Thursday, June 19, 2008

Rapunzel's Revenge

Entling no. 2 looks at me and says, "You have too many books."

This from the kid who had so many books in her apartment when we packed her up that I decided the laws of physics must have been suspended at those map coordinates. That many books could not possibly have fit into that tiny abode. They are all here now. She does have all of her books on shelves.


My book stacks of reproach are groaning so I've asked her if she wanted to lend a hand with some reviews.


Rapunzel's RevengeRapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, Illustrated by Nathan Hale, Bloomsbury, September 2008

I don't typically share my entmother's enthusiasm for kids' lit. It's not that these books aren't amazing stories; it's just that my preferred reading genres are sci-fi and fantasy, with the occasional supernatural thriller thrown in here and there just to shake things up a bit. Every now and then, though, Mother comes to me and practically shoves the book into my hands, eyes aglow as she gushes over the brilliance of the book.
The latest of these was Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale. I'd read Hale's "Princess Academy" sometime earlier and had enjoyed the independent, can-do attitude of her main character, so I looked forward to more of the same independence. And I wasn't disappointed.
The Rapunzel in this book is a strong character, out to do what's right. Traditional fairytales and Western tall tales are interwoven throughout the story, creating a rich background.
The original story of Rapunzel features a patient princess awaiting her Prince Charming to save her from the tower. This Rapunzel isn't waiting around, twiddling her thumbs. She takes matters into her own hands and doesn't let anyone else take the reins of her life.
With her loyal sidekick Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and his pet goose at her side, Rapunzel embarks on a quest to save her mother from the slave mines of "Mother" Gothel, a witch who's magic has stripped most of the land of all life. As Rapunzel and Jack travel to the heart of the land where Gothel lives, they encounter a wide cast of characters, some ordinary townsfolk, the others familiar figures from fantastic tales of yore.
And who doesn't enjoy a new twist on an old story?
-Entling No. 2
BookMoot adds:
Brava to Shannon Hale for adding depth and richness to yet another fairy tale. Rapunzel can snap her amazingly long braids like Indiana Jones can use a bull whip.

Elementary school librarians are keen to add graphic novels to their collections and this is a title that will be a great fit for elementary libraries and up. It is beautifully drawn, kuddos to Nathan (with a name like that you have to be good) Hale, and the storyline will appeal to guys and girls.

1 comment:

Andrew Clarke said...

If you like fantasy, I'd love to hear your opinion of "Outcasts Of Skagaray". It was written out of concern for the abandoned children of the world. For excerpts, you can check the sample chapters on www.threeswans.com.au Your opinion would be valued. My blog, if you want to check it, is http://threeswans.blogspot.com Best wishes, whatever happens.