Rapunzel : A Fairy Tale
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Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman's Rapunzel hearkens to a time of dark forests, forbidden gardens, and secrets locked away in a tower. Rapunzel is an innocent, barefooted beauty with "long blonde hair, as thick and glowing as sunlight or beaten gold." This version of Rapunzel is retold by Barbara Rogasky, who also collaborated with Hyman on The Golem, The Water of Life, and an illustrated collection of poetry for children, Winter Poems. Rogasky's version of this fairy tale flows along in the best of old-fashioned, once-upon-a-time cadences, such as when the prince hears "Rapunzel's sweet, lonely voice singing a song that pierced his heart." As for the witch, Mother Gothel, "she was so feared that even people who had never seen her had nightmares about her." A not-to-be-missed fairy tale for eager readers and listeners who have a soft spot for enchanting adventure stories with happy endings. (Ages 5 to 9) --This text refers to the school & library binding edition of this title
From Booklist , August 19, 1997
Ages 5^-8. European illustrator Dusikov interprets the familiar fairy tale with dreamy, dark watercolors. Observed by cats, butterflies, and birds, Rapunzel, the witch, and the king's son play out the story. Unfortunately, the second page of text, set against a charcoal background, is difficult to read. Predictably, the witch has a long nose, Rapunzel is demure and blond, and the prince is boyishly handsome. Dusikov 's forte is her exquisite, misty landscape art. Not as romantic or as visually intriguing as the Rogasky-Hyman retelling; however, this will serve as a contrasting alternative for larger collections. Bell's translation is, for the most part, faithful to the traditional story. Only the twins have been removed, perhaps to suit the sensibilities of those opposed to unwed motherhood. Linda Perkins
Copyright© 1997, American Library Association. All rights reserved
From Kirkus Reviews , May 1, 1997
This rendition of Rapunzel hews very closely to the original, a familiar romantic adventure: Rapunzel's father is caught nipping rampion from the witch's garden to satisfy his pregnant wife's craving, and agrees to surrender the child to the witch to guarantee his wife's health. The witch trundles Rapunzel deep into the woods, and the old story plays out to its happy, hard-earned ending. What makes the book such a welcome addition to the fairy-tale thicket is Dus¡kov 's artwork. The watercolors are soft but dramatic and transporting: The medieval town feels quite real, as does Rapunzel's remote and faintly sinister tower, and the action is compellingly depicted, e.g., the witch's scramble up the braid and the prince's terrible jump. Bell's translation is ideal for reading aloud. (Picture book/folklore. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
From Horn Book
The illustrations for this readable translation of the familiar story feature two rather young-looking sweethearts, Rapunzel and her prince, who meet in Rapunzel's half-timbered tower prison. Dusíková's soft, misty watercolors lend a romantic air to the tale. -- Copyright © 1997 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
A reader from San Diego, CA , June 2, 1998
Outstanding Illustrations
The outstanding quality of the illustrations make this book one that people of all ages will want to look through often just to admire the artwork. --This text refers to the hardcover edition of this title
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