Reviews (10)

An "amazing" book!
This is an excellent children's book. I use it every year in my classroom because my students can identify so well with Grace. There are so many language arts activities that can be used with it. Grace is an unforgettable character. She knows what she wants and is undaunted by would-be obstacles in her path. With the help of loving family members she can do anything she sets her mind to!

The Beauty of Childhood Superbly Done
A child's imagination is one of the purest forms of expression. Author Hoffman has captured that innocence in this superb tale. Grace, like so many youngsters, spends much of her day in the pleasures of "acting out" the characters that populate the pages of the books she reads. She feels that she can do and be anything that she desires. The theme of pursuing one's dreams is the type of message to which all can relate.

As one turns the pages of this beautifully illustrated book, one can enjoy the little girl's imaginary adventures. When Grace learns of the part in "Peter Pan," the reader is able to identify with this as a part of school life. The illustrator has also balanced the classroom with children of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. This is a plus in the age of being "politically correct."

The language of the book is reflective with the age of the intended reading audience. With a little adult help, the average primary child will "read" this one with great relish.

The resolve of the adults in the family to encourage Grace in pursuit of her dreams is refreshing. Most of us let barriers prevent us from doing the same.

This is one great children's book!

Amazing Grace
Synopsis: Grace is a little girl who loves stories of all kinds, but especially adventure stories and fairy tales. Grace enjoys acting out the most exciting part in each story, no matter if that part is Hiawatha or Anansi the Spider. When she can, she makes her friends and family a part of her story-plays, but Grace can act out all the parts in a story on her own too. When Grace’s class is scheduled to perform Peter Pan, Grace knows immediately that she wants to fly in the part of Peter Pan. Her hopes are soon dampened, however, by classmates who tell her she’s not “right” for the role of Peter Pan. With encouragement from her Ma, and help from her Nana who takes Grace to see a ballerina from Trinidad, Grace realizes that she can be anything she wants to be. The result is a very amazing Peter Pan.

Evaluation: Amazing Grace is a lovely picture book story that stars a feisty heroine. The watercolor illustrations of Caroline Binch are as vibrant and real as Grace herself, and they reinforce the plot by depicting aspects of Grace’s life with Ma and Nana, and how Grace enthusiastically acts out the characters she loves. The illustrations are particularly effective in communicating the movement and color that characterize the world of Grace’s imagination. Young readers will relate well to both Grace and to her story. Grace is the kind of person that many of us â€"kids and adults alike-- long to be: a fun, take-charge kind of girl who sees life as an exciting adventure. Grace’s story, though simple enough to be told in a picture book, incorporates some traditional plot elements, including a problem for the heroine to overcome and a resolution to that problem. Amazing Grace would be a good addition to Kindergarten through 2nd grade reading curriculum for several reasons. It brings multi-culturalism into the classroom through its dynamic main character. It tells a positive message story about a girl who follows her dreams, without being preachy. And, it includes eye-catching illustrations that bring the heroine and her story to life.

Inspiring Tale with Superb Illustrations
This inspiring tale celebrates the innocence of youth, presents lessons of equality, and encourages children to pursue their dreams. Illustrator Caroline Binch provides stunning watercolor drawings that compliment the text. Recommended for children ages 4-8, this book will be enjoyed by children and adults.

As the mom of a very creative child, I appreciate the realism offered via every illustration. The watercolor drawings by illustrator Caroline Binch captivate the reader, child or adult. The detail is remarkable, adding immense compliment to the story. I appreciate the realistic expressions on each character. After the initial read, I gazed back at each illustration. In addition to facial detail, the props within the pictures are realistic. It is no surprise that this book is a Reading Rainbow Book.

On the page in which Grace is acting Anansi the Spider, we see her on a schoolyard type of bar. She is looking forward, her eyes exhibit a serious glare, her feet dangle with confidence, and her arms are postured in a stern manner. This child has a mismatched outfit, her right tennis shoe is untied, and she is using pantyhose for the webs. This illustration supports the text, "...and wove a wicked web as Anansi the Spider." But more importantly this - and other - illustrations show true childlike creativity unfolding. This is a mere example of the multiple high quality drawings.

After initial read of Amazing Grace, My daughter told me that she thought it was really sad that the classmates questioned Graces ability to be Peter Pan. This led to open discussion with regard to gender and race prejudice. Thankfully my daughter doesn't exhibit prejudice thoughts, but this story allowed her to realize that some children are subjected to prejudicial judgment of others.

When I asked My daughter what she liked about this book, she told me that she likes Grace. She expanded on this by telling me that Grace has a lot of fun, has a Mom and Grandma that love her, and that Grace does what she wants to do. In addition she told me, "The pictures are beautiful Mom!"

There are multiple messages in this story. Overall my reasoning for adoring Amazing Grace is that the tale is good and the illustrations are superb. But the true measure of success is based on the reaction that my child has. It is books like this that lend toward my 7-year-old maintaining adoration for the written word.

You Can Do Anything
This story is about a girl that pretends to play the parts of all kinds of different people and one day thiers a play and she wants to play the part of Peter Pan and some kids tell er she can't then she goes home. Later on they her parents tell her she can do anything she wants as long as she puts her mind to it, and she did. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Magical and Cheerful Story
When I read, "A Midsummer Night's Dream", I thought it was a very happy story. The story takes place in Athens, Greece and the king is about to become engaged to a queen. The story is about love and many magical events. I think "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is an extremely happy and cheerful story and I recommend it to other people.

Stop Kidding Yourselves
Retelling Shakespeare's stories is a valid activity. (Shakespeare after all retold others' stories when he wrote his plays.) Telling kids that they're learning Shakespeare when their taught retellings of the stories in his plays, however, is a terrible practice and should be avoided at all costs.

Unexpected enchantment
I love the works of Shakespeare but I've always thought that children under the age of 11 or 12 wouldn't be able to grasp the complexity both of the stories and of the language. Well, thank goodness Lois Burdett has come to our rescue! It has been her labor of love to rewrite the stories in rhyming couplet. She is quite an accomplished poet and a delight to read.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is extremely funny. Throughout the book Ms Burdett has included pictures and statements relating to the story that were made by her students. Clearly she makes Shakespeare come alive. I was so impressed with her rendition of this story that I couldn't wait to try it out on my eight year old. He loved it! We have a new Shakespeare fan in our house. I am extremely grateful that these books are available. I plan to purchase them all. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great book!
This book had such a wide variety of games and alot of ones I hadn't even seen before. I do recommend this book!

Great for all Ages!
During my years studying drama in high school, college and in England, I've been exposed to many theatre games and activities. Since my summer school assignment this year was teaching drama to middle school kids, I thought I'd get this book as a back up to some of those games, especially since level might have been an issue. I was so surprised and delighted to see almost every improv, character, voice, etc. activity I've ever done in this book. It is thorough, creative and can be used with any age group, from pre-schoolers to college students. Don't be fooled with the "for Kids" part of the title...some of the games would even be entertaining at adult social gatherings!

Wow!
Mrs. Bany-Winters writes a great book! I've tried all of the theatre games and they are all very fun to do.. even if you aren't into theatre! I recommend this book to everyone.. try it at parties, try it by yourself, try with friends.. just try it!

Most Used Theatre Book I Own
I teach theatre courses for all ages of kids, and this is the book that I turn to most often for quick ideas. The illustrations and explanations are clear as day and the games themselves are alot of fun.

Great book for anyone who has works with children's drama.
I recently taught an enrichment course in drama and used this book as well as others to start off all sessions with the children. My drama students actually started to request that we play the games found in this book more than any of the other games I had available. These theatre activities can be used in concert with any dramatics program out there. It is a wonderful stepping stone for any dramatics instructor to add to their collection. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My kids love these books!
I have 2 sons, ages 9 and 11, and they both love Lois Burdett's Shakespeare books! These books make the story lines accessible while providing the flavor of Shakespeare through the wonderful rhyming couplets. I first used one of these books to "preview" the story of MacBeth to my younger son, who was going to be in a children's musical production of the story. He loved the book and often asks me to reread it to him, and we have since acquired several other of the Burdett titles. My sons also enjoy the whimsical illustrations and sidebars done by the children.

Excellent Introduction to Shakespeare
I am a third grade teacher on Long Island. Last year I introduced three of Willaim Shakespeare's plays into our classroom. My children loved Macbeth. We studied Macbeth, The Tempest and Hamlet. The way Mrs. Burdett wrote in rhyming couplets really made the reading enjoyable! I plan on using her books throughout my teaching career. Thank you Lois Burdett! Shakespeare can be fun thanks to you.

-Michael Hynes

Macbeth For Kids: Shakespeare Can Be Fun
What a wonderful way to introduce Shakespeare to children! I used this book as a third grade teacher to teach inner city kids about Macbeth. It was amazing to hear the students discussing all of the characters and their actions. They were proud of themselves for learning about Shakespeare "like high school kids." If you make it fun, they will have fun! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful way to introduce Shakespeare to kids
As a homeschooling parent I was looking for a way to introduce Shakespeare to my kids (9 and 10) -- they have loved these stories -- which we read aloud and then discussed (plot, characters, themes, conflicts, setting, motivations, etc.) -- the verse is enjoyable and effectively incorporates selected passages from the original in a seamless way. My kids have also enjoyed the illustrations and writing samples (all by 2nd-3rd graders) included in each book. After we read R&J, we watched the old Zefferelli film version and my kids got much more out of it. We've also read the Evelyn Nesbit prose versions but they didn't "feel" like Shakespeare the way these do...I have already purchased the exisitng Burdett versions and hope she has others in mind (PLEASE do Merchant of Venice!). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

It was O.K........
I didn't really enjoy this Junie B., First Grader book as much as the other ones. I read the book to my little sister, and she thought that Columbus REALLY did swim to America. Junie B said it herself: YOU CAN'T CHANGE HISTORY! Yet Columbus didn't swim to the U.S., but the Junie B's class "changed history". I'm twelve and it confused me why Junie B took the blame, and seemed to make herself look good to do that and wanted people to thank her from taking the blame to make her look good. She is such a show-off, and Renée (my little sister)got mixed-up and thought the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria really did shipwreck. And she didn't get Junie B's grammer/speech.

I'm an old lady and I laughed and laughed and laughed
I adore Junie B. and this was one of the best books in the series.

I loved the two plot lines intertwining neatly at the end and, frankly, I laughed out loud through the whole thing. I wasn't even reading to my kids.

Every Junie B. book is fresh, never formulaic. Her grammar is better as a first grader, but she's just as funny. I'm looking forward to the next volume coming soon.

A good theme
This story seemed to have a twist to it. I didn't expect for Junie B.'s class to have a shipwreck. I thought the title meant they were stuck, and felt trapped since so many kids were sick. And THAT was the shipwreck. I liked the little twist. When I read the first 2 chapters I thought: "Hey! When's this whole play deal come in???" I sort of wondered why there was no play yet. I didn't like how Junie B. wanted to be the star. Life isn't about being the star. I did like how the book added facts about Columbus's journey to America. Kids can get confused, thinking it was the Mayflower that came before the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. AT LAST!!! A Junie B. Jones book that actually is a bit educational!!! It was a good book, except that Junie wanted to be star. (...)

Verry funny for a first grader
VERRY FUNNY! I have to admit I didnt like when May was
bragging about being the santa maria in the play or when
Roger threw up. YUCK! Well it had a happy ending.

P.S. I think a mouse play is the way to go too. HA!

A good lesson...
I'm 10, and I love Junie B. Jones. She's really goofy. I liked this story because it shows kids how easy it is to become sick. Junie B. isn't as funny in 1st grade, but I still LOVE her. The Junie B., First Grader stories seem to be different. They have a bigger problem or plot, unlike in kindergarten. This one has a lesson to it. And it shows that even though things can be bad, but then get better, problems and "shipwrecks" can happen. Then, you gotta think fast to help fix them, or disaster can strike. What was confusing about the book was that it just ended. Just ended. It never said what the class thought about Junie B.'s "I'm Sorry" note. I don't know if they forgave her or not. I wish it did. It would make it longer. Plus, I got a bit annoyed at her when she wanted to be the STAR. Being the star doesn't mean you'll be famous or the center of attention. That's what I hate about Junie B. Overall, it's a recomended book. ... Read more

Book Description

A complete drama course for kids in a book. BREAK A LEG! teaches budding thespians everything they need to know about stagecraft and the production of performances, in home or out.

Illustrated throughout with informative how-to and candid shots of young working actors, BREAK A LEG! is as comprehensive as it is high-spirited. There are sections on body preparation, including warm-ups, stretches, and breathing exercises. Theater games, improv, miming, and other fun ways to develop technique. Important acting skills, such as voice projection, crying on command, learning accents, and staging falls and fights without getting hurt. The performance: analyzing scripts, building a character, what to expect from rehearsals, and overcoming stagefright. A backstage look at blocking, lighting, and other technical aspects of theater production. And for the fun of costumes and make-up, a 16-page color insert. In addition, it covers legends and lore (Why is Macbeth cursed? Why do we say "break a leg"?) and offers dozens of must-see movie recommendations. Plus, for the ambitious, talented, and just plain curious, there's advice on how to make a career of it all, with tips on agents and auditions and getting jobs in theater, film, TV, and radio. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The perfect gift book for aspiring young performers
Break A Leg!: The Kids' Guide To Acting & Stagecraft by Lise Friedman (former dancer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and an Adjunct Professor, new York University) is a charmingly presented, authoritative, resource-filled "how to" book for young actors and actresses from grade school through high school who would like to act their school theatrical productions, in community theater, the professional stage, or in television and film. Individual chapters address simple warmups, learning to project one's voice, theater games, staying in character, and much more. Break A Leg! is the perfect gift book for aspiring young performers and a highly recommended addition to school and community library reference collections! ... Read more

Book Description

Perhaps the best-known of Shakespeare's tragedies, "Hamlet" has all the ingredients for a gripping story: revenge and power, familial love and betrayal, dramatic sword fights, dark spooky scenes. Once again Lois Burdett has woven her own brand of magic by transforming Shakespeare's complex verse into rhyming couplets. She has created a version of "Hamlet" especially for children, even as young as seven, and one that readers of all ages will enjoy.

At the appropriately named Hamlet Elementary School in Stratford, Ontario, where Burdett has taught for over 20 years, her students have created wonderful drawings of "Hamlet" to illustrate Burdett's fluid rhymes. The students' interpretations are vivid evidence of Burdett's clever ability to bring Shakespeare's complex characters and intricate plots to life for young people. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the magic of shakespeare
I teach third grade in an urban school in a very large district and have used Burdett's version of Hamlet as my sole reading program component for the last 2 months. My students have showed more growth in comprehension, vocabulary, writitng skills and public speaking, than I have ever seen with any other class. Not only has their work showed such growth, but their passion for reading has flourished unbelievably. My class ranges from d's to average b's to high honor roll and every child has grown and every child now loves Shakespeare. The wording that Burdett uses is enjoyable and comprehendable yet challenging enough to keep the educational bar raised without compromising the accuracy and intent of Shakespeare's original version. Burdett also incorporates written material and illustrations by students in her second grade class. This helps the children in my class relate to the book even more. They have developed a thirst for Shakespeare that I enjoy trying to quench everyday. Every child is quoting Shakespeare and reciting soliloquys, and I credit much of that to Burdett and her brilliant writing. I loved this book so much that I have personally purchased her entire series and have displayed them all in my classroom. These books are checked out by students in my class everday. They are by far the most frequently read books in my class. She has truly brought Shakespeare back to life in the classroom and on behalf of my students and myself as well, I thank her. Classic literature is back!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

If you love musicals, plays, and the like, this is for you!
I have been hooked on musicals and plays in general since before I can remember. When I first found this book, I couldn't believe my eyes, I got the script for West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet together in one volume, so I had the words to all my favorite songs and I could study the varied, hilarious lines too. I could relieve the thrills of watching the play, or just reread my favorite scenes. If you're the least bit like me, you'll love this too.

A logical pairing of 2 great theatrical works
This is two books in one: the text of William Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet" and the text of "West Side Story," the 20th century musical with a book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The book also includes an introduction by Norris Houghton, who notes, among other things, that WSS is based on R&J. Each text tells the story of a love affair between a young woman and a young man who are caught between warring factions.

I find it stimulating and useful to have these two pieces, linked in theme but separated by centuries, together in one volume. Each is a great text on its own, but having them together may help the reader to see each piece in a different light. One of the things I find most striking as one moves from R&J to WSS is how the latter text adds the element of ethnic tension to the fundamental story of "star-crossed lovers."

R&J is more than just a classic piece of literature; it's also a touchstone of pop culture (hey, it's even been incorporated into a "Brady Bunch" episode!). Despite the passage of centuries, I find Shakespeare's portrayal of the joy and pain of forbidden love to remain relevant and compelling. And R&J holds up as a reader's text, even with the availability of filmed versions. I think that WSS, being a musical play, naturally loses some impact as a text strictly on the page, but nevertheless I found it a rewarding reader's text also. One might try listening to a CD of WSS's songs as an accompaniment to reading the text.

To supplement WSS's portrayal of urban Puerto Ricans, I recommend that interested readers seek out some writings by "Nuyorican" authors; to start with, try Roberto Santiago's illuminating anthology "Boricuas: Influential Puerto Rican Writings."

Dancin and Singin in the streets
I liked the movie. I admit, yes this teen, has a soundtrack of west side story. I found the movie very funny when the guys where singing and dancing but admittedly I cried at the end. This story was very good.

Jeany's review
Romeo & Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is written by William Shakespeare, it contains lots of old English(reason why I find it difficult to read it). It is a very tragic story that took place in Old Verona, Italy. As all tragic stories, it has a tragic heroe (person who suffers a big problem as a result of his deffects), in this case there are two tragic heroes, Romeo and Juliet. They died because they didn't know how to control their inapproppriated love, by inapproppriated I mean that their love couldn't be permited because their familes hated each other more than death . The story has been adapted into many stories, plays, Etc. The best character is the Nurse. The only one who expresses her feellings without hidding them.

romeo and juliet
This book was written by William Shakespeare and it has the old language. Romeo and Juliet is a tragic story, interesting, full of problems and the story is attractive. The story is about 2 families that are in a feud. The families are Capulet and Montague. Romeo Montague is a boy who is very romantic. He falls in love with Juliet Capulet. Romeo tries to be with Juliet and Juliet too but because of the feud they can't be together. The pair have friends who help them. Many deaths are involved in the story. After the problems they plan to be together. In the end the pair dies because of love. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Lenka puts actions into words
I read this book after receiving it at a conference that Lenka Peterson spoke at. In reading the book, I realized that she had put most of the information covered in an 8-hour session plus enough to fill another week of 8-hour sessions. The book truly takes actions and in-person teaching lessons and makes them readily available to anyone anywhere.

Helping Young People Discover Theater
In this wonderful new book, Lenka Peterson and Dan O'Connor draw on more that 30 years of experience to reveal how to teach and direct plays with children. Their sophisticated yet accessible guide covers everything form the basics of acting to mounting and staging a production. It includes plenty of child-friendly sample scenes and relaxation techniques for kids. Perfect for established children's theater groups as well as churches, schools and camps, Kids Take the Stage shows how we can help kids realize their creative potential...and, in the process, create a new generation of theater lovers.

Bravo!
This is a magical book, full of exercises and anecdotes that teach children to celebrate what they have to offer as potential artists, but mainly as human beings. I recommend it to anyone who wants to introduce children to acting and the theater. It is joyful, rewarding, wise and a lot of fun to read. Bravo/Brava! ... Read more

Book Description

"What, my Lady Disdain, are you yet living?" These famous lines from Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing delightfully shows the verbal sparring between the reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedick who are happily brought together at the end by the schemes of their friends. And, no story is complete without at least one evil character, Don John, who unsuccessfully tries to tear apart the wedding plans of Hero and Claudio, the other lovers in this sparkling tale.

Written in rhyming couplets, Much Ado About Nothing, the eighth book in this successful series, captures all the exciting elements of the original story, and is truly a delightful read for both adult and child.

Lois Burdett has been a teacher at Hamlet Public School in Stratford, Ontario, for over twenty years and her expertise in bringing Shakespeare to life for children as young as seven is reflected in the children's clever insights and wonderful drawings which complement the play.

Her success has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for workshops as far afield as Europe and Australia where she instructs educators on how they too can familiarize young children with Shakespeare. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Book of the Year!!! I'd give it 10 stars..
This is one of those series that is so well done you can't imagaine EVERYONE not knowing about it! Have you always been a bit out of the loop or intimidated about Shakespear? Or are you good with it but don't know how to show/share that love with your family and students. This series will do it!! It's good for ALL ages, my middle school students found it fun and informative yet... really young (4ish) children could learn from it too. Save your self the upgrade and buy it in hardback, this will be one that you keep for generations and get the "WHOLE" series, each one is just as good as the other! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tina Packer, President and Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company theater and theater education group, brings ten of Shakespeare's most popular works to (abbreviated) life in this big, gorgeous hardcover volume. She retells the plays in a coherent style, incorporating paraphrases of some of the better-known lines for authentic flavor: "Is this a dagger which I see before me…" (Macbeth); "Ingratitude, more hideous in a child than in the sea monster…" (King Lear). Each of the ten tragedies and comedies is magnificently illustrated (one illustration per play) by an award-winning artist, including Mary GrandPre, Leo and Diane Dillon,Kadir Nelson ,Chesley McLaren , and others. A lengthy and interesting introduction provides useful context for readers new to the Elizabethan world of Shakespeare.

Ideally, this book will serve as a lush introduction to the Bard for children who will go on to read--and better understand--the classic plays in their entirety. It sure beats Cliffs Notes. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

The works of William Shakespeare are timelessand they are time-consuming.Too valuable to be passed over by todays younger generation, Shakespeares plays are, nonetheless, all too often avoided by students and teachers alike.Author Cass Foster, who has been involved in all aspects of theatre for over 35 years, has provided a solution. The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the worlds most widely read playwright.Foster has condensed the Bards language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeares writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose.In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. This new series contains Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, A Midsummer Nights Dream, and Hamlet. Foster, is quick to point out that The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is intended to be merely a stepping stone in the study of Shakespeare, not a substitute for the original works.He urges readers, Go beyond the Sixty-Minute versions, using the appreciation and self-confidence you gained to go further.The more you read, the more you gain. An ideal companion piece, Shakespeare: To Teach or Not to Teach was co-authored by Foster and Lynn G. Johnson.This manual helps teachers prepare and present the teachings of Shakespeare from as early as second grade all the way through high school. Foster is the director of a theatre program in a small college in central Arizona and currently the fight choreographer for the Grand Canyon Shakespeare Festival.He has directed shows and staged fights at theatres and universities throughout the country. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A disappointment
I saw the other reviews of this book,and I have to wonder if the reviewers really read this abridged version of the play. This is one of our family's favorite plays, and I bought this book to allow us to do a living room performance of it in one evening. I was disappointed. First, the copy has many errors in it that make performing it confusing. For instance, in Act I, Scene 1, when Egeus brings Hermia and Demetrius and Lysander before Theseus, there is a stage direction that says "Demetrius exit and Helena follow." although Helena has not appeared (in this or any other version of the play) until later in the scene. Second, every person who has to make cuts in this play does it differently, but Cass Foster has cut some parts that I really miss, especially Bottom's playing the "tyrant" in Act I, Scene 2, and the rest of Thisby's death speech in Act V. Those scenes seem wooden and hurried without those lines. If I had known what this book was like, I would have ordered a different book with the full text and cut out lines myself. It would be easier than going through this text and correcting typos and adding lines that I feel need to be there.

A letter from a customer in Baku, Azerbaijan
March 5, 1999

Dear friends at Five Star Pub.,

We have a small school on the other side of the planet from you in a country called Azerbaijan. It's kind of a home school coop. Two years ago we performed your version of Romeo and Juliet and last year, A Midsummer Night's Dream. We really enjoy your versions because of the suggestions for staging (we're all rookies) and your notes of explanation on difficult phrases. I have to admit that the kids liked the Romeo and Juliet notes the best because there were more of them but we also like the new layout of Midsummer. It's easier to use.

Thanks for your help,

Cindi Wagner Baku, Azerbaijan ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Skakespeare Is Fun
I like Lois Burdett's version of Twelfth Night because I think it is funny and the drawings are by kids. Lois Burdett's second grade Twelfth Night book is easier to read than Shakespeare's original version. It's a good book for kids who don't know Shakespeare and for kids who like Shakespeare. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the best, I rate Twelfth Night 4 stars because a few of the words, like "thee", are difficult to understand.

Great Intro to Shakespeare
This is one great book. It explains the story very clearly so very young children can understand but still appeals to older children. I think this is a great series to introduce children to Shakespeare. It is so simply written it could be used at bed time, yet it still gets the story very well and is not degrading to the original plays. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Why is that Hamlet guy always talking to himself? In language kids can understand, this book explores the Bard's ten best-known plays. Included is a biography of Shakespeare and a discussion of theater in his day. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Shakespeare.......in English
This book was very good. It gave life to Shakespeare. While I appreaciate the beauty of his words, sometimes Shakespeare is a little......stuffy. But not in this book! It tells Shakespeare in a language I can understand. Even my 7-year-old brother was reading it!!! This is definatly a good book for anyone to enjoy.
- MKL

I learned a lot about Shakespeare
Not only does this book count down the top ten Shakespeare stories, but between each chapter there are the top ten lists like " Top Ten Shakepearian Actors" . My favorite one was a list of all the people that might have written the plays instead of Shakespeare. You should know that the book doesn't have the real plays, just the summeries and facts. The only problem I had was that there wasn't much detail- Like in Hamlet, it was just one of the characters saying how everyone died, and not a lot of detil of what else happened. But it was still a good book, and you'll really like it if you read Horrible histories.

Top Ten Shakesphere Stories
Shakespheres Stories was a good book. The book told you about the 3 diffrent typs of writtings he did. It tells you little interesting facts and tidbits about him and the history and actors of his plays. The book wraps up his plays in diffrent point of views you understand for example:Hamlet is explained through an officer writting a police report.

great Shakespeare book!
great book, good quizes between stories, good ways of telling the stories, just all-together great!

A CHANGE OF HEART
MY DAD IS REALLY INTO SHAKESPEARE. HES ALWAYS TRYING TO GET ME TO SEE THE BEAUTY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGES AND THE TAPESTRY OF WORDS AND ALL THAT JUNK. WHEN I TELL HIM TO STOP NAGGING ME, HE STARTS QUOTING HAMLET AND MCBETH UNTILL I JUST LEAVE. THAT WAS BEFORE I READ 'SHAKESPEARE STORIES'. THIS BOOK PUT SHAKESPEARE IN UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE, SO I COULD SEE WHAT MY DAD MEANT ABOUT THE 'BEAUTY OF THE STORY'. OK, IM GETTING THERE. BUT ANYWAY, AFTER READING THE BOOK, I TOOK A SHAKESPEARE CLASS AT SCHOOL. WE DID THE PLAY OF 'ROMEO AND JULIET' AND I GOT JULIET! NOW I REALLY LIKE SHAKESPEARE! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Brian's Song reviewed by ADW
Brian's Song is the story of two men, Brian Picolo and Gale Sayers and how they came to be friends. They fight for the same job but to find out who gets it you have to read the book.

Their friendship is tested when Brian becomes ill. I thought the book was good but it made me sad. To find out why, you'll have to read it.

An EXCELLENT Book, a constant page-turner!
I love this book, because it is great! This book is one of my most favourite books that I have ever read. It narrates a real story about a truthful friendship between two men, who are from different races, have different personalities and come from different places in USA, but become best friends like brothers. The story of the book carries the theme that a true friendship always takes place in the hearts of people even with many diffences that exist.

Brian Piccolo is a white man; he is a very easygoing person and likes to talk a alot. Gale Sayers is a black man and is a very shy person. They both meet while playing for an American football team, the Chicago Bears.

As life goes on the playing fields, their friendship starts by playing some practicle jokes on each other, but with the problems that come up, they become best friends. This great friendship comes to a sad tragedy at the end! I burst into tears at the end, because it is such a heart-moving, great story.

Even though I don't know much about American football, I really enjoyed reading this book alot. I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. This book will definitely capture the hearts of people who read it.

Sean's Review on Brian's Song
Brian's Song is an unbeliveble book. Brian and Gale fight for the starting running back position on the Chicago Bears. At the same time they begin to become best friends. They dont care that they are different collors or come from different parts of the country, thet put all that aside. This book isn't just about football it is about life and death.

Brian's Song
I was fortunate to watch the movie it's first airing on ABC. I was 6 years old. It has ever since been my favorite. Brian's story and love of life has sustained me through several football injuries and especially the injury that would cut my football career short.

When two men have what Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo shared we can only sit back in awe. They were able to come from different parts of the country and in a time when it was not acceptable for white and black men to share such a close friendship, they were able to show so much devotion to one another. Gale Sayers showed that a man could proclaimed his love and friendship on the night that should be for him when he was awarded the NFL's Most Courageous Player. This is much more than a football story, it is a story of life ... as well as death.

brian's song
could someone help me, i am trying to remember the name of the song sung by johnny mathis during the moview brian's song.. does anyone know the title? I thought it was "in the hands of time" but not sure? Thank you... bob ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Thank you Lois Burdett
What a great way to introduce children to classic literature and universal themes! My 1st-3rd graders are entranced by The Tempest. They love the way it rhymes and the complicated plot. They have seen parallels between this story and The Hobbit. Immediately, they compared Caliban to Gollum and remembered how Gandalf threw his voice to cause the fight among the trolls much the same way Ariel did. I really recommend this series to teachers and parents alike. The Tempest in particular is great if you are studying Jamestown as it is believed that Shakespeare was inspired by newspaper accounts of a ship (bound for Jamestown) that got lost at sea due to a great storm. It landed on a tropical island where the crew and passengers were stranded for a few months. I most definitely will buy more books from this series (or my students might revolt). ... Read more

Book Description

Folktales on Stage is a collection of reader's theater scripts for young readers, adapted by award-winning children's author Aaron Shepard from his own folktale retellings. A wide variety of countries and cultures is represented, including Native America, Africa, the Middle East, Russia, Southeast Asia, and China. The scripts may be freely copied, shared, and performed for educational, noncommercial purposes. While aiming mostly at ages 8 to 15, the collection features a full range of reading levels.

The scripts in this collection are "The Adventures of Mouse Deer" (Indonesia, Malaysia), "The Calabash Kids" (Tanzania), "The Hidden One" (Native America), "The Boy Who Wanted the Willies" (Europe), "The Princess Mouse" (Finland), "The Legend of Slappy Hooper" (U.S.), "The Gifts of Wali Dad" (India, Pakistan), "The Baker's Dozen" (U.S.), "Master Maid" (Norway), "The Magic Brocade" (China), "Forty Fortunes" (Iran), "Master Man" (Nigeria), "Savitri" (India), "The Enchanted Storks" (Iraq), "The Crystal Heart" (Vietnam), and "The Sea King's Daughter" (Russia). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A superb resource for schools
Compiled and written by author and actor Aaron Shepard, Folktales On Stage: Scripts For Reader's Theater collects theater scripts designed for young readers and adapted from the folktale retellings. Each of Shepard's script is quite brief (only a few pages in length), and intended for aspiring young actors ages 8 to 15 and appropriate for a range of reading levels. All of the scripts comprising Folktales On Stage may be freely copied, shared, and performed for educational and/or non-commercial purposes. A superb resource for schools, libraries, and youth-friendly community theater organizations, Folktales On Stage is a welcome and highly recommended addition to school and community theater collections. ... Read more