BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Zelinsky, P. O., Beniker, A., & Stevens, J. (1997). Rapunzel. First edition. New York: Dutton Children’s Books. ISBN 978-0590386029 

PLOT 

In this retelling of Grimm’s folktale, Zelinsky retells the story of a beautiful girl with long golden hair that is trapped in a tower by a sorceress. Even though she is imprisoned in the tower she falls in love with a handsome young prince who hears her sweet singing.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

Rapunzel is the only character in the story that is given a name. Her character is shown to be that of innocence and beauty, but she also shows resilience and perseverance when she is cast out of the tower and must take care of her two children alone.  

One of the themes in Rapunzel is that of greed. Rapunzel’s mother must have some of the luxurious plants that she sees outside her window, or she will surely die. The sorceress must have the baby for herself and therefore takes Rapunzel as a baby and locks her in a tower. These actions of greed do not end well for those who have this trait.  

Zelinsky’s illustrations in Rapunzel are breathtakingly beautiful and take on an Italian Renaissance look. He captures the warmth of the Italian countryside. The illustrations take up most of the pages of the book with some of them mirroring the tall, sleek tower that Rapunzel is held captive in for most of the folktale.  

Zelinsky also provides a note about the history of Rapunzel at the end of the book comparing it to Petrosinella. 

REVIEW EXCERPTS 

Randolf Caldecott Medal, 1998.  

“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 

“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) 

Suffused with golden light, Zelinsky’s landscapes and indoor scenes are grandly evocative, composed and executed with superb technical and emotional command. –Kirkus  

CONNECTIONS 

Compare Zelinsky’s version of Rapunzel with the original and other retellings of the folktale. 

  • Rapunzel, the classic Grimms talke 
  • Rapunzel, by Rachel Isadora 
  • Petrosinella: A Neopolitan Rapunzel. 

Have students rewrite this folktale in a modern-day time. 

Research the benefits of the herb, rapunzel. How does it grow and how can it be used? 

Rewrite Rapunzel as a Children’s Theater production. Perform in class.  

Have students create their own towers with their own materials.