Rapunzel By Paul O. Zelinsky

1.  Bibliography
Zelinsky, Paul O.  1997.  RAPUNZEL.  New York:  Dutton. ISBN 0525456074

2.  Plot Summary
A couple has to give there baby to a sorceress for stealing Rapunzel out of her garden.  The sorceress raises the child has her own, but when she turns twelve the child that is very beautiful is locked in a high tower,  Has time passes the child becomes a woman who is only visited by the sorceress.  Until one day a prince sees the sorceress climb Rapunzel's hair to gain entrance to the tower.   The prince calls to Rapunzel to let down her hair and climbs into the tower.  Has time passer they fall in love and Rapunzel becomes pregnant.  When the sorceress finds out she cuts off Rapunzel's hair and the prince falls from the tower.  Becoming blind from the fall and wandering the forest.  He finds Rapunzel in the forest with their children and the tears of love restore his sight.  They travel together to his castle to live happily ever after.

3.  Critical Analysis
This story is a classic retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel the author has researched the story back to its roots from the original telling by the Brothers Grimm.  The characters of the story are normal people that want love and happiness.  The sorceress is not a crazy witch, but a mother who does not want her child to grow up and leave her.  Rapunzel is torn between her own happiness and disappointing the only person who has ever loved her.  The story shares with the reader the hardships of growing up and finding your own way in life to be happy. 
The quality of this book that separates it from other stories of Rapunzel is the illustrations.  Zelinsky portrays the story in a new light by adding elements of the Italian Renaissance to his drawings.  The backgrounds of the story take place in Italy to fit the theme of the drawings. The illustrations are created with oil paintings.  The illustrations of the story add a new beauty to the story that reflects the beauty of growing up and change.  Giving this classic tale a unique new retelling!  The author portrays this story in a new light to apply to human nature.

4.  Review Excerpts
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."
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE:  " His Renaissance portrayal of the story glows with a richness of detailing and lighting that show a close study of the old masters."
Winner of the Caldecott Medal.

5.  Connections
Compare and contrast different stories of Rapunzel during story time.
Do a story time with fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm.
Other stories of Rapunzel:
Cech, John.  RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 1402769113
Isadora, Rachel.  RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 0399247726
Roberts, Lynn.  RAPUNZEL:  A GROOVY FAIRY TALE.  ISBN 0810942429
Storace, Patricia.  SUGAR CANE:  A CARRIBEAN RAPUNZEL.  ISBN 0786807911