Bibliography:
Zelinsky, Paul O. (1997). Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children's. ISBN: 0525456074
Summary:
There once was a couple who were having a baby. The pregnant wife was craving some Rapunzel she could spot from her window in the neighboring sorceress' garden. She was craving the herb to such an extent that her husband decided to steal some. Caught by the sorceress, the husband claims his wife will die if she is not allowed the herb, so the sorceress bargains with the husband, saying that he can have as much Rapunzel as he needs as long as she is given their child. The husband agrees and when the couple's child is born, the sorceress arrives and takes away the child. The sorceress named the girl Rapunzel and cared for her. On Rapunzel's twelfth birthday, the sorceress took Rapunzel to live in a tall tower with no doors or windows except one at the top. In order to visit, Rapunzel would have to let down her very long hair for the sorceress to climb up. One day, a prince riding by the tower heard Rapunzel singing and instantly fell in love. He observed how the sorceress ascended the tower and followed suit the next day. The prince and Rapunzel fell in love and got married in the tower. Every evening the prince would come to see her until one day Rapunzel asked the sorceress for help with her now too tight dress. Hearing this, the sorceress knew immediately the acts that had been committed. She cut Rapunzel's hair and banished her to a far away land where Rapunzel had twins. When the prince came to see Rapunzel in her tower the next evening, the sorceress was waiting for him; he was so struck by grief at Rapunzel's absence that he fell from the tower and became blind. He walks around the country eating roots and herbs for a year until he finally hears Rapunzel's beautiful singing and knows he has found his love. They tearfully embrace and the prince's sight is restored by Rapunzel's tears. The prince can now see his surroundings and notices they are near his kingdom, so he takes his wife and kids to his palace and they live a long life, happy and content.
Impressions:
This timeless story is quite unique. There are a surprising number of depressing moments, which normally would not be found in a children's book. I actually liked this concept because it accurately mirrors real life, in that there are always ups and downs and that life is not always fair. It shows that there are also consequences for actions taken. The artwork is also very unique. The pictures are exceedingly well drawn, making use of realism and employ a vivid color scheme. It is to be expected from a book that won the Caldecott award. The high quality illustration goes together well with the words, helping to tell the story instead of standing independent of the words. Being a true romantic, I also loved the romance in the book. I was touched when the prince blindly, literally, searched for his Rapunzel until he finally found her. It made me smile when her tears, in a sweet cliche, healed his sight.
Reviews:
"elegant and sophisticated retelling that draws on early French and Italian versions of the tale. Masterful oil paintings capture the Renaissance setting and flesh out the tragic figures."
(December 01, 1997). Library Journals LLC [Review of the book Rapunzel]. School Library Journal. Available from booksinprint.com
" Children--and adults--will pore over the intricate detail and glowing colors; they will also be moved by the mysterious tale of nurture and passion and terror."
Rochman, Hazel. (November 1, 1997). [Review of the book Rapunzel]. Booklist. Available from booksinprint.com
Suggestions For Use:
I think this book would be perfect for story time with young children. It could be read alone or it could be read with other versions of the same story. If it's read with other versions, then it could lead into a discussion about the similarities and differences about the different versions, as well as what the children liked most from each one. I also think a good activity to do would be to have the children put on a skit of their own version of the story. It would be both fun and entertaining as well as helping the children think more about the elements of the story, like setting, character, and plot.
I think this book would be perfect for story time with young children. It could be read alone or it could be read with other versions of the same story. If it's read with other versions, then it could lead into a discussion about the similarities and differences about the different versions, as well as what the children liked most from each one. I also think a good activity to do would be to have the children put on a skit of their own version of the story. It would be both fun and entertaining as well as helping the children think more about the elements of the story, like setting, character, and plot.
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