Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky (Genre: Traditional Literature)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Zelinsky, Paul O. 1997. RAPUNZEL. NewYork, N.Y.: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 0525456074

PLOT SUMMARY
After longing for a baby for a very long time, a couple comes to know that they are expecting a child. The wife craves for the rapunzel herb that grows in the garden of the sorceress next door. The husband goes to steal the herb but is caught by the sorceress who demands the newborn child in return. The sorceress takes the baby when she is born and names her Rapunzel. She raises her and when she turned twelve, the sorceress locks her up in a tall tower in the woods with no door and just one window.
Rapunzel’s long and beautiful hair was the only way to go into the tower. She lived in the tower all by herself and the sorceress was the only visitor. One day, a young prince happens to pass by the tower and is mesmerized by Rapunzel’s melodious voice. The prince sees the sorceress enter the tower so he mimics her and says "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!". Rapunzel lets her hair down and the prince climbs up the tower. They fall in love and get married secretly in the tower. When the sorceress discovers that she has been deceived, she cuts Rupunzel’s hair in anger and uses it to trap the prince. The prince is finally saved by Rapunzel’s voice and they are reunited. They go to their kingdom and lived happily ever after.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Paul O Zelinsky has won the Caldecott Medal for the book Rapunzel. He has retold the fairy tale of Rapunzel in a beautifully illustrated picture book. The detailed pictures that depict the characters and the background are beautifully painted in oil. The pictures complement the story giving it an impression of the Renaissance era. The architecture, the landscapes, the tower, the birds, the peacock and the background marble wall help readers connect to the Renaissance times.
The sorceress in this story has not been portrayed as an evil character. She had kept Rapunzel in the tower to protect her from the realities of the world. But, Rapunzel meets the prince in the tower and they get married. The convex mirror on the table reinforces the pregnancy of Rapunzel. There is some content in the story that may raise questions from young children. Though it will be enjoyed by all age groups of readers but this story may not be appropriate for very young children.
This is a well written retelling of the age old fairy tale of Rapunzel. Like all fairy tales, this story has a beautiful ending with Rapunzel going back to the kingdom with the prince and the twins and living happily ever after.

AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPTS
Caldecott Medal Book, 1998

Carl Sandburg Award

Publishers Weekly: "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."

Kirkus Reviews: “grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command.”

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.”


CONNECTIONS
• A discussion on Renaissance period and the artwork could be held with children.
• Children could be encouraged to paint a picture in oil paints.
• Related books:
-Roberts, Lynn & Roberts, David. 2003. RAPUNZEL: A GROOVY FAIRY TALE. ISBN 0810942429
-Mccafferty, Catherine. 2002. RAPUNZEL. Brighter Child. ISBN 157768379X