This book is one from a series of classic Shakespeare stories retold for the junior reader. The book is short and an enjoyable read. It successfully makes the story accessible and has extra features as well. The characters are introduced first and there are sections at the back of the book that outline some of the background to Shakespeare's writing and the themes of the story without being too detailed. The play has been rewritten in a narrative style and the language used is modern. The illustrations really add to overall effect of the book, which includes line sketches of the characters on nearly every page.

These books are a fantastic way of allowing young readers to become familiar with Shakespeare's work without intimidating or boring them. When they meet the texts later on in education they will already have a flavour of the background and story. I have these in my year 6 class and the children love to choose to read them. They appeal to struggling readers because of the short length and the pictures and to more accomplished readers because they have heard of Shakespeare.

2008-08-28