Customer Reviews

Rapunzel

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful version of Rapunzel, by an author/illustrator I really admire. Rachel Isadora has an Eric Carle kind-of feel in her illustrations, although she steps up with brillant patterns and styles that show you Africa. It's so amazingly beautiful. Every page deserves a long, long look.

My favorite page is Rapunzel facing the window inside her tower, and the face and hand of the Prince coming over the windowsill. The look in their eyes - how did Rachel Isadora capture that expression? I can't believe how amazing it is. Then, the very next page is a silhouette of the two of them holding hands with the night sky out the window, and Rapunzel's hair goes flowing across the entire second page. Oh, it is unbelievable.

Now then, you should know that Rapunzel and her Prince "exchange vows" in her tower room, and then he proceeds to ... ahem... "visit" her every night. Get it? The Sorceress finds out about the Prince when Rapunzel's dress gets a little too tight because she is pregnant.

Now, personally, you might choose to read that part of the story as "Oh, Sorceress, how come when you climb up, you feel so HEAVY, but when my Prince climbs up, he's not heavy at all?"

I love Isadora's simple retelling. It is the perfect length for a group reading with young(preschool), wiggly children. I love that the artwork displays a style different than a typical movie version of a princess.

I purchased these books to read to kids in an orphanage in Africa - they are enchanted by the photos and it makes the stories much more real to them. I've purchased every book she's done!!!

As with all Rachel Isadora's books, I love the interpretation and the stunning artwork. I think Ms. Isadora's art belongs in a museum. Not only is the book original and creative but sticks to the telling of the fairytale and, with a new eye, gives the reader an opportunity to view the old classic from a new perspective.
I highly recommend this book for children, teachers, parents, librarians, artists, art collectors, and many others. It's not just a kid's book!

The illustrations are great. Really well written and great for a study on fractured fairy tales.