Rapunzel

by Jutta Ash

A dazzlingly illustrated picture book that brings to life a classic Grimm's tale A beautiful girl named Rapunzel, with long golden hair, is kept imprisoned in a lonely tower by a horrible witch. One... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0030612195
• Release Date: August 1984
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Length: 27 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful, haunting, enchanting

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.

Outstanding Illustrations

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.