eventually finds Rapunzel using her hair, wins her love, and promptly marries her. The sorceress cruelly chops off Rapunzel’s locks, sends her away to live alone again, and blinds the prince. On his journey, the prince finds Rapunzel and his two children. Rapunzel cures his blindness as two of her tears fell into his eyes. Motifs are integral to this story, and the reader can joyfully accept the magic that takes place when the prince gets to see his family upon finding them.

This book exemplifies artistic talent, consisting of realistic oil paintings. The illustrations have a remarkable, Italian Renaissance style that fit the story flawlessly. A mentionable aspect of this story is Rapunzel’s hair. Her hair was portrayed masterfully with long, wavy locks of red and gold tones.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

1998 Caldecott Medal

From The Horn Book: "Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision."

From Kirkus Reviews: “Exquisite paintings in late Italian Renaissance style illumine this hybrid version of a classic tale.”

5.    CONNECTIONS

Gather other Paul O. Zelinsky books to read such as:

Rumpelstiltskin. ISBN 0140558640

Gather other books illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky to read such as:

Lesser, Rika. Hansel and Gretel. ISBN 0698114078

Possible activities:

With puppets, allow students to practice retelling the story to others.

Assign parts to various students and have them role-play.