From the Graphic Spin series, which adapts classic fairy tales into graphic format, comes this retelling of the long-tressed girl locked into a tower by an evil witch. The text does an adequate job of leading readers through the tale, but it would behoove them to be familiar with the story (if, indeed, there are any who aren't) before engaging in this bare-bones account. What will attract children to this offering is Timmins' highly visceral artwork-equal parts frightening and exciting-which captures the original appeal of the Grimm brothers' tale. The hollow-eyed and lederhosen-attired characters look as if they had been lifted from an idyllic Bavarian scene and dropped into a nightmarish shadow world dominated by the witch's evil intent. But the overall scariness is leavened by some dark visual humor and the ultimate happy ending. Although this is for a younger audience than Shannon Hale's Rapunzel's Revenge (2008), the two still make an interesting comparison of just how wildly different a story can become when draped in divergent atmospherics. * Booklist * REVIEW If only the wife had not longed for the beautiful rampions so much during her pregnancy, the story of Rapunzel would have turned out differently. As it stands, the German adaptation of RAPUNZEL, as recorded by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and adapted by Stephanie Peters, is a tragic fairy tale that ends with the redheaded maiden saving the prince. The unnamed husband and wife were expecting a child when the mom-to-be coveted the rampions at the neighboring witch's home. So the man stole some for his wife to eat, but her appetite was not satisfied. The second time the man was caught and forced to give up his first born to the witch. When the child disobeys her magical mother, the witch banishes the youngster to the tip-top of a doorless tower to stay forever. As we all we know, a prince rides by and makes his way up the tower by climbing Rapunzel's long hair. The witch eventually discovers the girl's second disobedient act and transport her to a desert, then tosses the prince from the tower. He falls into a thicket below blinding him forever. I didn't remember this part of the fairy tale. I recalled the prince coming along and asking Rapunzel to let down her hair (which I remembered as being golden, although I thought the red hair added a nice visual element to the illustrations). My recollection was that the prince saved her and they rode off into the sunset. To my surprise the story continued. The persistent Rapunzel made another new life after wandering in the desert and coming upon a stream. There she built her home and had the princes' twins. The children grew and Rapunzel wowed them with tales of their beloved father. Amazingly, he stumbled through the world and happens upon the trio, recognizing Rapunzel's beautiful singing. Crying ensues and without explanation, Rapunzel's tears magically heal the prince of his blindness and the family live out their lives happily and without witchly incident. ART REVIEW The day I got this book - with a stack of others - I instantly singled out RAPUNZEL: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL because of the art. I sat all the others books down and admired the book. Something about the muted color pallet combined with the striking red hair and vibrancy of Rapunzel made me stare at the cover endlessly. The style is obviously German, down to the clothes and facial characteristics of the characters. Every element of the art screams read me, experience me, enjoy me. I did. BE AWARE Rapunzel and the prince did have babies, yet they did not get married, at least not in any official manner. It is clear they loved one another and were meant to be together. That might bother some folks even though some version of the story has been around since the 1600s. IN THE CLASSROOM Fairy tales have been a part of our literary tradition hundreds of years. They are great yarns and kids can still enjoy these very old stories from long ago and do so in modern and interesting ways. The book offers the history of Rapunzel, discussion questions, a glossary, and writing prompts. Personally, I think it would be fun for kids to create their own fairy tales (in traditional or comic format) and utilize those writing techniques we promote. I also think it would be fun to read different versions of the story. CHRIS' RECOMMENDATION: Highly Recommended. http://graphicclassroom.blogspot.com/2009/12/rapunzel-graphic-novel.html * The Graphic Classroom Blog * Long ago, a beautiful maiden named Rapunzel lived a life of loneliness. Taken at birth by an evil witch, she remained hidden, locked within a giant tower. Then one day, a prince heard her voice through the forest. To reach her, he must climb Rapunzel's lovely locks and avoid being caught by the witch. Of the four children's graphic novels from Capstone I've read, I think the books illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins are my favorite. What a beautiful mix of dark, haunting imagery created with the soft touch of watercolor. The way he creates his characters are so interesting, I especially liked the Witch in Rapunzel. The only thing I would have changed would have been to have the speech bubbles and text also hand done instead of computer generated, I feel like it took away from the magic of the illustration and sort of sticks out like a sore thumb. The actual story was a great rendition of the fairy tale I remember. I just love that witch! And as with the other books from the Graphic Spin series, you can find a glossary, history, discussions and writing prompts in the back of the book. The reading level of Rapunzel is 2.5 or L. This would be a great introduction to the fable for children. Rapunzel was released March 30th 2009. Genre: Children's Graphic Novel 4/5 Stars Review copy provided by the publisher http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/2010/05/rapunzel-retold-by-stephanie-peters-and.html * Pop Culture Junkie Blog * Rapunzel retold by Stephanie Peters, illustrated by Jeffrey Stewart Timmins, 2009, 33 pgs, RL 2.5, my son read aloud to me, received a review copy from Stone Arch Books - Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Just look at the cover illustration! All I can tell you is it just gets better once you open the book. The pages all have a very dark background, the witch is dark, her parents who give her away are drab browns and Rapunzel and the Prince are the only bright features in the artwork until the end. I'd recommend this book alone for the artwork! The story is true to the Bros. Grimm original, written at a low reading level it still manages to tell the story in a detailed manner. I love that this series of books keeps true to the original tales. This is the first time I've read a children's version of Rapunzel where she turns up pregnant at the end, as in the original. Probably not for too young of children as the illustrations are dark and when we see the Prince's eyes which have been pierced by thorns, it is a little gross. Highly recommended! 5/5 * Back to Books Blog *