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Traditional Lit. Review: Rapunzel

Rapunzel by Paul Zelinsky

1. Bibliographic-.
Zelinsky, Paul.Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children’s Books/ Penguin, 1997.
ISBN 0-525-45607-4
2. Summary-
An expecting couple trade their future child for access to the herbs of a sorceress. The
sorceress takes their daughter, Rapunzel, and raises her as her own until she locks
Rapunzel in a tower at the age of 12. The old woman uses Rapunzel’s long, golden hair to
access the tower, and soon a prince comes a long to do the same. The prince and Rapunzel
“marry” and she soon becomes pregnant, to the horror of the sorceress. Rapunzel’s hair is
cut, she is banished to the wilderness, and the old woman throws the prince from the tower,
blinding him. He stumbles through the wilderness until he comes across Rapunzel and their
twin children. Rapunzel cures the prince’s blindness with her tears and they live out their
days happily in his kingdom.
3. Critical analysis-
The brilliantly detailed oil paintings of Paul Zelinsky are the star of this retelling. Zelinsky
uses techniques of Italian renaissance painters to add new layers to the classic story of
Rapunzel, and to make you feel like you are there with the characters. Each painting could
stand alone in a museum, but I am so glad they are available to anyone who picks up this
book.
In an afterword, Zelinsky describes how he took the “best parts” of other versions of Rapunzel
and combined them into this tight, clear story of a girl who is locked away for her “protection”
and finds happiness and a life of her own anyway. They story moves quickly from scene to
scene, but I recommend slowing down and spending time on each painting to really get the
full experience.
4. Review Excerpts and Awards-
Caldecott Medal Winner 1998.
“Exquisite paintings in late Italian Renaissance style illumine this hybrid version of a classic
tale.”- Kirkus Review, October 1997.
“I applaud the selection committee, not only for choosing a book whose art shines in text,
illustration, and thoughtfulness, but who considered art before public opinion.”
-Susie Wilde; Children’s Literature
“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.”
- Hazel Rochman; Booklist.
5. Connections-


Read other variants mentioned in afterword to compare.

Grow the rapunzel herb in your garden and eat some to see what all the fuss was about:
https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/rampion-campanula-rapunculus-potted-plant-organic/

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