Book Description

Bruce Coville follows his earlier critically acclaimed retellings of Shakespeare's works with a lively interpretation of one of the Bard's most beloved comedies.In this boisterous tale of hidden identities and misplaced love, Coville once again weaves his own lyrical prose together with pivotal lines from Twelfth Night.

Tim Raglin has captured all the hilarity of the play in his expressively comic illustrations. Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike will delight in this faithful, merry adaptation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very good
I really liked this book, how could i not? It's Shakespeare. I liked Twelfth Night also because it doesn't end with happiness and laughter like most comedies, it ends with the fool's sad song. very good. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

not just for kids!
As an adult who wanted to learn how to play the recorder, I wasn't sure how (or where) begin. This book is set up from very easy tunes to increasingly difficult (although it never gets too hard.) If a tune involves a new technique (examples: new time signatures, sharps and flats, etc.) the author explains these new things simply and to the point. The best thing about this book is that there are a variety of songs, most of which are recognizable (some Xmas tunes, classical pieces, folk songs, etc.) I wish there were more exercises to increase your technique, but that's being picky. I would recommend this book to both children and adults. ... Read more

Book Description

Disney/Pixar Studios, the vanguard film production company responsible for the revolution in computer generated animation, brings us its latest creation in Finding Nemo. This underwater adventure stars a shy clownfish on a mission to save his son, Nemo, who has been taken from their home in the coral reef.

DK and Pixar have teamed up again to bring animation fans an essential visual guide to the film, detailing the creative process behind the scenes and showing readers everything they might want to know about the characters, story, imagery, and magic of the next hit family film from the creators of Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and A Bug's Life. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

. . .
I bought this book expecting one of those 'Making of . . .' creations, but ended up being pretty disappointed. Don't get me wrong, this guide is very informative, amusing and candy for the eyes . . . but for children. Or, for adults with inner children. Seeing as I'm a cynical teenager, it didn't do much for me :)

Love this book.........
This book is really cool and it gave me a lot of information on Finding Nemo that I didn't know about before.
But I did see a couple of errors in the book.
But the only errors were length and stuff like that....so it really doesn't matter that much.
Besides that the book gives you information on just about everyone in the movie and information on the type of fish that the characters are,like I never knew that Dory and Bubbles were related,let me tell you how:
Dory is a Regal Tang.
Bubbles is a Yellow Tang. cool huh....?
Anyway, its a good book to read when you're bored or while you're watching the movie.
This book is auesome.
sincerly,
Kenny (jellyman)

Great book and fun too!
If you want to learn even more about the ocean -- check out Captain Jon Explores the Ocean on DVD - also available on Amazon.

Awsome Book
I love this book. It reminds me of the movie, infact, Finding Nemo is my all time favorite movie. I found the moonfish pretty cool when we see them clearly instead of them doing their impressions. Finding Nemo is my favorite movie and this is one of my favorite books. I also like the clownfish joke. How do you make jellyfishes laugh? Give him ten tickles.

Excitement Under the Sea
This was the neatest Finding Nemo book! It has all you need to know about the little secret things about Finding Nemo! In fact, it's my favorite book! Finding Nemo is my favorite movie, and now I have a favorite book to match it! I especially like how even the moonfish and jellyfish get their own page full of information. The tank gang's bios were very interesting, as were overlooking of the dentist's office. Thank you Nemo! ... Read more

Book Description

New heroes. New villains. A new mission. Share in the legend with books based on LEGO'S BIONICLE action figures. ... Read more

Book Description

The Jurassic Park Institute is an absolutely accurate way for kids to get excited about dinosaur science! Written by two noted paleontologists and illustrated in big bold colors, this kid-friendly nonfiction guide uses easy-to-understand text to describe at least 100 dinosaurs alphabetically. Kids will learn plenty of cool facts about the most well-known dinosaurs and some of the newest discoveries of the last decade. Few popular books have been updated with these new dinosaurs! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

For young and old dino lovers!
I have a 5 and 7 year old. We all think this book is great! It's colorful and informative and Up-To-Date! One feature I enjoy pointing out to my kids is the little images which compare the dinosaurs size to a human child's size. That way we get an even better idea how big the creatures were.

High interest and educational quality alike
Promising high interest and educational quality alike is this dinosaur 'field guide' for all ages, which packs in museum-quality dinosaur illustrations, expertise by two paleontologist authors, and details on dinosaur digs and places to see fossils in the field. Web sites, museums, and bibliographies are also included in this highly visual, appealing guide.

Jurasic Park Institute
This is a great book, its got the most info on dino discoveries after about '95, plus interesting facts on previously known about dinos. Its also a very interesting and fun book to read, and is very educational. It has a cool fold out poster too, wich makes it even more fun. I strongly reccemend this book to any one of any age who like dinosaurs.

One of the Best Dinosaur books up to date!
This is an awesome book for dino enthusiast and/or kids who want to be paleontologists. It has information on 87 diffirent dinosaurs and also information on some non-dinosaurs. The illustrations, done by Robert Walters, are amazingly beautiful and colorful! Another great thing about this book is that it has new information about dinosaurs; like birds are now classified as a type of dinosaur and new discoveries like Nqwebasaurus. It's a great book for new dino fans aswell.

Great for getting started!
This is a great starter book for budding paleontologists! Informative forward sections,nice illustrations, and a good selection of dinosaurs are covered. Nice book, nice price. ... Read more

Book Description

Join Dora and Boots as they find their way to the circus. Young readers can unfold the pages of this book and then peek under the flaps to discover all the animals on the train. All aboard! ... Read more

Book Description

The official collectors' edition is a must-have for every fan. Here's the behind-the-scenes scoop on today's hottest TV show and its stars: Katie Holmes (Joey), James Van Der Beek (Dawson), Joshua Jackson (Pacey), and Michelle Williams (Jen).This scrapbook is packed with information about the show, including:

• Behind-the scenes news about the stars
• A "Did You Know" section of extra facts about the show
• How Dawson's Creek came to be -- straight from Kevin Williamson, the hit TV show's creator
• What made it into the show -- and what didn't: actual script reproductions from the pilot episode
• "Dawson fasten your seat belt. It's going to be a bumpy life," and other favorite character quotes
• Styles of the stars

The real thing, straight from the show. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The real thing, straight from the show, by its own admission
I made my way to the WB as a result of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," so while I knew that "Dawson's Creek" was their teen soap opera but when a SNL skit made reference to Pacey I thought that was a different name for a girl. But when my students in Popular Culture begged to be able to write about this show for their television papers I started watching it (the gang was graduating from Capeside High in that episode). Last month when the show went into syndication and was available on DVD I was able to go back and watch the show all the way from the beginning and on through the grand finale (For the record, no, I was not surprised by who died or who Joey picked, not that I necessarily approved of either decision). In that context it is interesting to check out "Dawson's Creek: The Official Scrapbook" and relive the beginning once more.

The most interesting thing is that Kevin Williamson and the producers clearly thought that Michelle Williams as Jen, who had been an alien in "Species" and was about to co-star in "Dick" with Kirsten Dunst, was supposed to be the main female on the show. Of course, it ended up being Katie Holmes as Joey. Then there was the matter of Dawson's hair during that first season, which might not have made James Van Der Beek look five years young, but certainly made him look immature (although the book claims the look is supposed to be "poetic"). Then there are the "More than 80 photos!" promised on the cover, almost all of which are the four main heartthrobs in various combinations (but none of Joey and Pacey, oddly enough), and which easily convince me that Michelle Williams smiling and showing her teeth looks a lot better than smiling with just her lips (you have to pay attention to details like this to really appreciate a show).

The main thing is that this scrapbook is fan friendly. You get short bios of both the four characters and the actors playing them, shots of the locations where the show was filmed, shots of some of the favorite scenes, and the best lines from the first season (e.g., "I just think out emerging hormones are destined to alter our relationship and I'm trying to limit the fallout"). There is also a brief section on "Styles of the Stars" where we learn Pacey is "a D student with a Julius Caesar haircut" and a couple of pages of actual scripts from the show (that is "couple" as in two). The chief attraction remains the inside tidbits, as to who was creator Kevin Williamson's high school sweetheart that served as the model for Joey (Fanny Norwood), the name of Josh Jackson's Rhodesian Ridgeback (Shumba), and where they film the exterior scenes for Capeside High (University of North Carolina at Wilmington). So, what you end up with is not great, but certainly worthwhile at this price.

Good for the 'major' fans!
This is good for fans of dawsons creek. Its full of pictures, but most are from the first season. Its not got a story line or anything its, just something to look threw that you would do very quickly and probably never look at again. If you just love the show, your gonna want to get this, but i would recoment getting one of the Dawsons Creek novels instead because they are far more entertaining!

The low down on the lifes of the star's at Dawson's Creek!
This book is a must have of any Dawson's Creek fan! The book doesn't have a story line like any other Dawson's Creek book but describe the lifes of the 4 main characters in the Creek and in real life. By reading this book you find out about the star's past , present and future television and film jobs . The book gives you information about which star bring's his dog to work every day , what starsign they are and what there nick-names were ! You also find out about the characters in the creek which is a great help to those people who haven't seen Dawson's Creek and don't know the back grounds of all the characters. If this hasn't grasped you there is a piece by the producer Kevin Wialliamson with his thoughts and comments. The book also has a copy of some of the original T.V script with Kevin Williamson comments . My favourite part of the book is a page full of some of the most famous quotes ever in Dawson's Creek which reminds you of past events in the Creek. Over all I find this book a inspiring guide to the minds of 4 of the most confused teenagers which makes it a perfect guide to Dawson's Creek!

The book is a must have for fans.
The book is a must have even though the true fans probably already know all of this stuff. The book has the best quotes and tells about the characters and the actors. The only thing people don't probably know is about the changes in the piot script. Over all its a pretty good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (9)

A Look Back At a Movie Classic!
There have been a few books that have given us all a look into the making of MGM's movie version of "The Wizard Of Oz!"? But The Jay Scarfone,John Fricke manuscript surpasses all of the other books.Because it's filled with wonderful photos and info that takes us beyound the making of the film and gives us a look into the continuing popularity of the Oz characters.Using rare photos,extensive research and interviews from the people.Who were involved with the project.Messers Scarfone And Fricke.Show us the early stages of the making of the film.From the many drafts of the script..to the problems with the changes in cast,storylines,music,mishaps with props and special effects.To the promotions of the film on radio(NBC Radio's "MaxwellHouse Coffeetime")and at stage shows to the many other interpretations of the story that appeared on tv,in the movies,on radio, in the theater and at parades and theme parks.The book even gives some more biographical info about the cast and crew and some more insight into the man.Who created this legendary tale:Mr.Lyman Frank Baum.For the fans of this classic story.Who want to know the full extent of it's geniss? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

Pictorial History That Still Works For The 63rd Anniversary
There are many, many books out there about the making of everyone's favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz". There aren't any I've seen that I wouldn't recommend, but if you are looking for pictures, pictures, and more pictures, this beautiful coffee table size book is a great place to start. Pictures, both in color and black and white, of every aspect of the making of the movie fill this attractive volume from cover to cover, and the text, by Oz authority John Fricke is all-encompassing. Although released for the 50th Anniversary of the film's 1939 release, it is still relevant 13 years later, and a great book for the collector or casual researcher. It has yet to be topped.

Great book
This book was excellent, a few pages were torn out when I read it in a local liobrary in Australia but I was still able to understand it. I love the Wizard of Oz and this books was absolutely thrilling it was extremely enjoyable. This book explains how the producers cast all the actors and includes information on the films and books. It is a great book.

Pop goes the Tin Man!
A sepia tornado hurls Dorothy's house out at you. Turn the page and the glorious color of Oz comes to life as Glinda hovers over Dorothy. Out of the many illustrated pop-up Oz books, this one is done with actual photos from our beloved movie! The book even creeks as Dorothy renders aid to the Tin Man. 11 pop-outs (6 of them are hidden in the side flaps) makes the reader part of the movie while turning the moving pages and lifting the flaps to discover all the familiar things we've grown to love. Just imagine melting the Wicked Witch at your will with only your fingertips. And if that's not enough, pop the CD out of it's pocket and into your player and listen to Judy Garland sing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". Besides being a warm memento of the movie, this book is FUN!! Check out another Oz-some book by William Stillman and Jay Scarfone "The Wizardry Of OZ", they make great companion pieces.

OZ-some!
This book was a WIZ of a WoW!

As you open each page, you see these incredible 3-D Pop-Ups! Plus you have hidden pannels to search through, AND a fun 7-minute long CD of song excerpts from the soundtrack of the movie (the Overture, "Over The Rainbow," etc.)

The kids will love it : IF they can get it away from the adults, that is!

This is a must-have book by the world's foremost OZ Experts -- Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

An entertaining book with beautiful pictures.
"Mirette On The High Wire" by Emily Arnold McCully set in Paris, France tells the story of a young aspiring girl, Mirette, who learns to walk the high wire after meeting a falllen entertainer, by the name of Belini. Mirette soon finds out that Belini however, has been keeping a secret from her, he has become afraid of the wire and has sworn to never walk upon it again. With Mirette's help though, Belini finally conquers his fears and puts on a dazzling show in the night on the streets of Paris, France. The illustrations are enchanting and marvelous showing why this book won The Caldecott Award in 1993.

High Wire Act
With gorgeous pastel drawings, this book tells a story of a famous tightrope walker in 19th century Paris. He begins training a young girl who eventually learns of Bellini's wondrous feats and his subsequent retirement. He explains to the girl that he has begun to be afraid and once you have fear on the wire, it never goes away. Not wanting to disappoint Mirette, he plans one more event, but when he is unable to make it, Mirette joins her hero to help him across. This is a nice story about overcoming one's fears that has some beautiful illustrations.

Why 4 stars?:
This story could inspire children to face their fears and overcome that obstacle that is keeping them from realizing their dream. On the other hand, they could picture themselves as Bellini and feel they need now need help to accomplish things that used to be routine for them. Hopefully, a good teacher will guide them towards the former.

One of the Biggest Wastes of Paper Ever!
I gave Mirette On The High Wire only 2 stars because it was very predictable. The only fair part of the book was the pictures. They might have been an alright nomination, but definitely should not have won. It was predictable when Belini said no to Mirette to teach her to walk on the wire. I believe it was a very bad book!

Caldcott Medal Winner
The book Mirette on the high wire is a good children's book because the pictures and words are very descriptive. This story is about a retired high wire artist who lives in a boarding house and a little girl who has dreams of being a high wire artist. So the high wire artist teaches her how to walk the wire and her dreams of being a high wire artist come true.

To walk a line
This is a beautiful story with very beautiful and extravagant pictures. I'd recommend this book to most new readers, even young ones. The plot is great. It's the old man meets the little girl helps her, but the girl also helps him through his hard and troubled times. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Skits from this book solve summer doldrums.
This book is a mother's dream. Easy to read, simply organized, and quickly put into action for an afternoon of great fun. I tried 3 of these skits on my own kids and they loved it. One skit calls for placing a raisin, posing as a fly, on a table. The first child comes in, pretends to take off the wings, and leaves. The second child comes in, pretends to remove the legs, and leaves. The third child comes in, utters aloud that it looks like a raisin, and eats it. The groans and giggles from the child actors and the audience were priceless! There are dozens of more tasteful skits and clever ones, too, along with the gross ones that kids like. A fine way to involve kids creatively without much preparation required. ... Read more

Book Description

Suki’s favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her oba¯chan, it holds special memories of her grandmother’s visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school — no matter what anyone says.

When it’s Suki’s turn to share with her classmates what she did during the summer, she tells them about the street festival she attended with her oba¯chan and the circle dance that they took part in. In fact, she gets so carried away reminiscing that she’s soon humming the music and dancing away, much to the delight of her entire class!

Filled with gentle enthusiasm and a touch of whimsy, Suki’s Kimono is the joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march — and dance — to her own drumbeat. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An exuberant story
Suki's Kimono is the heartwarming picture book story by Chieri Uegaki of Suki, a young girl determined to wear her favorite blue cotton kimono to school because it is a cherished gift from her beloved grandmother. Suki's friend warns her that it seems weird, but young Suki is determined to follow her own heart. A delightful tale Suki's Kimono is an exuberant story which is wonderfully enhanced for young readers with the brightly colored illustrations of Stephane Jorisch.

Go, Suki!
This charming story is one that every child should read (or have read to them!). Not only does it have an encouraging message and introduce aspects of Japanese culture; it's also VERY beautifully illustrated, and Chieri Uegaki's writing is a pleasure to read. I love the way she phrases things, like when Suki sits close to the taiko drummers and feels "like she'd swallowed a ball of thunder and her whole insides quaked and quivered." Buy this book -- you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Book Description

"The Cheetah Girls will inspire all those kids who want to become singers like us. Can't wait for the movie!" -Destiny's Child, Columbia Records The Cheetah Girls have made it big in their own movie on Disney Channel. Now see how it all began as Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, Anginette, and Aquanette find family, friends, fortune, and fame in four cheetah-charming tales. Anyone can do what they do . . . all it takes is a little growl power! Deborah Gregory is a contributing writer for Essence, Vibe, and More, and is widely published in many national magazines, including Seventeen, US, Paper, and Entertainment Weekly. She lives in New York City. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best Cheetah Girls book YET!!
Hey I'm Courtney.I just finished reading this book and it was great!! The story of 5 girls trying to find their dreams of becoming a famous singing group is very inspiring to young girls every where who want to follow their own dreams. My favorite story in this combined book is Show down at the Okie Dokie.If you read all the cheetah girl books before this one you'll know that aqua and angie went to houston for Thanksgiving and they went to an audition for a houston helps its own concert starring Karmas Children.They get an opening spot and the rest of the cheetahs come down for the concert. They sing it's raining benjamins which was inspired by a dream chanel had where it was raining money had but they used some of the lyrics the Cash Money Girls (CMG) used in their song. And before they know it CMG is out to get the Cheetahs for bitin at they flava!!I'm not gonna tell you the rest cuz you should read this great book and the other two combined books!!So far I have all 3 combined books and I'm hoping there is a 4th one. Please run to Borders NOW and get this book!! ... Read more

Book Description

Born to save tap

Fuh-duh-BAP! Fuh-duh-duh-BAP! A new language, a new sound. Savion Glover has redefined tap dancing, and it can never be the same again. He speaks to the world with a power and ease that has stunned and captivated millions. This exciting biography captures that essence--often in Glover's own voice--and treats readers to an inside look at his work while also providing a brief yet compelling history of tap dancing. Reverberating with the rhythm of a unique musical language, the book includes more than 50 photographs and features an eye-catching two-color design.

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."-- Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap

2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)

"He's the greatest tap dancer to ever lace up a pair of Capezios or any other tap shoes."--Gregory Hines in the Foreword to Savion: My Life in Tap ... Read more

Reviews (6)

For all you tappers out there
Hello to all those tappers out there - I love all of you - Including you Savion. My name is Vaughan and I am actually Australian. My mother taught me how to tap ever since I could stand on two feet. Now, I'm 19 years old. And I'm a professional tap dancing teacher in Japan. Let me just say that I could relate a lot with what Savion was talking about. His views on tap and the way he wants it to go.

It's a fun book to read - with some great action tap shots of Savion throughout his life. The layout is very original, and very creative - it was nice to take my mind off my uni degree for a couple of hours and learn about this extremely successful tap dancer. Someone who I didn't know too much about, but now somehow believe that I've known him all my life.

It's a great art - Tap Dancing. And I wish there were people who could indulge themselves in a couple of professional / guest classes. I go around all of Japan teaching in my holidays, and I try to get as many people involved. Maybe because not many people do it, thats what makes it so unique. Thanks Savion - for following your dreams and publishing this book. It was a great read.

Your fellow Tap Dancer... Vaughan

Best book I've read for a long time
I couldn't put this book down. As a tapper, who is into hoofing and rythm tap, this book was amazing. It explains not only Savin's life and his career but how he uses his shoes to do what he does. This book brings an element of percusion into the dance world that needs to be more widely used.

His Voice Is Finally Heard
We've been hearing his wonderful rhythms for years, now we finally get to hear his voice. What a true inspiration! This book just makes you want to jump up and start moving your feet. Believe me, this book is not just for children. I used it as required reading for my advanced tap class at the local college.

Keep Rockin Savion!
Great design, photos, behind the scenes of one of the greatesttap dancers, Savion Glover! All the info on Savion in one quick read- great for all ages.

Way to Go Savion!
Thank you sir for sharing your wonderful inner world of rhythm with the world! You are an inspiration to all of us who make a living lacing up those tap shoes everyday. Your loving and pricelesss contribution to this wonderful artform are greatly appreciated and honored. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for beginner readers!
This is a great book for beginner readers. Both of my girls (ages 4 and 5) love it. I would definitely recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My little girl loved this book!!!
My little girl is four and she loved this book...a favorite!!!

Perfect for my ballerina wannabe
This book is a perfect buy for any parent who wants to show their little girl what ballet lessons would be like; without actually viewing a class. Using actual photos, it shows little girls preparing for ballet class (barre excersizes and plies in the kitchen, hair prep., tooth brushing) it shows an actual class at the barre, making friends, streaching. Then it shows the girls getting their tutus out for a ballet recital. Make-up, hair and head pieces, along with pre-show jitters. Some shots of a recital and the after shots with proud parents and flowers. A perfect way to show your future ballerina what ballet classes are all about.

This is my favorite book
My mommy and daddy read this book to me every night. I want to be a ballerina and this book shows little girls like me at ballet school. I love the pictures. They show the girls dancing without using too many big words. I would suggest this book to any girl who likes to read about ballerinas! ... Read more

Book Description

Nina thinks her father is the best fiddler in the state, even in the whole country. She's sure he'll win the first-place prize at the fiddle contest. After all, he's planning to play his new tune, the one he wrote for her as a birthday present, "Nina's Waltz." But Nina's father can't perform that day. So another musician, one who has never played in front of strangers before, picks up his fiddle instead.... As heartfelt as a tune sung by father and child, this tenderly illustrated picture book resounds with love. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Power of Music
Nina learned how to play fiddle from her dad, an accomplished player.Nina's dad even wrote a waltz for her.He plans to perform it at a fiddlers' contest, hoping to bring both joy to his daughter and some money to his family.But when Nina and her dad arrive at the contest site, something unexpected happens and Nina is forced to face her fears.

NINA'S WALTZ teaches children (and adults) some beautiful lessons.First, music comes from the soul and is capable of elevating the human spirit to incredible heights.The book also teaches the value of contentment, love for family, and a passion for music.I hope that many children will read this book or have it read to them.We need more children who are in love with reading and music.Wouldn't that make the world a better place? ... Read more

Book Description

This Level 4 book is appropriate for proficient readers.

It is 1602, and the Globe has just opened in London. Come backstage for a tour of this famous theater! These 48-page books about fascinating subjects like pirates, mummies, and volcanoes are for proficient readers who can understand a rich vocabulary and challenging sentence structure. In addition to the stunning photographs, informative sidebars, and glossary, readers will find archival photographs and paintings. Averaging 4,500 to 5,000 words in length, Level 4 books are 40 percent pictures and 40 percent text.The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Through, fun and a smart read!
If you were only going to get 3 or 4 books about Shakespeare, this really should be the first! It is done in the DK style format (even if your not a big fan of this style this book makes a great exception to the rule)and the pages are covered with info and pictures. This is the first one of these readers level style that was meaty and entertaining. Well, Well done!

4 1/2* The Play's the Thing--and More!
This book transports you to 1602 London and its famous Globe theater, the venue for some of Shakespeare's greatest plays. One of its many strengths is that it is told in first person narrative by multiple characters: A young male character actor playing a woman as well as Richard Burbage, perhaps the most famous Shakespearian actor of the time, an apple seller struggling to make a living during a time of plague, a wealthy theater-goer and a poor one, a pickpocket, and Burbage's brother, Cuthbert, the force being the building of the Globe.

The narratives and sidebars are full of interesting facts and" asides, from the major types of plays and play-goers ("people whose clothes were thought to be too expensive [for their station]...were arrested and fined." There's an excellent section on Richard Burbage and his techniques, along with details on stage production, the history upon which Henry V was based, and the tricks that kept audiences spellbound.

Highlighting both the high and low culture/classes of the period, "Welcome to the Globe" gives a fresh and colorful presentation on a subject many school-age children might otherwise find distant and boring. There's an intimacy to the narratives that complements the panoramic view of the broader culture in which the plays thrived. The book may interest readers into further exploration not only of the theater, but of culture, history, and science. The scope and quality here yields yet another DK hit! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE BEST DAWSON'S CREEK BOOK BY FAR!
This has got to be the best Dawson's Creek book. It is a guide-- it has info about every person, character, etc., but it goes farther. It every episode up until the end of the second seaon. What makes it great is that it has all the episode music, quotes from EVERY episode, interviews with people like Kevin Williamson, places to get info on the internet and TONS of pictures... it has pictures on basically every page. It is great. Go out and get it now! ... Read more

Book Description

There is arguably no work of fiction quoted as often as William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This haunting tragedy has touched audiences for centuries. Now Bruce Coville makes this play the next of his dynamic adaptations of the Bard for the young. Once again, he expertly incorporates essential lines from the play into his own rich prose to tell the tale of the ill-fated Prince of Denmark.

Acclaimed artist Leonid Gore adds intense, dreamlike images in acrylic and pastel. His depictions of Hamlet, Ophelia, and the rest of the kingdom are revelatory and unforgettable, helping to make this masterful volume a treasure for Shakespeare enthusiasts old and new. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Unruly Hamlet for middle schoolers
Coville, a veteran writer who notes he has been studying Hamlet for 30 years, makes a coherent narrative from this eternally unruly story, leavening it with direct quotes from Shakespeare's play. Even dialogue, however, is often emended, albeit richly in a modern idiom. Gore wields acrylics and pastels to fine atmospheric effect using a palette of alternating deep blues or burnished browns lightened with white and gold. His figures slip into and out of the foreground like actors on a stage, and the ghost is magnificent. For middle schoolers not quite ready for the real thing, this works. ... Read more