Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare'S Tales Retold For Children Series
What’s inside...
Samantha Newman brings Shakespeare's beloved plays to life for young readers in this beautifully illustrated box set. The collection includes simplified and engaging retellings of classic tales such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Comedy of Errors, Much Ado About Nothing, Othello, The Tempest, and many more. Newman's cleverly reworked text retains many of Shakespeare's own inimitable turns of phrase, while simplifying and clarifying the language and plots to make the stories accessible and enjoyable for children aged 7+.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' misunderstandings lead to the mix-ups in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'? What do you think they learned from these mix-ups?
In 'Macbeth', how do the choices of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth affect their lives and the lives of others around them?
What do you think is the main message of 'Romeo and Juliet'? How could the story change if the characters communicated better?
How do disguise and mistaken identity contribute to the humor and confusion in 'Twelfth Night'? Do you think disguises can change how we really feel inside?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and animated tones to make the stories more vivid and engaging. Pause at key moments to gauge your child’s thoughts.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story, fostering their analytical thinking and engagement.
Relate the themes or situations from the book to real-life scenarios to help your child grasp the concepts better.
Encourage your child to draw scenes from the book or act out parts of the play, deepening their connection and understanding of the story.
Discuss the motivations behind characters' actions and decisions to help your child develop empathy and moral reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters navigate complex relationships and conflicts throughout the stories, the narratives emphasize understanding others' perspectives and feelings.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy in their interactions with peers and family, helping them build stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: In each tale, characters face outcomes based on their decisions, showcasing how choices can lead to various consequences, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves as a practical tool for children to understand cause and effect, teaching them to think critically about the consequences before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The value of resolving conflicts
Explanation: The stories often depict characters resolving misunderstandings and disputes through dialogue and compromise, highlighting peaceful solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn effective conflict resolution skills, promoting a peaceful approach to solving disagreements in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The power of love and friendship
Explanation: Central themes of love and friendship run throughout the stories, demonstrating the strength and resilience these bonds can offer.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of nurturing relationships and being supportive friends and family members.