Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities : Book Review

"Shakespeare for Kids" by Colleen Aagesen offers a delightful and engaging introduction to the timeless works of William Shakespeare. Specifically designed for children, this book provides an accessible and enjoyable way for young readers to explore the captivating tales and characters created by the renowned playwright.

The book features abridged versions of Shakespeare's most famous plays, including tragedies like "Romeo and Juliet" and comedies like "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The stories are presented in a simplified language that is easy for children to understand, while still preserving the essence and beauty of Shakespearean language.

Illustrations accompany each play, bringing the characters and scenes to life and aiding in the comprehension and visualization of the story. Additionally, synopses and key quotes are provided, offering valuable insights and enhancing understanding of the plot, themes, and characters.

Aagesen skillfully captures the spirit and humor of Shakespeare's works, engaging young readers and incorporating educational elements. The book includes interactive quizzes and activities that encourage children to actively participate and learn more about Shakespearean language, literary devices, and historical context.

Overall, "Shakespeare for Kids" serves as a wonderful introduction to the world of Shakespeare. It makes his works accessible and enjoyable for children, igniting their curiosity and fostering a love for one of the greatest playwrights of all time. Parents, teachers, and anyone seeking to introduce Shakespeare to children in a fun and educational way will find this book to be a valuable resource. With Aagesen's engaging writing style, captivating illustrations, and interactive features, "Shakespeare for Kids" is a must-have addition to any child's library.

What are readers saying?

Colleen Aagesen's book, "Shakespeare for Kids," has garnered a range of reviews from readers. The intention of the book is to introduce young readers to the works of William Shakespeare in an enjoyable and accessible way. While some reviewers praised the book for its engaging storytelling and simplified language, others believed it lacked depth and failed to capture the essence of Shakespeare's original works.

Several readers commended "Shakespeare for Kids" for successfully introducing Shakespearean stories to young readers. They found the book to be well-written and engaging, with language that was simplified enough for children to understand. These reviewers appreciated the effort made to make Shakespeare's works more accessible and believed it could ignite an interest in his plays for a younger audience.

On the contrary, some readers were dissatisfied with "Shakespeare for Kids", feeling that it did not accurately represent Shakespeare's plays and merely provided simplified summaries. These reviewers believed that the essence and depth of Shakespeare's writing were lost in the simplified retellings, resulting in flat and shallow stories lacking substance.

A few reviewers also expressed concerns about the complexity of Shakespeare's language in the book. They felt that the simplified language used in "Shakespeare for Kids" may not have done justice to the original works. These readers believed that children should be exposed to the richness and beauty of Shakespeare's language, rather than having it excessively simplified.

Furthermore, opinions were divided on the illustrations in the book. While some found them charming and engaging, others felt they were mediocre and did not contribute significantly to the storytelling.

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