"Romeo and Juliet for Kids" by Lois Burdett is a delightful adaptation of Shakespeare's tragic love story, specifically tailored for young readers. Burdett skillfully simplifies the complex language of the original play, making it more accessible and engaging for children. By incorporating rhymes and vivid illustrations, the author creates a lively and captivating retelling that brings the characters and settings to life.
One of the outstanding aspects of this book is its ability to capture the essence of Shakespeare's original play while maintaining its accessibility for young readers. The central themes of love, tragedy, and the consequences of feuding families are preserved, ensuring that young readers can connect with the emotions and moral dilemmas faced by Romeo and Juliet. Burdett's adaptation provides a valuable educational resource, as it includes helpful background information about the play and its characters, giving readers a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare's genius.
The rhyming format of the text adds a musical rhythm to the storytelling, making it enjoyable to read aloud. This rhythmic quality helps young readers engage with the narrative and enhances their understanding of the plot. Additionally, the inclusion of vivid illustrations by Burdett herself further immerses readers in the story, bringing the characters and settings to life.
Available on Audible
Burdett's dedication to presenting Shakespeare in a child-friendly manner is commendable. The simplified language and engaging format make "Romeo and Juliet for Kids" a wonderful introduction to the works of Shakespeare for young readers. It not only serves as a valuable educational tool, but also as an enjoyable reading experience that will ignite the interest of children in Shakespeare's captivating world of love and tragedy.
In conclusion, Lois Burdett's "Romeo and Juliet for Kids" is a delightful adaptation that successfully brings Shakespeare's classic play to life for young readers. Through its engaging rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and simplified language, the book captures the heart of the original story while making it accessible and enjoyable for children. It is a valuable resource for educators and an excellent way to introduce young readers to the works of Shakespeare.
What are readers saying?
Lois Burdett's book, "Romeo and Juliet for Kids," has received a mix of reviews, indicating varied opinions about this adaptation of Shakespeare's famous tragedy.
Some reviewers commend Burdett for her ability to make Shakespeare's language accessible to young readers. They appreciate how the text is simplified and presented in a captivating manner, with the use of rhymes and colorful illustrations. This approach is seen as helpful in introducing children to the story and themes of "Romeo and Juliet."
However, others believe that Burdett's adaptation oversimplifies the original work, lacking depth and complexity. By dumbing down the language and oversimplifying the plot, they argue that the book fails to capture the true essence of the tragic love story.
Opinions on the illustrations accompanying the text are also divided. While some readers find them charming and suitable for young audiences, others feel that they appear too childish and detract from the seriousness of the story.
A number of reviewers appreciate the educational value of the book, as it introduces children to Shakespeare at an early age and piques their curiosity about his other works. The inclusion of comprehension questions and activities at the end of the book is seen as a beneficial way to reinforce understanding and engagement with the story.
ShakespeareForKids RomeoAndJulietLovers ClassicTalesForChildren