Rapunzel (Hardcover)

~ Nicoletta Ceccoli (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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 an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

This story from the Brothers Grimm receives a classic treatment; a lyrical text and haunting illustrations full of mood express the quintessential longing of the tale. In Waldherr's rendering, Rapunzel's tresses--like the heroine herself--have the beauty and deceptive strength of finely spun gold, while the tower and the surrounding forest seem to bear their own dark mysteries. Each piece of art is framed with a contrasting border--in some cases amplifying the scene, in others highlighting a simple but telling detail. The sum is a textually and visually resonant work, rich in enchantment and romance. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Gingham Dog Press (September 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1588454762
• ISBN-13: 978-1588454768
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,176,849 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, haunting, enchanting, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Rapunzel (Hardcover)

Trina Schart Hyman is one of the finest contemporary illustrators of children's books today. Anyone not aware of her exceptional talent is advised to take a look at this retelling of the Grimm's classic, "Rapunzel."

The story is in a clear, straightforward, traditional retelling by Barbara Rogasky, but Hyman's illustrations lift this version out of the average and into the sublime. The illustrations are intricately drawn and luminously colored; they have the effect of rendering the human, emotional side of the story with clarity and immediacy, while keeping intact the otherworldly quality necessary to the fairy tale.

Take, for example, Hyman's illustration of the young Rapunzel and the witch in the garden. Rapunzel gazes at her with rapt adoration, while the witch returns the look with benevolent affection. In this one illustration, we are taken beyond the realm of the archetypal cardboard figures of fiction and are shown instead the very human figures of a foster mother and daughter. This relationship continues through to the last illustration, with the solitary witch watching the happy couple depart through the forest. Despite her cruel actions, this witch is a real woman capable of feeling loss and remorse.

Perhaps I wax rhapsodic, but Hyman's gorgeous illustrations really must be seen to be believed. This is a book that can be appreciated on various levels by both young and old alike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Illustrations, June 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Rapunzel (Hardcover)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Traditional Story, June 14, 2009

By	Frosty - See all my reviews

Love it. My five year old daughter loves it. Beautiful illustrations. A keepsake book.