Rapunzel

Written and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
age range: k-3

After many years of desiring to have a family, a couple finds that they are expecting a child. The couple's home is next to the garden of a witch and each day the wife looks out the window onto the beautiful garden. One day she is struck by such a craving for the rapunzel in the witch's garden that her husband climbs the wall and steals some. She devours the rapunzel and then states that she will die if she does not have more. Her husband obliges once more only to come face to face with the witch herself. The witch allows the husband to take the herb in exchange for the unborn baby. Soon after the birth of the baby, the witch comes for her. The story that follows is the well known tale of the girl in the tower and the prince who wins her heart.

Zelinsky brings to life the age-old tale of Rapunzel in this Caldecott award winning picture book. Drawing on traditions from France and Italy as well as the well known Grimm's fairy tales, Rapunzel is beautifully written. However, it is the luxurious paintings reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance that make it remarkable. The rich and intricate artwork is stunning and will draw in readers of all ages. This book would make an excellent jumping off point for a trip to the Art Museum and the beginning of an appreciation of art.