How the Library (Not the Prince) Saved Rapunzel
What’s inside...
Rapunzel, a young woman living on the 16th floor of an inner city block, is bored and apathetic. Despite visits from the milkman, the postman, the baker, her aunt, and even a prince, she remains listless. However, everything changes when she receives a letter informing her of a new job at the library. This news revitalizes her, leading to a life that is suddenly busy, exciting, and stimulating. Despite her beauty, Rapunzel's true passion is reading good books, which she can now indulge in at her new job.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rapunzel
Discussion points
How do you think Rapunzel felt when she discovered all the things she could do at the library?
What are some new things you would like to learn or explore, just like Rapunzel did?
Why is it important for Rapunzel to find happiness in things other than being rescued by a prince?
How did the people around Rapunzel help her in her journey? How do we help each other in our family or community?
What does this story tell us about the importance of libraries and learning?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Rapunzel’s journey and relate it to their own experiences with learning and exploring new things.
Discuss the different emotions Rapunzel might have felt throughout the story, and ask your child to share when they have felt the same way.
Highlight the impact of community support in the story and connect it to your child’s life by discussing the roles different people play in their learning and growth.
Use the story as a starting point to discuss the value of independence and pursuing one's interests and dreams.
After reading, consider visiting a local library together to further emphasize the story's message and make the connection between the book and the real world more tangible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-empowerment
Explanation: Rapunzel learns to find strength from within and through her interactions in the library, rather than relying on a prince to save her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-reliance and seeking knowledge to solve their own problems, rather than waiting for others to provide solutions.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: The story emphasizes the role of the library in enriching Rapunzel’s life, demonstrating how education and access to information can lead to personal development.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore books and educational resources, understanding that learning can open doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Community engagement
Explanation: Rapunzel interacts with various characters in the library, showing the importance of being part of a community.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate the strengths of collaborating and communicating with others in community spaces like libraries.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: The book subverts the traditional fairy tale stereotype by showing Rapunzel saving herself rather than being rescued by a prince.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the importance of challenging traditional roles and encourages them to think independently about their capacities.
Example Lesson: Inspiration through reading
Explanation: Rapunzel’s transformation is spurred by her exposure to books, illustrating how reading can spark change and inspire action.
Real-World Application: This highlights to children how engagement with literature can inspire them to take action in their own lives and imagine greater possibilities.