Published By: Walker Books
Pages: 192
Released On: 03/04/2025
Reading Age: 9-12
Illustrated By: Chris Riddell
Thanks to NetGalley and Walker Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Why have I – a 31 year old woman with no children of her own – read a book aimed at 9-12 year olds, filled with stories I already know and love? Well, because it’s by Michael Rosen of course. I would read his shopping list if I could, I love his work so much. And just because I don’t have my own children, doesn’t mean I’m not looking for books for the kids in my family (currently aged between 5 and 13).
And I’m a big fan of Shakespeare, and love finding ways to introduce younger readers to Shakespeare, as he’s not always the most popular or easiest author to get into
I admit I chose this book solely for the author, and so I assumed it would be abridged versions of the plays, but wasn’t 100% sure. And it’s not. Michael has picked particular passages from a variety of plays to explore certain themes within Shakespeare’s texts – looking at his use of language to depict magic, superstition, life’s fairness or unfairness, love, heartbreak, mourning, sadness, war, jealousy, anger, greed, nature, beauty, ageing etc.
He’d provided a little introduction to each passage which I think will help younger readers understand what they’re reading a bit more, and gives you the context of the passage within the wider play.
It’s a short book, not necessarily designed to be read from cover to cover in one ago – although I did. It can be picked up and opened at any stage, which makes it good for young readers with a shorter attention span.
I love the illustration by Chris Riddell. He’s one of my favourite illustrators. They’re simple and yet detailed. They give even more context to the passages and really help bring them to life. And anyone who has read my reviews before knows how much of an advocate I am for more illustrations in books – particularly adult books.
I think it’s a great introduction to the work of Shakespeare, and hopefully it will lead readers on to his full plays.
Books By Your Bedside 