Rumpelstiltskin

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zelinsky, P. (1986). Rumpelstiltskin. (First Edition). Dutton Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 0525442650

PLOT SUMMARY

Paul O. Zelinsky (1998 Caldecott winner) retells the classic fairytale of Rumpelstiltskin, staying true to the original tale from the Brothers Grimm collection in 1812. Rumpelstiltskin is an intriguing tale about a young daughter who was brought before the king in consequence of her father’s misleading promise that she “could spin gold out of straw”. The greedy king immediately locks her in a room full of straw demanding she turn everything into gold by morning time or she shall surely die. The girl is hopeless until a sneaky little man offers to help her in return of a reward. The same event repeats itself for two more nights until the daughter has nothing left to offer but her first born child with the king. The day arrives when she has to give up her only child, but only with one condition, she has to guess the little man’s name and she will be freed from her deal. The daughter has help from a messenger who reveals the little man’s true identity. When the daughter utters, “Rumpelstiltskin”, the little man reacts in a fury which results in his demise. The little man is split in two, putting an end to his existence.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Zelinsky’s illustrations add a beautiful and classic Renaissance feel to the story which is said to have been told several thousand years prior to the 17^th century. Zelinsky takes people of all ages into the magical world of Rumpelstiltskin. Readers minds will soar through the carefully detailed illustrated pages. Zelinsky tactically places small text in each page, and lets the illustrations take over. The fantasy world of Rumpelstiltskin is eerie as well as intriguing and with the aid of such intricate illustrations, readers can visualize the setting and the characters will come to life. Zelinsky remains true to the overall central theme of the story which is boasting, greed, lies, and false promises.

EXCERPTS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Here Zelinsky has retold the narrative himself; he has captured the magic and frightening wonder of the tale while incorporating elements from a number of 19th century Grimm versions. The spare story flows beautifully, and the illustrations are extraordinary. Incredibly detailed full-color paintings show the influence of careful study of styles and techniques of European portrait and landscape painters.” (1986)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Kindergarten-Grade 4 Zelinsky's painterly style and rich colors provide an evocative backdrop to this story. The medieval setting and costumes and the spools of gold thread which shine on the page like real gold are suggestive of an illuminated manuscript. Without overpowering the text, the illustrations give depth and background, providing exquisite texture and detail: the castle interior; subtle facial expressions; the foreboding landscape when Rumpelstiltskin is overheard to reveal his name. The imp himself is deeply fascinating, with his birdlike features, tiny agile body, and Rackhamesque hands and feet.” (1986)

NEW YORK TIMES: “Adult and child can delight together in the richness of color, gilt and detail…captured in such art. The story is plainly and gracefully told.” (1986)

CONNECTIONS

Home Activity: Students will analyze and recognize negative qualities that lead to bad consequences through the story of Rumpelstiltskin.

Library Activity: Students are encouraged to read more Caldecott Award winning fairytales by Paul O. Zelinsky.

·         Zelinsky, P. (1997). Rapunzel. (Caldecott Honor Book). 1^st Edition. Dutton Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 9780525456070

·         Lesser, R. and Zelinsky, P. (1999) Hensel and Gretel. (1^st Edition). Dutton Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 9780525461524