Critics
can be... well, rather critical of this series, but the books continue
to get rave reviews from parents and teachers at Amazon and GoodReads.
For
example, as of this date the good folks at GoodReads have given the books ratings in the 4's.
(UPDATED: August 2013)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
4.21 Stars — 38 ratings
Hamlet
4.09 Stars — 33 ratings
MacBeth
4.16 Stars — 32 ratings
Much Ado About Nothing
4.00 Stars — 28 ratings
Romeo and Juliet
4.30 avg rating — 30 ratings
The Tempest
4.05 Stars — 21 ratings
Twelfth Night
4.38 Stars — 19 ratings
So check out the sample pages and see if you think your child or classroom is ready for Shakespeare!
TWELFTH NIGHT
Illustrated by elementary students, this 64 page version of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is adapted for young children to enjoy.
Reading Information:
Page Count: 40
Accelerated Reading level: 4.0 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 52790
--sample pages available
HAMLET
Hamlet is made appropriate for children in this funny and evocative rendition.
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.3 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 52777
--sample pages available
MACBETH
In
Macbeth, the theme of the consequences of ambition and greed is
explored. It is written in rhyming couplets and illustrated by the students of Stratford's Hamlet Elementary School.
Word Count: 5,170
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.3 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 52780
--sample pages available
ROMEO AND JULIET
Written in rhyming couplets, this version for children is suitable for staging as class plays as well as reading aloud.
Word Count: 5,674
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.4 / points: 1.0 Page Count: 64
AR quiz: 52784
--sample pages available
Old Capulet greeted them in the great hall,
"Welcome, my friends, one and all!
Join the party!" he said with a grin,
"Come musicians, let the mirth begin."
In a matter of moments the room was aglow,
The ladies and gentlemen danced to and fro.
But Romeo stood by himself at the side
Until, in an instant, his eyes opened wide.
He gazed on a vision he'd never forget.
Across the room was the fair Juliet.
Now Rosaline's beauty lost its glow,
"What lady's that?" asked Romeo.
"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright,
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night!"
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Illustrated
by elementary students, this 64 page version of Shakespeare's
Midsummer Night's Dream is adapted for young people to enjoy.
Word Count: 4,669
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.5 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 52774
--sample pages available
"You've got to be kidding!" Helena cried,
"I know, it's Hermia, you want for your bride."
"Not a chance!" said Lysander, "It's you I love!
Who will not change a raven for a dove?"
"Give me a break!" Helena scoffed in dismay,
"Do you think I was born yesterday?
Your speech to me is like a thorn;
How dare you treat me with such scorn!"
Then she stomped off, in great disdain;
Lysander followed with a loving refrain.
THE TEMPEST
"The
Tempest" is an exciting tale of jealousy and betrayal, magic and
romance, repentance and forgiveness, and has all the elements necessary
to ignite a young child's imagination and creative energy. By her
use of rhyming couplets, Lois Burdett has once again succeeded in
transforming Shakespeare's complex verse into a format readily
understood by children.
Word Count: 5,558
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.6 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 45576
--sample pages available
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 4.6 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 45576
--sample pages available
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Retelling of the Shakespearean drama with illustrations by children.
Word Count: 6,000
Page Count: 64
Accelerated Reading level: 5.1 / points: 1.0
AR quiz: 58575
Beatrice approached, with Claudio by the hand,
"I've brought the Count, as was your command."
Don Pedro inquired, "My friend, why are you sad?
What's wrong with you, Claudio? Are you sick, my lad?"
But this faulty notion, Beatrice tried to dispel,
"The Count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well.
He's jealous and thinks you tricked him, my lord!"
"Claudio, your beliefs are false!" the Prince deplored.
"I have wooed in thy name and fair Hero is won,
Her father has consented. Now my job is done."
Then Leonato arrived with Hero by his side.
"Count Claudio, take my sweet daughter for your bride."
The young man was speechless and knew not what to do.
"Speak, Count!" urged Beatrice, "Tis your cue!"
