Rapunzel

September 9, 2002

In our Best Book citation, PW
said, "A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly—and effectively—mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting." Ages 5-up.

September 1, 1989
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.

October 11, 2010
The high point of this otherwise sluggish addition to the Classic Fairy Tales series is Lavreys's spare, subtly textured folk art. Her sunlit paintings use recurring celestial motifs: the night sky, the witch's cap, and Rapunzel's tower are all adorned with stars; Rapunzel's skirt features crescent moons; and a smiling sun looks on in several scenes (when the witch climbs up Rapunzel's hair, the sun's quizzical expression seems to say, "Really?"). Translated from the Dutch by the publisher, the narrative is somewhat dense and wooden, never doing much more than relating plot points. Describing the heroine's reaction to the prince, it reads, "She thought he was not only very handsome and brave, but also very sweet. That's why she gladly agreed when he proposed marriage to her." Lavreys's artwork brightens the story's dark moments—neither the witch nor the prince's fall from the tower are even slightly frightening, sapping much of the dramatic tension from the story—so Rapunzel's reunion with the prince and the "happily ever after" ending are never in question. Ages 3–5.