The Children's Shakespeare : Book Review

"The Children's Shakespeare" by E. Nesbit is a delightful collection of Shakespeare's plays adapted specifically for young readers. Nesbit successfully simplifies the intricate language and complex plots of Shakespeare's works, making them accessible and enjoyable for children. Her engaging storytelling style brings the characters and their dilemmas to life, capturing the essence of each play.

One of the exceptional qualities of this book is Nesbit's ability to retain the originality and beauty of Shakespeare's language while making it understandable for young readers. She includes the most famous lines and speeches, allowing children to become familiar with Shakespeare's eloquent language. Nesbit also provides helpful explanations and contextual information throughout the book, aiding the reader's understanding of the plays.

Nesbit's retelling of the plays remains faithful to the original content while being appropriate for young readers. She preserves the core themes and messages of each play, ensuring that the essence of Shakespeare's work is maintained. This allows children to engage with significant themes such as love, conflict, and ambition, while also appreciating the depth and complexity of Shakespeare's writing.

The book is adorned with beautiful illustrations that capture the essence of the plays, further enhancing the reading experience. The illustrations bring the characters and settings to life, adding a visually appealing layer to the stories. The combination of Nesbit's retelling and the accompanying illustrations makes "The Children's Shakespeare" a captivating read.

Overall, "The Children's Shakespeare" by E. Nesbit is an outstanding book that introduces young readers to Shakespeare's world in an approachable and engaging manner. Nesbit's skillful retelling, complemented by the beautiful illustrations, makes this book a must-read for children and an excellent starting point for their journey into the works of one of history's greatest playwrights.

What are readers saying?

"The Children's Shakespeare" by E. Nesbit has received a range of reviews from readers. Some praised the book for effectively introducing children to the works of William Shakespeare in a simplified and accessible manner. They appreciated how the author adapted the original plays to make them easier for young readers to understand. The book's illustrations were also well-received, as they were seen as visually engaging and helpful in conveying the stories.

Many reviewers particularly enjoyed the format in which each play was presented. The inclusion of a plot summary, introductions to key characters, and a list of famous quotes were seen as beneficial in enhancing their understanding of Shakespeare's works. They believed that this book could serve as an excellent starting point for children to explore and appreciate the beauty and depth of Shakespeare's plays.

However, there were some readers who felt that "The Children's Shakespeare" fell short in its attempts to simplify Shakespeare's works. They believed the language used was still too complex for young readers, making it difficult for them to fully grasp the stories and dialogue. Additionally, some readers found the illustrations inadequate in capturing the essence of the plays, which could hinder a child's overall understanding and enjoyment.

Other reviewers mentioned that the book lacked depth and detail. They felt that the play summaries were too short and failed to include important elements, resulting in a somewhat superficial understanding. These readers commented that while this book may be a good introduction, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive resource for studying Shakespeare.

In conclusion, opinions on "The Children's Shakespeare" varied. Some found it to be a successful adaptation for introducing children to Shakespeare, while others believed it could be improved to better serve its intended audience.

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