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

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

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Author and illustrator Zelinsky retells the classic tale of Rapunzel whilst staying faithful to its original sources (from the Brothers’ Grimm and earlier versions from Naples and France). The tale begins with a pregnant woman who craves the rapunzel herb growing in the next-door neighbor’s garden. Though the neighbor is a powerful sorceress, the pregnant woman is not put off by this and compels her husband to procure some rapunzel for her, threatening to die if he refuses. When the man is eventually caught, the sorceress demands the couple’s child in payment for the plants they have taken from her garden. When the baby is born, the sorceress takes her away and names her Rapunzel. The child grows into a beautiful young woman and is locked away in a tall tower where the only means to get to the top is by using Rapunzel’s luxuriant and long flaming hair. A young prince happens by one day and he is mesmerized by Rapunzel’s melodious voice. The pair meet and fall in love, marrying in secret, not realizing the degree of the sorceress’ wrath when she eventually discovers their deception. The story has its elements of tragedy but as is typical of fairy tales, there is a happy ever after.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This Caldecott Medal winner is awash in beautiful oil paintings that bring the story of Rapunzel to life. What makes this retelling unique is the way author and illustrator Zelinsky portrays the characters and settings. The wicked witch of other traditional Rapunzel tales is depicted here as a sort of guardian who tries to shield Rapunzel from the realities of life, even if this means keeping her away from things and people that can bring her pleasure and fulfill her need for companionship. The path that Rapunzel and her prince travel after being cast out by the sorceress is a long and arduous one, and this reminds the reader of adolescents’ path to maturity and independence.
The illustrations are the highlight of the reading experience, and Zelinsky’s rich oil paintings remind readers of museum-quality Renaissance artwork. The details in the character’s faces are meticulously drawn, creating vivid, life-like portraits that further enhance the reading experience.
In terms of themes, there are some aspects which may prove beyond young children’s comprehension. For example, there is an allusion in the text to Rapunzel’s pregnancy, conveyed in the story through Rapunzel’s saying, “If you please, Stepmother, help me with my dress. It is growing so tight around my waist, it doesn’t want to fit me anymore.” Some time later, Rapunzel delivers twins, a boy and a girl. This sudden change in Rapunzel’s circumstances (that and being cast out by the sorceress) might have children asking some awkward questions which have to be carefully addressed. In addition, there is also some violence depicted in this story which might not be appropriate for very young children.
The final portrait of a happy young family reunited at last is depicted with such grace and beauty, emphasizing the themes of love, family, and happiness as is stated in the text, “There they lived a long life, happy and content.”

D. AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Medal
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.”

E.    CONNECTIONS
*Children can read retellings of Rapunzel and compare them to this traditional version by Zelinsky. Some titles that can be used are:
Roberts, Lynn & Roberts, David. 2003. RAPUNZEL: A GROOVY FAIRY TALE. ISBN 0810942429
Isadora, Rachel. 2008. RAPUNZEL. Putnam Juvenile. ISBN 0399247726 (this title is an African American retelling of Rapunzel)
*Young Adults can be encouraged to read other retellings of the Rapunzel tale and analyze the texts in terms of characterization, plot, and themes. The titles are:
Dokey, Cameron. 2007. GOLDEN, A RETELLING OF RAPUNZEL. ISBN 1416939261
Hale, Shannon & Hale, Dean. 2008. RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE. Ill. by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury Children’s Books. ISBN 159990070X
*Since the illustrations in Rapunzel are reminiscent of Renaissance paintings, this can be used as a discussion topic on what the Renaissance period was like. Children can be encouraged to research information on the period, famous people of the time, and its achievements.