Rating: 
Summary: A beautifully research presentation of this famous tale.
Review: This is a retelling of the famous children's fairy tale, probably first presented in 1634, of a young woman with exceptionally long hair who is kept prisoner in a tall tower by a sorceress. The book, beautifully illustrated by Zelinsky (who attempted to follow the styles of 17th century art) won the 1998 Caldecott Medal for best illustrations in a children's book. Zelinsky also did considerable research to retell this story as close as possible to the original sources, including those of the Grimm brothers. However, I'm not sure how much a little child will really enjoy this book. It is gorgeous. But, it is not the type of book that a child would readily pick up to read. (In addition, some of the details obtained by Zelinsky's research may not be appropriate for young children.) In my opinion, it is the children's equivalent of a "coffee-table" book! Or, it is a book for adults to really enjoy. In my mind, the Caldecott voters were mistaken here. The illustrations are superb but the book is best appreciated by a different audience or readership. This is the reason I awarded the book only three stars.
Rating: 
Summary: No other description - Gorgeous!
Review: This past weekend, our 3-1/2 year old daughter's grandparents came into town. Her Nonna told her a bedtime story about Rapunzel, a story she had not heard before. She was enchanted. Needless to say, Nonna went out the next day to buy a book and she came home with Paul Zelinsky's beautiful book.I can't comment on the accuracy and literary side of the book - I'm not an expert on the original tale. However, the writing is wonderful; the story is an easy read with younger children. But clearly, the illustrations are what set this book apart. Many children's books use child-like pictures - but each page of this book is a new and different work of art. Detail and texturing worthy of an art gallery make this a pleasure to view as well as read. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: No other description - Gorgeous!
Review: This past weekend, our 3-1/2 year old daughter's grandparents came into town. Her Nonna told her a bedtime story about Rapunzel, a story she had not heard before. She was enchanted. Needless to say, Nonna went out the next day to buy a book and she came home with Paul Zelinsky's beautiful book. I can't comment on the accuracy and literary side of the book - I'm not an expert on the original tale. However, the writing is wonderful; the story is an easy read with younger children. But clearly, the illustrations are what set this book apart. Many children's books use child-like pictures - but each page of this book is a new and different work of art. Detail and texturing worthy of an art gallery make this a pleasure to view as well as read. Highly recommended.
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