For the young reader eager to demystify classic stories, this vibrant book playfully introduces seven Shakespeare plays with engaging illustrations and witty asides.
A parent might reach for this book when classic literature feels intimidating or 'boring' to their child. 'Bravo, Mr. William Shakespeare!' transforms seven of the Bard's most famous plays into a vibrant, comic-strip-style spectacle, perfect for visual learners and reluctant readers. Through dynamic illustrations, snippets of original dialogue, and hilarious running commentary from a raucous Elizabethan audience, the book demystifies complex plots and mature themes like justice, love, and ambition. It's a fantastic, low-pressure way to introduce children aged 7-14 to cultural cornerstones, sparking curiosity and proving that Shakespeare can be incredibly fun and accessible.
Features ghosts and witches, but they are presented in a theatrical, non-terrifying manner.
Romantic ContentMild
Includes romantic pairings, declarations of love, and kisses, central to several of the plots.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with mature Shakespearean themes including character death (murder, suicide, death in battle), violence (stabbings, sword fights), and ghosts/witches. The approach is direct in that these events occur, but the cartoony, stylized art and humorous audience commentary significantly soften the impact. The resolution of each play is true to the original: tragedies end tragically (e.g., Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet) and comedies end happily. The presentation is entirely secular.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 12-year-old who is a strong visual learner, loves graphic novels, and might be intimidated by dense text. It's perfect for a child who is about to encounter Shakespeare in school and wants a fun, confidence-building primer. It also appeals to kids with a quirky sense of humor who enjoy 'behind-the-scenes' style commentary.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the tragic plays, specifically Romeo and Juliet (double suicide), Hamlet (poison, drowning, suicide), and Macbeth (multiple murders). While the art is not graphic, the events are clearly depicted. A brief conversation about the difference between a tragedy and a comedy might be helpful context before reading. No deep knowledge of Shakespeare is required; the book does all the work. A parent has just heard their child say, "I have to read Shakespeare for school and it's so boring and hard," or, "I don't get what's happening." The parent is looking for a way to bridge the gap and make the stories accessible and exciting before their child writes them off completely.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-9) will primarily engage with the illustrations, the slapstick action, and the funny comments from the audience. They'll grasp the basic story beats. An older reader (10-14) will appreciate the clever way the plots are condensed, understand more of the original dialogue, and can use the book as a legitimate study aid or entry point for appreciating the plays' deeper themes.
What Makes It Special
Its format is utterly unique. It is not a simple prose retelling or a standard graphic novel. The multi-layered presentation, combining comic panels, original quotes, captions, and the constant audience commentary, brilliantly simulates the lively, interactive experience of theatre-going at the Globe. This makes the stories feel like living events rather than dusty texts.
Read plot summary
This book presents seven of Shakespeare's plays in a highly visual, comic-strip format. The plays are: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Hamlet, As You Like It, and Julius Caesar. Each two-page spread covers a significant portion of a play's plot. The story is told through illustrated panels containing original dialogue in speech bubbles, with summary captions below. A key feature is the audience of 'groundlings' depicted at the bottom of each page, whose anachronistic and funny comments provide context and comic relief.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
