The Tempest (Shakespeare's Globe Picture Books)

by Georghia Ellinas (Author) Jane Ray (Illustrator)

Discover the Bard's dazzling play about magic, revenge, and forgiveness, reimagined by Shakespeare's Globe as a gorgeously illustrated picture book for children.

I told him that if I were a mortal, I would forgive them. Ariel is a spirit of the air who can fly, ride on clouds, and glow bright as fire. When his master, the magician Prospero, is overthrown by his brother as the Duke of Milan, Ariel joins Prospero and his baby daughter on a journey that will bring them to a beautiful island ruled by the monstrous Caliban -- and to a series of events that lead to a vengeful storm, confounding spells, true romance, and a master who is persuaded to give his transgressors a second chance. Narrated from Ariel's perspective, the story is told in language that is true to the original play but accessible to all.

With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Jane Ray, this captivating retelling is a magical way to introduce children to one of the best-loved works of the world's greatest playwright.

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Hardcover
$17.99

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Kirkus

Starred Review
The text is perfectly matched by Ray's jaw-droppingly beautiful illustrations, which will enchant readers from the front cover to the final curtain. The greens of the waters and the blues of the island's night sky are so lush and inviting that readers will wish they could enter the book. Peppered throughout the story are italicized fragments of Shakespeare's dialogue, giving both young and older readers something to enjoy...A must-own adaptation chock-full of such stuff as kids' dreams are--and will be--made on.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

PreS-Gr 4--Lovely and engaging, this accessible retelling of a theatrical staple will usher in a new generation of Shakespearean devotees. Ariel, a spirit of the air, takes center stage, instantly drawing in young readers with his magical abilities. In lyrical first-person narrative, Ariel recounts the story of Prospero. Ray's vibrantly hued paintings balance lush botanical details with airy motion and a mood of mysterious enchantment. The visuals add greatly to the plot and characterizations; the graceful Miranda looks equally at home swinging from a tree branch or reading a book, and Caliban, punished here by Prospero for making them feel unwelcome, skulks moodily inside a cave. Italicized quotes from the play are sprinkled throughout, providing a taste of the original language. The story is framed at beginning and end with proscenium-style images, but the rest of the pages are adorned with Ray's stunning full-bleed artwork, fully immersing readers in this timeless tale. VERDICT An engaging work with beautiful illustrations.--Joy Fleishhacker, Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Georghia Ellinas
Shakespeare's Globe in London is inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of its iconic theatres. Its diverse program of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

Georghia Ellinas, a former English teacher, has focused on working with teachers across the U.K. and the world for the last thirty years. She has written several books about teaching Shakespeare, and in her role as Head of Learning at Shakespeare's Globe was responsible for creating programs to make Shakespeare accessible and relevant to children of all ages. She lives in the south of England.

Jane Ray is one of the most acclaimed contemporary children's book illustrators. Her books include The Twelve Days of Christmas and Hummingbird. She has been nominated four times for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She lives in London.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781536211443
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
April 07, 2020
Series
Shakespeare's Globe Picture Books
BISAC categories
JUV007000 - Juvenile Fiction | Classics
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV031060 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Theater
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Magic
Fathers and daughters
Islands
Storms
Magicians
Shakespeare, William

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