Rapunzel
Bibliography:
Zelinsky, P.(1997). RAPUNZEL. First edition. New York, Dutton Children's Books.
ISBN 9780525456070
Plot Summary:
This story is a retelling of the German folktale in which a beautiful girl with long golden hair is imprisoned in a lonely tower by a sorceress. Trapped in a tower with no door, Rapunzel is allowed to see no one but the sorceress who has imprisoned her-until the day a young prince hears her singing to the forest birds . The tower the sorceress gives Rapunzel is not the desolate, barren structure of denial it seems to be, but one of esoteric beauty on the outside and physical luxury within.
Critical Analysis:
The story is introduced by highlighting Rapunzel’s parents' background. The author explains how Rapunzel's mother liked to sit by a window and look at the garden, giving the reader a good perspective of what she was feeling. The illustrations show the garden with many green plants and trees that adorned landscaping. The paintings in the book resemble those of the Renaissance era. The characters’ facial expressions show a lot of emotion and bring emphasis to what they were feeling. Surprisingly, the witch does not look like the witches we are used to seeing in stories. She is portrayed as more human-like as if Zelinsky wanted to draw attention to the idea that evil does not necessarily have to look ugly to be ugly. This story would be more appropriate for an older grade audience, probably 4th and 5th grade. The language is too advanced for lower grades.
Review Excerpt(s):
Caldecott Medal
“In our Best Book citation, PW said, "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly—and effectively—mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting." Ages 5-up. (Oct.)” Publisher’s Weekly
“It takes a scholar's mind and an artist's insight to endow the familiar with unexpected nuances--which Zelinsky does with passion and dazzling technique. His choice of a Renaissance setting is inspired, allowing for many artistic and architectural allusions. The book demonstrates respect for the tradition.” - Horn Book
Connection:
*Students can use math to think about how long Rapunzel’s hair was and make those estimations.
*The students can also create a tower with different materials that they find in the classroom or home.
Other books associated with this genre:
Zelinsky, Paul O. (1986). RUMPELSTILTSKIN. ISBN 9788804303312
Comments
Post a Comment