Rapunzel

by Alix Berenzy

A beautifully illustrated retelling of a familiar fairy tale finds the long-haired Rapunzel having to choose between her sheltered and secure life in the tower and a life of hard work--and freedom--in the desert.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fantasy, Folklore

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 1995

About the author

Alix Berenzy is an American children's book author and illustrator. Born in New York in 1957, she was raised in suburban New Jersey, and was educated at Columbus College of Art and Design (1974–76) and Philadelphia College of Art (1979–81). She worked as an art director in the advertising field in the 1970s, before launching a career as a freelance illustrator in 1982. She has written and illustrated three books of her own, and has illustrated a number of books by other authors.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an expectant mother spies the rapunzel growing in her neighbor's garden, her longing for the herb is so strong, that she becomes ill. Finally, in desperation, her husband steals into the garden to fetch her some of the plant, only to be caught by the powerful fairy owner, who demands their unborn child as payment. And so Mother Gothel comes to possess a beautiful girl-child, whom she names Rapunzel, and whom, from the age of twelve, she imprisons in a high tower in the forest...

According to the comments on the front dust-jacket flap, this version of the classic fairy-tale is taken from a German source predating the Brothers Grimm, although that source is never named. Could this be a reference to the Rapunzel of J.C.F. Schulz, a 1790 translation of the French Persinette , itself a translation of Giambattista Basile's Petrosinella ? It's difficult to say, but however that may be, this version is so close to the Grimms - with the fairy/witch being named Mother Gothel, and the inclusion of the final episode, in which Rapunzel and her prince wander in the wilderness - that it will make little difference to the non-scholar.

Although the Neapolitan Petrosinella has always been my favorite of this tale-type, I have a soft spot in my heart for the German variant, and this retelling - with its engaging narrative and gorgeous artwork - ranks with the Paul Zelinsky edition, as one of my favorite Rapunzels. The illustrations, done in colored pencil and gouache on black paper, are intensely expressive. The reader can almost taste the rapunzel, in the painting of the mother savoring her herb salad, or feel the warmth of the fire and the coolness of the night air, in the two-page spread showing Rapunzel in her tower. Truly, a lovely edition of a beloved story - fairy-tale fans will not want to miss this one!

[Marquise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations for a nice variation. It's not the most known version of Rapunzel that has her as a maiden in a tower awaiting the prince to rescue her, but based on a much older version that runs away with the premise that it's an older girl living in a tower and testing the possibilities and limitations of her autonomy.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully unique yet quite interesting retelling of Rapunzel that holds itself against all other variations. Although the book does a wonderful job in retelling the much older version of the story that I had read before there was a bit of a newer element in which the protagonist was only a pre-teen when she was locked up in her tower instead of being raised in the tower since the day after her arrival in the world.

What also intrigued me the most was the introduction bit in the book that was beautifully illustrated with Rapunzel leaves while giving more information about the actual plant and its usefulness to humans. Although I had known that it was an edible plant and one that was wanted by her mother I didn't know how well it is said to be able to grow.

And although there are darker moments in the story and a hinting of indecency to those who have an eye for it the author at the same time makes sure that her story has a much happier ending that leans towards the strength and survival of a single woman, especially those with responsibilities. Instead of just laying down and taking what she is given Rapunzel proves herself over and over again to be a strength in her own right.

With some gorgeous illustrations that capture this fairytale world in all its bright glory and darkened shadows chased by the cheerful fire readers will find themselves transported away. Whether it is the minute details that capture one's eyes or the rich additions to each illustration there is sure to be something fun capture the reader's attention.

All in all a great fairytale variation and one that will truly be enjoyed by audiences of all ages or by whomever's fancy is caught by the cover of this book.

[Amalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the closest I read for the version of the Brothers Grimm. This must be based on Friedrich Schultz's "Rapunzel," published in Germany one hundred years later, faithfully follows La Force's plot but Schultz makes to the story is that the fairy is portrayed with sympathy.

In this version, Mother Gothel (a generic name for a godmother) is a fairy instead of a witch. she doesn't throw the prince from the tower — he leaps himself, in a fit of despair.

The oral version of "Rapunzel" collected by the Grimms half a century after the Schultz publication follows the Schultz and La Force plot and is clearly derived from one or both. But the Grimms made several changes before they published their "Rapunzel" in 1857.

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[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book and a great addition to any collection.
✨✨✨✨✨

[F. O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version was the only one I've read that explained that rapunzel is a kind of lettuce. Suddenly her name makes so much more sense!

[Aleisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten how scandalous the real story of Rapunzel was! This version is not all-that-beautifully retold but Oh! the illustrations are gorgeous!

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faithful retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale. Pictures are all good. Some are quite gorgeous.

[ConnieLettow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is based Grimm's retelling in 1812. The Grimm Brothers' story is an adaptation of the fairy tale Rapunzel by Friedrich Schulz published in 1790. The Schulz version is based on Persinette by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force originally published in 1698. which in turn was influenced by an even earlier Italian tale, Petrosinella by Giambattista Basile, published in 1634. This version of Rapunzel is the story of childless couple in a German town. The wife became obsessed with the rapunzel (rampion), a hardy plant with blue flowers which every part, stem, leaves, flowers and root are edible, in the pretty garden she could see through her window. Her neighbor, the Fairy Mother Gothel (aka "godmother" ), has powerful magic. The wife's desire for the European salad green intensified until she became pale and weak. As it appeared she might waste away, her husband crept over the wall and stole some for his dear wife. The small amount satisfied his wife, but soon the craving returned with a vengance and the wife became paler and weaker than ever. The husband returned to Mother Godsel's garden to steal more rupunzle when he was caught! He begged for mercy, and the fairy granted him mercy on one condition, that they give their first born child to the Fairy to raise. Mother Godsel promices to raise the child like a mother and protect it from the ways of the world. The husband in his shame and terror, agrees to the bargain. In time, a baby girl is born and Mother Godsel takes the baby home with her. The child is named Rapunzel after the greens her biological parents stole from the fairy and is raised playing in the garden. As Rapunzel grows Mother Godsel builds the wall higher, but when Rapunzel was 12 years old, and had become stunningly beautiful, the fairy took her deep into the woods to like in a tall, inaccessible tower. Rapunzel lived in the tower for many years with only her fairy mother as company, whom Rapunzel pulled up into the tower using her own hair as rope. As the years past, Rapunzel became lonely. Every day she sang beautiful songs. One day, a young prince heard the song, discovered the tower, and figured out how to get inside. As they got to know each other, the prince asked Rapunzel to marry him. Rapunzel needed time to see if the prince was trustworthy, so she asked him to bring her a skein of silk each day so she could weave a ladder to escape the tower in. On the last day, as the ladder is nearly completed, Mother Gothel discovers Rapunzle's secret, chops off her hair and banishes her to a barren wasteland, alone and pregnant with twins. Then the fairy lays in wait for the Prince. When the prince discovers that Rapunzel is gone, he throws himself from the tower and is blinded by the thornbush he falls into at the bottom. He wanders the countryside for years, eating wild food and becoming more and more tattered, until one day, he hears the familiar voice of Rapunzel singing. He runs to Rapunzel and she instantly recognized him despite his raggedness. She joyfully hugs him and her tears heal his blindness. He can now see her, his beautiful twin children, the little hut Rapunzel had built and the wasteland that is now covered in the beautiful blue flowers of rapunzel. They rejoice and travel back to his kingdom and castle, and live a life of happiness. Sadly, this version of the story never talk about her real parents again.

[Margaret Hallock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Fairy Tale
Awards: N/A
Audience:2nd- 4th grade
A. The main characters are described in surface level detail. Their looks are explained and they are given a few character traits, but it is very easy and straightforward with not much to infer.
B. I am familiar with the Disney movie version of this story "Tangled" which features similar characters but with a slightly different plot. I also remember reading other children's versions as a child but am not sure of the authors.
C. I would consider using this story for group storytelling, because it has beautiful pictures and a fairly interesting story line, however I do feel as if other versions of Rapunzel have a more detailed plot.
D. Why do you think Rapunzel did not like living in her tower? Because she was very lonely and wanted to be with other people.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Fairy Tale
Awards: N/A
Audience: 2nd-5th grade

A. The main characters are illustrated with such detail and are beautiful, but are described in only surface level detail. Their looks are stated and have few character traits, but I personally think you can depict more about the characters from the illustrations. Rapunzel was simply described as beautiful and had long hair, which anyone would know from previous knowledge about this fairy tale.
B. Another version of Rapunzel that I am familiar with is Disney's take on it known as "Tangled."
C. The personally would use another version of Rapunzel because I feel as if there are better versions that depict the plot line better, but this version does have beautifully detailed illustrations that chidden could find interesting to look at.

[Reeverfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations. I had this book as a kid, it was given by a distant family friend. I brought it with me to a friend's house once and I kind of forgotten about it. I lost the book and once in a while I would vaguely remember some of the illustrations. More than 12 years later, I never got to hold that book again, it was forever lost, hopefully whoever have it isn't scribbling doodles on the pages and is perfectly taking care of it. I miss that book so much, makes me regret ever bringing it with me on that house.

As far as I can remember I've always found the illustrations so detailed and colorful, the characters and landscapes. And most importantly, Rapunzel is so beautiful!!!

[Riley Gullett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the twist this story has than what children or most people may know. I had no idea Rapunzel was a flower and I thought it was very creative. I wish it wasn't so long because this would be tough to read to an elementary classroom.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustration style with amazing work of light and penumbrae. There is so much detail in the artwork with a touch of medieval and modern. The story is simple but true to the original.

[Christina Rittenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic story with beautiful illustrations.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't love this adaptation of the tale. The artwork and the writing style leave something to be desired. I still like things about this version, but there are much better ones out there.

[Ally Copper · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Rapunzel,” retold and illustrated by Alix Berenzy, is a fairly straightforward, traditional retelling of the story of the girl with the golden locks, kept in a tower by an evil jailer (in this retelling, a fairy), and saved from her solitude by a handsome prince. The thing that makes this 1995 picture book stand out is the amazing illustrations created with colored pencil and gouache on black paper. Berenzy captures the facial expressions of the characters, as well as the shadows and light of their environment. Each illustration features portions in extreme sunlight that seem to glow on the page and portions in extreme darkness that point to the darker, more sinister elements of this story. The lucky children who are given this book when they are young will grow up with these particular images of Rapunzel, the fairy, and the prince in their minds. All other versions of the story they read will have a hard time living up to the images presented in this picture book. This retelling also is special because though the prince saves Rapunzel from her solitude by visiting her in the tower, it is actually Rapunzel who saves the prince at the end of the story, healing his blindness so they can return to his kingdom and live a life of happiness. This is an excellent addition to the many Rapunzel retellings that are available. Readers in kindergarten through fourth grade will delight in this story.

[Ziwei Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long time ago, there was a lovely girl, her name is La Peize. She has a beautiful golden hair, hair grows has been dragged to the ground. From her childhood, she was a nasty witch song Searle imprisoned in a dark forest in the castle. Sur La Peize song has been a servant to handle.
Lapei Ze have two friends, one called Hopi, a man named Penelope. Penelope is just clumsy dragons. Hopi is a greedy rabbit. They are two of the most loyal friends Lapei Ze.
Lapei Ze especially love painting. As long as she was a free, she would pick up the brush, depicting the beautiful surrounding scenery.
One day, in the deepest ditch cellar there was a secret exit leading to a village. In a deep groove on the edge, she saw a little girl lost her balance and body, is about to fall into the groove. Lapei Ze quickly ran over and stopped her.
Steven Prince riding a white horse galloping, "Please do tomorrow to attend royal masquerade." The girl was rescued identified be the most beautiful bride of Prince.
At the ball, Lapei Ze attracted everyone's attention.
Reading this book, I know, no matter what should be best.
Ths picture book it's vey suitable for the children, it's a really good bed time story.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapunzel By: Alix Berenzy, ISBN 0805057935, 1995. In a German town lived a wife and her husband. The wife was with child and became obsessed with her neighbors garden of Rapunzel, salad greens grown in Europe. She wanted the Rapunzel at any cost. Her husband was caught while stealing some for his wife and agreed to hand over their child when it was born. The old woman kept the child named “ Rapunzel” in a tower with just a small window. The child grew up there alone when the woman wanted to get into the window Rapunzel would let down her long beautiful hair. A Prince heard her singing one day and discovered Rapunzel in the castle all alone where they fell in love.


**I Loved having my mother read this book to me when I was younger.

[Abby Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful. I found the attention to detail amazing, and throughly enjoyed this take on Rapunzel. I don't think it's inferior to the Paul O zelinsky version, just different, though overall I do personally prefer Zelinsky as his characters felt more real to me somehow, how he did their facial expressions and such.

What I really liked about this one, however, was the effects of light and shading. When Rapunzel is in the dark, looking out of her tower, the shadows make her hair almost coppery in the fireplace light, as opposed to the yellow gold it is in the daylight.

This one also has a slightly tamer text than Zelinsky, so it may be less "controversial", though it's no Tangled, still far close to the German fairytale roots.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the illustrations in this book. I enjoyed the story until the ending, which was kind of weird.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed illustrations very much.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Mykael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this version immensely. The artwork was original and different. However, the story was the same as all the rest.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunningly illustrated dark version of the well known Rapunzel story in a way that may surprise many readers. Alix Berenzy is one talented woman!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.2

[Saffron Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating is for the edition retold and illustrated by Alix Berenzy.