The Young Reader's Shakespeare: Hamlet

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8--In this solid retelling of the Bard's most famous tragedy and best-known play, McKeown fleshes out the story of the dark and brooding prince of Denmark who wages a war of conscience over how to properly avenge his father's murder. All of the basics are here: the interwoven complications of the fast-moving plot, the multilayered characters, and many of Shakespeare's most famous lines of dialogue. As the author states, however, this is not a version meant for the stage, but rather one intended to be read; thus, it has to explain many details of setting, action, and thought that are normally discovered by seeing the play. Nevertheless, McKeown is generally true to the original and adds details in keeping with the approach of most productions. The tale concludes with a series of questions and answers that give some background on the characters and the plot. Comport's fascinating illustrations range from sidebarlike insets of characters or story details to full spreads that delineate the major scenes. Their generally somber tones and use of shadow suit the mood of the piece, but the highly stylized faces and poses may at first seem rather distorted. Less sophisticated than Bruce Coville's version, William Shakespeare'sHamlet (Dial, 2004), this longer retelling will be a good choice for those wishing to have the Prince's story explained in fuller detail and with more modern overtones.--Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
Introducing a new series sure to delight children, parents, librarians, educators, and critics:
THE YOUNG READER'S SHAKESPEARE.

"Your uncle?" Horatio said, startled by his friend's words. "Murdered his own brother? I don't believe it."
"You didn't believe in ghosts either," Hamlet said. "But there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. I tell you, something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

A dramatic and modern retelling of the classic drama with superb art throughout. Written by an outstanding scholar, this made-just-for-them Hamlet will foster in children a lifetime love of the Bard. The language is simple yet eloquent, and draws the children into the story with superb dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events. The skillful blending of Shakespeare's own lines with modern language and illuminating information enhances youngsters' involvement and comprehension. There's background on Shakespeare and the play; answers to FAQs, such as "Why isn't Hamlet sure if he can trust the ghost?" and a "Who's Who" of the characters. The story unfolds in awe-inspiring art, from full-page spreads to revealing details. Young Reader's Shakespeare is a powerful visual and reading experience.


Adam McKeown has taught Shakespeare, Renaissance culture, and writing at New York University, Clarkson University, and Princeton, and is currently a professor at Adelphi University in Long Island.


Sally Wern Comport has won awards from the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts Magazine, Print Magazine, and Spectrum. Sally's recent books include: Brave Margaret, Skeleton Man, and The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark. She serves on the faculty of the Maryland Institute, College of Art.



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Gr 5-8-In this solid retelling of the Bard's most famous tragedy and best-known play, McKeown fleshes out the story of the dark and brooding prince of Denmark who wages a war of conscience over how to properly avenge his father's murder. All of the basics are here: the interwoven complications of the fast-moving plot, the multilayered characters, and many of Shakespeare's most famous lines of dialogue. As the author states, however, this is not a version meant for the stage, but rather one intended to be read; thus, it has to explain many details of setting, action, and thought that are normally discovered by seeing the play. Nevertheless, McKeown is generally true to the original and adds details in keeping with the approach of most productions. The tale concludes with a series of questions and answers that give some background on the characters and the plot. Comport's fascinating illustrations range from sidebarlike insets of characters or story details to full spreads that delineate the major scenes. Their generally somber tones and use of shadow suit the mood of the piece, but the highly stylized faces and poses may at first seem rather distorted. Less sophisticated than Bruce Coville's version, William Shakespeare's Hamlet (Dial, 2004), this longer retelling will be a good choice for those wishing to have the Prince's story explained in fuller detail and with more modern overtones.-Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.


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