Rumpelstiltskin

Rumpelstiltskin retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Bibliography

Zelinsky, Paul O. 1986. Rumpelstiltskin. Ill. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 0-525-44265-0.

Summary

This is the story of a poor miller's beautiful daughter who is given to the king to spin straw into gold. She did not have the faintest idea of what to do when in comes a little man inquiring of her sadness. She informs him of her dilemma and he offers to help, on the condition that she trades her items for his services. During the third night, she has nothing to trade and the little man comes up with an exchange: her first born with the king for his help. She agrees, not sure if she would ever be queen. When the time comes, she is given the chance to keep her child if she can guess the little man's name.
Critical Analysis

The miller's daughter is portrayed as the innocent character and the little man comes to help her, only to barter for his services. The king is given the role of the greedy character who wants nothing more than to be rich. The retelling and illustration of the Grimms' version of Rumpelstiltskin done by Zelinsky honors the time period of the original story. Zelinsky is very detailed in his painting to capture every aspect to bring the story to life and to capture his audience through the illustrations. The paintings draws attention to even the smallest details such as the lines of the straws, the soft, delicate features of the miller's daughter, and the bold lines of the castle and pillars.

The setting of the story takes place during the medieval period of kings and queens and the paintings clearly depict the time period: castles, a spinning wheel, and the clothing. The beautiful artwork displays the time setting of 'a long time ago'. As with traditional tales, the character portrayed as good (the miller's daughter) lives happily ever after.

Review Excerpts

Caldecott Honor Book

Booklist- "Zelinsky's jeweled tones and precise medieval backgrounds make this a particularly handsome rendering of the classic fairy tale."

Publishers Weekly- "Rumpelstiltskin is a tour de force by an immensely talented artist. Zelinsky is that rare practitioner who can create sophisticated work that adults will marvel at, and that children will joyfully embrace."

Connections

• Read Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter by Diane Stanley
• Plan activities to research the time period.