Rapunzel - by Bethan Woollvin

Book Synopsis

This humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale spins a delightful, girl power twist, from New York Times Best Illustrated Book-winner Bethan Woollvin.

Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch's fearsome curse, the poor girl seems doomed to a life in captivity. But is Rapunzel frightened? Oh no, not she! Rapunzel has a few tricks up her sleeve, and she's not afraid to use them.

With sly humor and striking illustrations, author-illustrator Beth Woollvin, creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book, Little Red, replaces the typical damsel in distress with a brave, smart, and creative girl.

Review Quotes

"The blocky gouache illustrations in gray and black, strategically accented with yellow. . . heighten the timbre, suggesting both deviousness and joy. . . . Empowerment in leaps and bounds."--Kirkus Reviews

"Children will adore Rapunzel and cheer her victory over evil personified. A perfect length for storytime and those seeking fairy tale variants."--School Library Journal

"Utilizing simple, bold strokes of yellow, black, and gray inks, Woollvin expressively fills each page with eye-catching details that will bring readers back for another look. Fans of her Little Red (2016) will enjoy this latest feisty and intelligent heroine."--Booklist

"It's about time that Rapunzel saved herself, and in Woollvin's sly follow-up to 2016's Little Red, she does exactly that. . . . Thanks to Woollvin, readers may grow up thinking this just-wicked-enough retelling is the classic one; if they ever stumble across versions with the prince, they may wonder why he was thought necessary."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Bethan Woollvin graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a First Class Degree in Illustration. She has since made a name for herself with dark and witty twists on traditional stories. Her fractured fairy tale, Little Red, was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book. Bethan lives in England.