Rating: 
Summary: We all know the story
Review: Since we all know the story of Rapunzel I'm going to focus on the book's illustrations.
Let me start of by saying that Paul O. Zelinsky's illustrations are some of the most realistic that I have seen throughout Caldecott history. I especially enjoy the floral scenes that appear in some of his books, such as Rapunzel and am amazed at the beautiful use of shadows, textures, and his wide variety of colors. The characters in Rapunzel seem as if they are ready to jump out of the pages and act out the story as real people.
This is a must-have for all ye fairy tale lovers out yonder.
Rating: 
Summary: Provacative story line with beautiful illustrations.
Review: "Rapunzel" retold and illustrated Paul O. Zelisky is a version of the fairytale more closely relating to its original form dating back to 1635 called "Petrosinella". The story of "Rapunzel" has been found all over the world and has transcended time and culture, with few minor changes in the detail of the story for instance Rapunzel's hair color. The most distinctive difference between Zelisky's version and more modern interpretations, beginning with the Brother's Grimm is whether or not Rapunzel's pregnancy is mentioned. I think the story is for a more mature audience but children are not likely to catch the fact that Rapunzel is pregnant because they will be enchanted with the illustrations. The illustrations are reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance and will transport any reader into the fantasy world. Having researched several versions of Rapunzel, I have found that Zelisky's version is the most real to life because it does raise issues of sex, the inability for some parents to take care of their children, stealing, and cruelty to others. This book is provocative and will make readers of all ages asked questions; I would recommend this book for both children and adults. I think that both age groups could learn from each other by reading this book together, just be ready to answer your child's questions honestly.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, beautiful book
Review: Excellent book for a young reader. The story is nicely told, and the many full-page illustrations are richly detailed and embrace both the gothic romanticism of the Grimms' subject matter and the colorful charm of Italian Renaissance portraits and landscapes. The book includes an informative essay by the author describing the history of this wonderful tale.
Rating:
Summary: A true Caldecott winner
Review: Of course, I have to comment on the illustration. Really really detailed. You could almost separate each leave on each tree. Almost all of us know of the story about Rapunzel but this book brings it to life with the beautiful pictures on each page. So if you are looking for a book with really beautiful detailed drawings for your children to gaze at, this is it. They will keep wanting to open the book to look at the pretty pictures. I mean, come on, it won a Caldecott.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful illustrations and a traditional retelling
Review: Paul O. Zelinsky's "Rapunzel" is a delight of renaissance-like oil paintings depicting a delicately beautiful girl, a frightening witch, and a handsome prince. The illustrations are truly superb, and each page features a beautifully rendered painting rich with color and detail.Zelinsky's retelling of the story is traditional yet satisfying, but the illustrations really steal the show. Children will get caught up in the fairytale landscapes and the magical locales. Readers will also appreciate the additional information provided by Zelinsky about his retelling of the story and his study of Italian Renaissance art. It's always nice to know why artists choose to illustrate stories in a certain way. This book won the Caldecott Medal for its fantastic illustrations.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful retelling with masterful illustrations
Review: Paul Zelinsky is not only an extraordinarily talented artist--he trusts his readers. Zelinsky doesn't shy away from the grimness in this Grimm tale, and lets us see Rapunzel's naivete, her captivity, and her castigation without blinking. This may be a little too strong for some little readers, but it is truer to the original Brothers Grimm story than many other versions of the Rapunzel story. Zelinsky captures the tale beautifully with his meticulously detailed illustrations, moving with ease and skill from the sensuous wilderness of the witch's garden (where Rapunzel's father goes to gather up the herb rapunzel for his pregnant wife to eat) to the austerity of Rapunzel's tower room. Rapunzel and her lover are portrayed as clear-eyed yet star-crossed lovers, not as cardboard fairy tale inhabitants. Zelinsky does much to humanize this often horrifying tale. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic and a favorite
Review: The original story has Rapunzel getting pregnant in the tower. To change it wouldn't make sense. Personally, I feel that there's nothing wrong with sex and I would welcome any questions from my child, but this story hasn't illicited any. Giving birth to twins and raising them in the desert is essential to the symbolism in the story. I am grateful that this story wasn't tinkered with.
Rating:
Summary: The rare non-Disneyfied fairy tale
Review: The winner of the Caldecott Medal, "Rapunzel" is one of the most lush and beautiful stories ever created for children. Carrying many of the distinctive Zelinsky elements (staggered perspectives, reoccurring background characters, gorgeous lighting, etc.) the book is a joy to look at. Each picture evokes the spirit of the Renaissance, from the first tableau (the husband and wife feeling her pregnant stomach in contentment) to the last (the loving family poses with the cherubim-like children). The text is a little more racy than your average children's picture book. Zelinsky doesn't shy away from the fact that Rapunzel is pregnant when the witch learns of her illicit relations, though he does legitimize the girl's newfound glow with a hasty "marriage" of the prince to Rapunzel in her tower. Sans priest, no less. The book is also remarkable for the dramatic shift that occurs in the character of the witch. A scowling ghoul in one picture, she transforms into an almost nunlike character when receiving the little Rapunzel baby. One might well ask what happens to the witch after she casts Rapunzel and her prince into the desert, but Zelinsky doesn't feel this is worth discussing. A perfect book for storytelling, as the pictures are colorful and easy to see from a distance. Would pair well with his other oil painted fairy tale "Rumplestiltskin".
Rating:
Summary: The rare non-Disneyfied fairy tale
Review: The winner of the Caldecott Medal, "Rapunzel" is one of the most lush and beautiful stories ever created for children. Carrying many of the distinctive Zelinsky elements (staggered perspectives, reoccurring background characters, gorgeous lighting, etc.) the book is a joy to look at. Each picture evokes the spirit of the Renaissance, from the first tableau (the husband and wife feeling her pregnant stomach in contentment) to the last (the loving family poses with the cherubim-like children). The text is a little more racy than your average children's picture book. Zelinsky doesn't shy away from the fact that Rapunzel is pregnant when the witch learns of her illicit relations, though he does legitimize the girl's newfound glow with a hasty "marriage" of the prince to Rapunzel in her tower. Sans priest, no less. The book is also remarkable for the dramatic shift that occurs in the character of the witch. A scowling ghoul in one picture, she transforms into an almost nunlike character when receiving the little Rapunzel baby. One might well ask what happens to the witch after she casts Rapunzel and her prince into the desert, but Zelinsky doesn't feel this is worth discussing. A perfect book for storytelling, as the pictures are colorful and easy to see from a distance. Would pair well with his other oil painted fairy tale "Rumplestiltskin".
Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous book
Review: This book has a great story, but above all: the illustrations are AMAZING. They are like oil paintings, full of colour and detail. Very young and older child both will really enjoy this book. This book is essential to any home or school library.
Slight warning- Rapunzel gets pregnant with twins after 'letting down her hair' for the prince.....i was asked 'how did that happen?' :) Some parents might not want their kids to read that part.
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