Falling for Rapunzel - Hardcover

Wilcox, Leah

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399237941 ISBN 13: 9780399237942

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2003

Synopsis

"The course of true love never did run smooth." --William Shakespeare

When the prince spies Rapunzel high in her tower, he's convinced she is the girl of his dreams. Of course he thinks he can save her the traditional way, but this is no traditional Rapunzel.

She throws down everything but what the princ asks for--including a surprise that makes all his dreams come true.

A hilarious fractured fairy tale with clever page-turns and vibrant, eclectic art that is perfect for funny Valentine's Day story hours.

About this title

About the Author:

Born in Surrey, England, Lydia Monks currently resides in London with her two cats.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 4-This humorous twist on a traditional tale will resonate with today's young readers. Told in rhyming couplets, this version features a protagonist who weeps, not from loneliness, but rather over the sorry state of her flowing blond locks. The prince, mistaking her tears for legitimate suffering, is determined to set her free and invites her to throw down her hair. Rapunzel, however, mishears his request and throws down her underwear instead. The persistent noble tries a variety of other tactics, asking for her locks, tresses, rope, twine, and ladder, each time growing less enamored as she responds with socks, dresses, a cantaloupe, a swine, and a bowl of pancake batter. Finally, he begs her to let down her braid, but instead out drops her maid, a fortuitous mistake since the servant and the prince fall madly in love and ride off together. The verses are clever and concise, and the rhyming pattern allows listeners to anticipate their endings and to giggle over the results. The rhythm is consistent and the stresses in each line flow naturally, inspiring would-be poets. Monks's delightful acrylic-and-collage illustrations add to the humor. Their bright, vivacious colors, bold patterns, fun background details (e.g., skyscrapers, airplanes, and a computer in Rapunzel's tower), and exaggerated facial expressions reinforce the silliness. Pair this with David Wiesner's The Three Pigs (Clarion, 2001) and Diane Stanley's Goldie and the Three Bears (HarperCollins, 2003) for a fresh look at classic fairy tales.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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About this edition

• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0399237941
• ISBN 13: 9780399237942
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Monks Lydia