Rapunzel

Rapunzel is geared toward children in grade 3 through 5 and was adapted by Paul Zelinsky in 1997.

This is a story of a couple expecting a child.  The child is removed from the family as a bargaining tool and is hidden away in a tower until she is rescued by a prince and returned to her parents.

Teachers and parents/guardians can use this story as an example of the whimsical ways of fairy tales. The story is set back in time when there are castles, witches, and magic spells.  All of these would seem unrealistic to children of today. This story has numerous versions and has also been made into both animated and real life motion pictures.  This author has also written Z is for Moose, and Swamp Angel. 

As an example of a fairy tale, this story maintains the essence of spellbinding tales of ties past. The illustrations included in this version are muted and appear to be watercolor.

Motivational Activities:

1. Students will work in pairs and work together to write their own fairy tale.

2. Students will create an alternative ending to this timeless story.

Reader Response Questions:

1. Why was the girl named Rapunzel?

2. Where was the girl hidden away?

3. Why did the parents have to give up their baby and who was the baby given to?



Zelinsky, P.  (1997) Rapunzel New York, Dutton Children's Books

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