Rapunzel

Zelinsky, P.,  Grimm, W., & Grimm, J. 
(1986). Rapunzel. New York: 
Dutton Children's Books.

Rapunzel
Originally published in German by Jacob & Wilhelm Grimm
Retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Published by Dutton's Children's Books
New York, New York
1987
48 pages

Winner of the Caldecott Medal

A man and his wife have only one sorrow - they do not have a child. When she finally becomes pregnant, the woman and her husband are elated. One day, while sitting by the window, the wife sees a bed of rapunzel herbs in the sorceress' garden. She craves it so badly that she fears she may die if she doesn't eat some. Her husband goes to fetch some for her but one day is caught by the sorceress. He tells the sorceress of his wife's pregnancy and serious craving for the herb and the sorceress agrees to give him as much as he needs - in return for the child. When the child is born the sorceress appears, names the child Rapunzel, and takes her away. When Rapunzel turns 12 years, the sorceress locks her in a high tower in the middle of the woods. Rapunzel's hair is so long that, in order to climb up, the sorceress only has to say, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," and Rapunzel drops down her long braid for the sorceress to climb up. Rapunzel lives alone in the tower for years, until one day, a king's son hears her singing from the tower. He calls, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," and enters the tower. They fall in love and are wed. When the sorceress finds out about the relationship and realizes that Rapunzel is pregnant she chops off all of Rapunzel's hair and casts her out into the wilderness. Rapunzel gives birth to twins; meanwhile, the sorceress has tricked the prince into climbing back up into the tower. She pushes him down to the ground - he does not die, but he is blinded. He wanders through the forest until finally he and Rapunzel find each other. She cries, her tears fall into his eyes, and he can see again. And you know the ending....they live happily ever after! Purchase the book here. 

My previous post, Rumpelstiltskin, was also written (or retold) and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky (clearly, he's awesome!). Like in Rumpelstiltkin, Rapunzel's illustrations are done in rich oil hues. They are absolutely exquisite and pieces of true art in and of themselves. A couple of the pages are entire spreads with no words that I could picture hanging in an art gallery somewhere. They are captivating and sure to rivet any reader, young or old. 

Classroom application ideas: 

• Watch Disney's Tangled (see trailer below) and do a comparing and contrasting activity with it and the book. 

• Learn about the herb "rapunzel". ("Rapunzel" is there German name. The English name is "rampion".) You can even order some so your students can taste it!

Rapunzel lesson plan