Rapunzel

Author/Illustrator: Paul O. Zeilinsky 

Genre: Traditional Literature

Grade Level: K-3

Award: Caldecott Medal

This book is a retold version of the traditional story of Rapunzel. There is a husband and wife who had everything they wanted in life except for a chid. One day they find out that the wife is pregnant and they are filled with joy. She is overcome with the craving of some herbs she sees from outside her window and she tells her husband she will die if she doesn't have some. He goes down to get some for her but it isn't enough and so the next day he goes again and is caught by the sorceress. She tells him that he can take the herb in exchange for the baby when she is born and he agrees and she raises Rapunzel in isolation in a big tower when she turns 12. A prince comes and sees how the sorceress goes up by calling her to let down her hair and he goes up and eventually they become lovers and she falls pregnant. The sorceress punishes Rapunzel and cuts off her hair and pushes her out of the tower to go and die in the wilderness. She doesn't die and has twins. The prince is deceived by the sorceress and she pushes him down to die but he doesnt die and eventually he finds Rapunzel in the woods and they live happily. 

This book can be used to teach children about folk tales and traditional literature. This can also be used to learn new vocabulary words. The language in the book is very detailed and advanced for young readers and could really help them learn new vocab. 

The illustrations are very colorful. They are very realistic and romantic. They are similar to an Italian paintings. The pictures don't necessarily convey emotions very well, but they give the student something to keep their interest on.