All the World's a Stage

Name: All the World's a Stage
ISBN: 9780060296278

by Rebecca Piatt Davidson

For parents hoping to introduce their child to the magic of William Shakespeare's plays without overwhelming them, this book offers a delightful and accessible first step.

Find on Bookshop.org Find on Amazon Save

About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when they want to share their love of classic literature or theater but find Shakespeare far too intimidating for a young child. Using the familiar, cumulative rhythm of "The House That Jack Built," the book introduces a cast of famous characters (Puck, Titania, Romeo, and Juliet) and theatrical concepts without delving into complex plots or mature themes. It focuses on the wonder and creativity of the stage, making it a joyful and accessible first taste of the Bard's world. For ages 4 to 8, it's a perfect tool to spark curiosity and build a foundational vocabulary for the arts in a playful, poetic way.

Curiosity & Wonder Art & Creativity Creativity & Imagination History Joy & Gratitude Fairy Tales & Mythology

What Parents Should Know

Mild PerilMild

A cartoon bear is shown chasing a man, which is a reference to a scene in a play. It is not scary.

Sensitive Topics

The book skillfully avoids the mature and often tragic themes of the source material. Romeo and Juliet are presented simply as "the loves that are true," with no hint of their demise. The bear from The Winter's Tale is shown chasing a man, but the tone is comical, not terrifying. The witches are quirky, not evil. The approach is a complete abstraction of the original plots, focusing only on the iconic imagery and characters in a secular, G-rated context. The resolution is a happy celebration of theater.