A folktale that I am unfamiliar with, Climbing Rosa blends aspects of both Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella. However, Fowles lists the Hungarian folktale The Tree that Reached up to the Sky as her source. Apparently Fowles has switched the genders for her story though with success. Rosa makes a welcome tart-tongued change to the typical sweet fairy tale maiden.

The illustrations are done in acrylics and the patterns on the girls' dresses and the lack of perspective are reminiscent of folk art. Some of the details in the illustrations are giggle inducing - the sandwich board that the herald wears to help announce the contest, Andras holding one end of a blanket in one hand (used to catch falling girls) and a book in the other. One review mentions that Fowles strays pretty far from what she lists as her source material; I hope to check on that when I have the chance. ( )

Personal Response:
This story has similar elements to many other folktales (such as Cinderella), however, there are some unusual quirky elements thrown in such as a book-worm prince and a girl who can climb like a monkey - a perfect match!.

Curricular or Programming Connections:
A great addition for exploring folkloric tales, Hungarian culture, and comparing different folkloric tales (such as comparing this story with Cinderella)