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Falling for Rapunzel
The prince is hoping to fall for Rapunzel, but since she can't quite hear what he asks for, everything but her hair gets tossed out her window. Instead of her curly locks, she throws her dirty socks. Instead of silky tresses, out go lacey dresses. And you can predict the guaranteed-to-crack-kids-up clothing she sends down when the prince simply says hair. . . .Finally Rapunzel heaves out something that makes all the prince's dreams come true, showing how misunderstandings can lead to happily-ever-after.
Hilarious text, clever page-turns, and vibrant, eclectic art make this a non-traditional Rapunzel kids will want to read about again and again.
Hilarious text, clever page-turns, and vibrant, eclectic art make this a non-traditional Rapunzel kids will want to read about again and again.
32 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2003
24 people are currently reading
1213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
August 26, 2024
So while Leah Wilcox's Falling for Rapunzel picture book is definitely humorous and the delightful, rhyming wordplays and misunderstandings do leave me smiling a bit, as an actual adaptation, as an actual parody of the Rapunzel folktale type, Falling for Rapunzel for and to me kind of majorly and annoyingly fizzles out, does not really and truly work at all well and successfully. For come on and in my (not so) humble opinion, it would be considerably more entertaining and laughter-producing if the prince in Falling for Rapunzel would be shown by Wilcox' text and Lydia Monks' artwork as actually managing to gain entrance into Rapunzel's tower (after much trial and trepidation) only to then be confronted with and by the salient truth of the matter that the maiden he has been attempting to rescue and protect is not really in any way a bona fide damsel in distress (and in danger) but simply a girl having a very bad hair day and moaning and complaining regarding this (and yes, the constant barrage of tossed objects, while indeed rather funny in and of themselves, also never in any fashion harken back to the gist of Falling for Rapunzel, namely that it is a case of a rather spoiled and entitled princess whining a bit because she is upset about her supposedly lacklustre locks of hair and throwing a hissy fit so to speak).
And even though as a folktale (and also in particular as a Rapunzel in its many and diverse forms) enthusiast I was kind of expecting a bit more text and narrative wise from Falling for Rapunzel (and definitely more of an actual story and not just a bunch of tossed clothing and other personal items, although I do much appreciate that the prince ends up leaving with, that he ends up "falling" not for Rapunzel but for her "tossed" maid, and who yes, should also never have been tossed from the tower and that this totally makes me cringe even though I realise this is meant to be funny although I personally do NOT see the humour regarding this at all), I would most likely be giving Falling for Rapunzel three instead of two stars if Lydia Monks' accompanying illustrations were a bit more to my liking, if they were less naive and cartoon-like (and with a less pink and garishly gaudy colour scheme which I personally find a bit of a visual horror and painful for my eyes). Still somewhat recommended is Falling for Rapunzel, as it is definitely cutesy and vaguely funny, but ultimately, and at least for me on a personal and folkloric level, Falling for Rapunzel is first and foremost rather majorly forgettable and equally more than a trifle annoying.
And even though as a folktale (and also in particular as a Rapunzel in its many and diverse forms) enthusiast I was kind of expecting a bit more text and narrative wise from Falling for Rapunzel (and definitely more of an actual story and not just a bunch of tossed clothing and other personal items, although I do much appreciate that the prince ends up leaving with, that he ends up "falling" not for Rapunzel but for her "tossed" maid, and who yes, should also never have been tossed from the tower and that this totally makes me cringe even though I realise this is meant to be funny although I personally do NOT see the humour regarding this at all), I would most likely be giving Falling for Rapunzel three instead of two stars if Lydia Monks' accompanying illustrations were a bit more to my liking, if they were less naive and cartoon-like (and with a less pink and garishly gaudy colour scheme which I personally find a bit of a visual horror and painful for my eyes). Still somewhat recommended is Falling for Rapunzel, as it is definitely cutesy and vaguely funny, but ultimately, and at least for me on a personal and folkloric level, Falling for Rapunzel is first and foremost rather majorly forgettable and equally more than a trifle annoying.
January 25, 2018
Fun rhyming story about Rapunzel. My first grader brought this book home a couple days ago and was just giggling. It was so cute, she couldn't stop giggling. As she told me she had a surprise for me, ran to her backpack, pulled out something and hid it behind her back then proceeded to giggle some more. I have to say that her cute little face and sweet giggle makes it very hard to not join in the giggling. She just lost her first tooth not too long ago and it's on the bottom jaw and it just gives her the cutest little lisp. So imagine super cute little girl, stinkin' cute giggle and a little lisp as she pulled the book out from behind her back and proceeds to tell me it's the funniest book ever. So we snuggled up together and she read me the story of Rapunzel.
I can't forget to mention that she was really excited that her school librarian is related to the author. It was a pretty big deal for her and she was shaking with excitement telling me. Cute, Cute, cute baby girl of mine!
Well, I have to admit that I giggled right along with my little one. Rapunzel you're pretty funny. Note to prince (or whoever) when trying to ask a princess (or whoever) in a tower a question, make sure you get as close as possible and use a bullhorn. Just saying. There would be no mix ups. But that being said, I'm glad she couldn't hear because now we have a fun rhyming book of Rapunzel's mix ups. The ending was so fun. Especially when Rapunzel needs to gather all her stuff up. The surprise ending and the gathering up of stuff honestly had my little one in a giggling fit.
I love books like that. Ones that can bring pure joy to a little one's mind and help them catch the joy and love of reading and diving into stories. Well done Leah Wilcox for a fun giggle inducing story!
Happy Reading!!!
I can't forget to mention that she was really excited that her school librarian is related to the author. It was a pretty big deal for her and she was shaking with excitement telling me. Cute, Cute, cute baby girl of mine!
Well, I have to admit that I giggled right along with my little one. Rapunzel you're pretty funny. Note to prince (or whoever) when trying to ask a princess (or whoever) in a tower a question, make sure you get as close as possible and use a bullhorn. Just saying. There would be no mix ups. But that being said, I'm glad she couldn't hear because now we have a fun rhyming book of Rapunzel's mix ups. The ending was so fun. Especially when Rapunzel needs to gather all her stuff up. The surprise ending and the gathering up of stuff honestly had my little one in a giggling fit.
I love books like that. Ones that can bring pure joy to a little one's mind and help them catch the joy and love of reading and diving into stories. Well done Leah Wilcox for a fun giggle inducing story!
Happy Reading!!!
March 3, 2017
From the moment Rapunzel misheard the Prince and let down her underwear, I knew this would be a delightful twist on the original. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and loved the humor and the twist(s) at the end. It's really clever and creative with all the different ways the prince tries to get from Rapunzel to climb the tower, and all the funny things Rapunzel sends down instead. This is a real charmer and I could see it being popular even with kids who aren't into "princess stories" -- boys, girls, little kids, even bigger kids, and I'm a "grown-up" and loved it, too! :-)
March 22, 2008
This book might actually be even more enjoyable for adults & older children who know many traditional fairy tales well, especially Rapunzel. This is also an excellent book for young children because the story in rhyme and the pictures are terrific, and even young kids will find the events funny. Very charming. Really hilarious. Terrific message. And it has the best twist ending that I’ve ever read in an “alternative� fairy tale. It’s a special book that can be enjoyed by all ages, even though it’s obviously published for picture book age kids.
March 29, 2020
Told in rhyming couplets, Leah Wilcox's fractured fairy-tale takes the classic story of
and turns it on its head. When a prince happens upon Rapunzel's tower and hears her weeping, he mistakes her chagrin at a bad hair day for true misfortune, and sets out to rescue her. But his efforts are baffled at every turn, as Rapunzel misunderstands his requests, throwing down underwear instead of hair, socks rather than locks, and so on. Eventually she does throw down something the prince wants, and the tale concludes happily...
One of those books which will undoubtedly appeal to the intended demographic, Falling for Rapunzel somehow fell just a little short for me, despite my life-long love of fairy-tales, and an interest in the ways in which they have been adapted over the years. I can see how the rhyming scheme will appeal to young readers and listeners, and have no doubt that the many misunderstandings will produce some giggles - what child doesn't like to come across unexpected references to underwear? Lydia Monks' colorful illustrations, using acrylic and collage, accentuate the humor of the story. But despite these many virtues, and a moderate level of enjoyment, I wasn't as "wowed" by this one as I expected to be. A solid effort in an enjoyable genre, Falling for Rapunzel didn't quite have me falling in love.
One of those books which will undoubtedly appeal to the intended demographic, Falling for Rapunzel somehow fell just a little short for me, despite my life-long love of fairy-tales, and an interest in the ways in which they have been adapted over the years. I can see how the rhyming scheme will appeal to young readers and listeners, and have no doubt that the many misunderstandings will produce some giggles - what child doesn't like to come across unexpected references to underwear? Lydia Monks' colorful illustrations, using acrylic and collage, accentuate the humor of the story. But despite these many virtues, and a moderate level of enjoyment, I wasn't as "wowed" by this one as I expected to be. A solid effort in an enjoyable genre, Falling for Rapunzel didn't quite have me falling in love.
March 10, 2017
This was cute, my 6 year old really enjoyed it. I can tell she likes a book when she insists that I read it again as soon as we've finished reading it the first time. So, we read it twice last night. She thought it was hilarious that the prince didn't check around the back of the tower for a door. That was probably her favorite part. Well, it was either that part or the part where she throws the pig out the window.
Cute book, I love that it doesn't show that Rapunzel regrets for even an instant that the prince left with her maid instead of her.
Cute book, I love that it doesn't show that Rapunzel regrets for even an instant that the prince left with her maid instead of her.
October 12, 2009
This updated "fractured fairy tale" of Rapunzel had my first grade students laughing hysterically. They enjoyed the repetitive misunderstanding of Rapunzel as she throws down her "dirty socks" instead of her "curly locks" or her "underwear" in stead of her hair. As a teacher, I liked how I could use the book as a way to get the children to make predictions using rhyme. As a woman, I liked how Rapunzel never wanted or needed to be rescued as the prince thought, it was just all a misunderstanding. I think a knowledge of the Rapunzel story would really help the reader to enjoy this story.
The art in this book is also fantastic. Lydia Monks uses collage throughout the story in a really interesting way. As a student pointed out to me, all of the trees are cutouts of pictures of real trees.
Check out this book!
The art in this book is also fantastic. Lydia Monks uses collage throughout the story in a really interesting way. As a student pointed out to me, all of the trees are cutouts of pictures of real trees.
Check out this book!
March 10, 2017
This is a funny little story that is based on the classic fairytale, but ends in a very different way. The rhyming narrative is humorous and our girls had fun guessing what Rapunzel would pick to throw down each time.
The illustrations are colorful and cartoonish and give a whimsical feel to the tale. We enjoyed reading this book together and will look for at our local library.
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2017 - Humor reads at the in the Children's Books Group here at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
The illustrations are colorful and cartoonish and give a whimsical feel to the tale. We enjoyed reading this book together and will look for at our local library.
This story was selected as one of the books for the March 2017 - Humor reads at the in the Children's Books Group here at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.
April 12, 2017
Very cute, with a neat twist, but imo not as special as the community would have you believe. Read it from your library before you buy. Here's my comment for the Children's Books discussion:
Finally got a chance to read Falling for Rapunzel. It's actually been on my list for years. I opine that as far as pure silly humor goes, this is tops of the month. The others are fables with a light touch, but this made me giggle without feeling like I was learning a lesson at the same time. And I agree that the art was a perfect match for the text, and that boys might like it, too.
Good rhymes/ word-play; could be used in a number of units in English, including a simple creative writing exercise in which the students come up with more things someone might ask for, and what they might get instead.
Finally got a chance to read Falling for Rapunzel. It's actually been on my list for years. I opine that as far as pure silly humor goes, this is tops of the month. The others are fables with a light touch, but this made me giggle without feeling like I was learning a lesson at the same time. And I agree that the art was a perfect match for the text, and that boys might like it, too.
Good rhymes/ word-play; could be used in a number of units in English, including a simple creative writing exercise in which the students come up with more things someone might ask for, and what they might get instead.
May 12, 2014
This is a cute book I ran across by chance. Of course, it's based on the classic Rapunzel tale, but this time there is some funny variations on the theme. The prince wants Rapunzel to throw down her hair, but she doesn't hear quite right. What she throws down instead always rhymes with the word: hair - underwear, locks - socks, tresses - dresses, etc. The prince is not happy until what Rapunzel is finally asked to throw down (rhymes with braid) does make him satisfied! The story is cute and the illustrations will delight children and adults alike.
March 27, 2009
I thought this book was so cute. Not the typical version of Rapunzel but fun to read.
March 24, 2019
A hilarious rhyming and upside down (in a good way) version of Rapunzel. We laughed bunches with this one. Loved the pun in the theme.
February 12, 2020
This book made me laugh out loud. It's a funny twist on the Rapunzel story. I don't hear well, so I relate to Rapunzel not hearing the prince very well and sending him down things that rhyme with his requests. I frequently think people say something they don't. I like the illustrations. I like that the prince ultimately gets something better than he expected. After all, he was just there to help. I also like that Rapunzel didn't need his help.
January 3, 2025
Reading age
3 - 6 years
3 - 6 years
November 29, 2018
Cute and Punny! Might even work for family storytime.
October 7, 2014
Falling for Rapunzel was absolutely perfect. Just by the name you assume you know exactly what the story is going to be like. It starts out with a handsome Prince walking through the forest and sees her through her window. So then he calls "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, throw down your hair!" but instead of hearing that she thought "Your underwear." So for the next couple of pages it keeps going. He tries to get her attention but each time she hears the exact opposite of what he says. It isn't until the Prince yells "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your BRAID!" Poor confused Rapunzel pushed out her maid. The maid falls on top of the Prince and then they lock eyes. It was love at first sight. Instead of falling for Rapunzel the Prince falls for the Maid.
I thought it was a really cute book to read because its not your typical love story. The whole plot was very interesting. It was also a very funny read for all ages. Lydia Monks did a great job with the illustrations. The fact that she used acrylic paint, paper montage, and colored pencils to bring the drawing to life. There was so much color all throughout each of the pages. Even though they were extravagant illustrations the facial expressions on each of the characters faces matched perfect with what was going on.
I thought it was a really cute book to read because its not your typical love story. The whole plot was very interesting. It was also a very funny read for all ages. Lydia Monks did a great job with the illustrations. The fact that she used acrylic paint, paper montage, and colored pencils to bring the drawing to life. There was so much color all throughout each of the pages. Even though they were extravagant illustrations the facial expressions on each of the characters faces matched perfect with what was going on.
February 1, 2015
Although not quite as funny or clever as Waking Beauty, Leah Wilcox wrote another winner with Falling for Rapunzel. I won't belabor the points I mentioned in my review of Waking Beauty but these books are a brilliant, funny and colorful take on classic princess stories. Since the idea of mentioning anything other than a princess story to my 3 year old is a mortal sin, I am grateful that I discovered these books on my most recent trip to the public library.
I enjoy that these stories don't depict the princesses as helpless as other children's books and will happily admit that these were funny enough to even catch a quick belly laugh from me. I often pretend to laugh at "funny" parts in my kid's books so that they will appreciate the humor but this time I didn't need to pretend.
Falling for Rapunzel is a fantastic children's book that is creative and original. It's a rhyming adventure that I actually enjoyed reading to my own little princess!
I enjoy that these stories don't depict the princesses as helpless as other children's books and will happily admit that these were funny enough to even catch a quick belly laugh from me. I often pretend to laugh at "funny" parts in my kid's books so that they will appreciate the humor but this time I didn't need to pretend.
Falling for Rapunzel is a fantastic children's book that is creative and original. It's a rhyming adventure that I actually enjoyed reading to my own little princess!
May 10, 2018
What a hoot! Rapunzel has a hearing problem and who wouldn't wonder, since her tower is so very high. What does the Prince say to throw down to him? Read the story to see just how comical it gets.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: there is underwear and petticoats in several of the pictures.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: there is underwear and petticoats in several of the pictures.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
March 3, 2017
I fell in love with this book on my first reading of it, finding it hilarious. I have used it successfully with primary school students. It was just so durned funny how Rapunzel misheard every request from the prince. I also thought that the comical, cartoony illustrations were a perfect match to the silly story. I thought the rhyming couplets very clever as well.
June 24, 2017
If you like updated or "fractured" fairy tales, Falling for Rapunzel is for you! It had my students in stitches this morning during the read aloud. They found it hilarious that Rapunzel had such bad hearing, which resulted in her throwing down random items to the prince. I loved the twist at the end for Rapunzel's maid and also the "back door." Amusing and fun!
May 12, 2012
This story is hilarious. A great read to just have fun, bu also a great read for students in speech to understand why communication is important and why it is good to unnunciate and make rue you are properly understood. This also would be a cute interp or duo.
December 19, 2016
Read at Circle Time on 8/7/12:
Read at Preschool Story Time on 7/18/13:
Read at Preschool Story Time on 7/18/13:
September 5, 2013
I don't rate every book I read my children, otherwise I would be spending way to much time on goodreads. However, this one made me laugh and I didn't mind reading it several times a day for the time we had it from the library. I can't say that very often.
June 22, 2020
A fracture fairy tale that finds the prince hoping to woo Rapunzel, but soon discovers that his dream girl has a slight hearing problem, and is having a bad hair day. This humorous rhyme does have an unexpected happy ending.
October 13, 2008
I don't got anything to say about it if I didn't like. I just don't like it. It's not the real Rapunzel book.
March 27, 2009
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, throw down your hair!"
She thought he said, "your underwear."
"No, Rapunzel. Your curly locks!"
Rapunzel threw down dirty socks.
What a fun laugh this short book is!
She thought he said, "your underwear."
"No, Rapunzel. Your curly locks!"
Rapunzel threw down dirty socks.
What a fun laugh this short book is!
January 18, 2010
My daughter and I love this book--filled with fun and wit. A book for adults and children.
April 10, 2017
In this retelling, Rapunzel can't hear the prince very well from up in her tower and keeps throwing down the wrong things. Very cute retelling of the classic with a fun twist at the end.
3/2017: It seems that my hearing isn't all that great these days so I empathize with Rapunzel. Such a funny story!
3/2017: It seems that my hearing isn't all that great these days so I empathize with Rapunzel. Such a funny story!
December 20, 2012
Humorous retelling of Rapunzel with colorful illustrations.
themes: fractured fairytale, maid, prince, princess, Rapunzel
themes: fractured fairytale, maid, prince, princess, Rapunzel
April 4, 2019
I love this book so much. It was one of my favorite books growing up and still is a fantastic book. This book is about Rapunzel who is up in her castle while a prince comes along. Unfortunately, the princess does not have the best hearing so everything the prince says he mishears it. The prince tries very hard to get Rapunzel to throw something out the window that he can climb to get to her. But, every time he asks for something, Rapunzel throws out something different. When he asked for her hair, she threw out underwear. Everything the prince asks for, something that rhymes with it is tossed out the window instead. I found this to be quite amusing and everyone I have read it too has enjoyed it as well. This book is full of rhymes and some people may not expect. This would be great when used in the classroom to teach rhyming or as an entry to poetry.
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