Rapunzel by

Rapunzel

Award winning author/adapter/illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky's Caldecott Medal Winning book! Perfect for readers of all fairy tales.

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

Trapped in a tower with no door, Rapunzel is allowed to see no one but the sorceress who has imprisoned her-until the day a young prince hears her singing to the forest birds. . . . The timeless tale of Rapunzel is vividly and magnificently brought to life through Paul O. Zelinsky's powerful sense of narrative and his stunning oil paintings.

"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." (The Horn Book, starred review)

Reviewed by Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews on

3 of 5 stars

Share
A husband and wife are expecting a child. The Mother-to-be has an insane craving for rapunzel and finally wares her husband down to jump the fence and get her some rapunzel, even though said garden is owned by an enchanted evil fairy. Eventually he gets caught and in his panic for freedom gives up his first born child. What a loving Father. The baby girl is given up for "adoption" and is named Rapunzel, poor girl not only is she locked in a tower but she is named after lettuce. Eventually, a young Prince wanders by and enchanted by Rapunzel's singing voice, climbs up her hair, falls madly in love and forms an escape route. The Evil Fairy catches on, but all ends well.

I really enjoyed this Grimm fairy tale. It had all the makings of a great story, with a really interesting take on one night stands. There was danger, intrigue and a little bit of romance. I had only read the watered-down version when I was little and found it interesting to see what Disney left out. Next to the likes of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty I think Rapunzel gets lost in the shuffle, which is very unfortunate as she there is more to her than just a great head of hair.

View all my reviews on my blog She is too fond of books

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 31 July, 2013: Finished reading
  • 31 July, 2013: Reviewed