Book reviews - poetry and plays

A Midsummer Night's Dream - original text

Shakespeare's best-loved play is enduringly popular, especially for outdoor performances, so it is familiar to many. This version is the full text. There are plenty of graphic novels/plays being produced now, but these editions by Classical Comics stand head and shoulders above the others. There are two main reasons for this. Each of the Shakespeare plays in the series is produced in three versions - original text; plain text and quick text. These make the plays accessible to all. The second reason is the superlative quality of the production - the books are produced on thick glossy paper and the quality of the illustrations is fantastic. I found it interesting to read about how the superb illustrations by Jason Cardy and Kat Nicholson were produced. 

A Midsummer Night's Dream - plain text

This version has all the ryhme and rhythm of the original, but in modern English, making it a more accessible read without losing the beauty of the original. The text flows smoothly across the pages, taking the eye perfectly through the wonderful illustrations. These really bring the play to life in a stunning way and capture the attention. Each character is illustrated at the beginning, so you can easily follow them through the play. The illustrations are the same in each version, so it is easy to use versions side-by-side to enhance understanding. Added value is given with the section at the end, with information about Shakespeare, the Globe Theatre and the backround to the play. Do take a look at these books - I am sure you will be impressed!

A Midsummer Night's Dream - quick text

This is the perfect introduction to the play for younger readers  -or perhaps for those for whom English is not the first language. The thought of reading Shakespeare can sometimes be daunting, but readers introduced through this simple version will be enthused to  go on to the full version. It is easy to follow the story and the speech bubbles make the text flow. This is a wonderful way to bring Shakespeare to a whole new audience and I recommend that school libraries should have the three versions side by side. Great for last-minute revision too! The quality of these books is quite outstanding and I can't recommend them highly enough.

Romeo and Juliet - original text 

The fair city of Verona is troubled by two feuding families: the Montagues and the Capulets. Their hatred for each other runs deep and they regularly disturb the streets with their fighting; so when Romeo Montague meets and falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, it can only lead to a desperately tragic end.
Shakespeare's wonderful play is as relevant today as it was when it was written, over 400 years ago. It is arguably his best-known work, containing some of his most famous lines.
Now, for the first time, it appears in its entirety as a full-colour graphic novel, capturing all of the beauty, emotion and tragedy of this timeless tale. 

Romeo and Juliet - plain text

 The three versions of the play, with their differentiated text, are perfect for classroom use and it is fascinating to read the versions alongside each other. No longer need anyone say 'Shakespeare is boring.'! The illustrations are right up to the minute and guaranteed to appeal to today's students. The quality of production is superb and these books are a real delight to use. This version takes the original script and "translates" it into modern English, verse-for-verse, whilst retaining the full essence of the play. If you've ever wanted to fully appreciate the works of Shakespeare but find the original language rather cryptic then this is the version for you!

Romeo and Juliet - quick text

The Quick Text version is ideal for KS2 pupils, to introduce Shakespeare in an appealing manner. The wonderful illustrations capture the story in an enticing manner. I like the way all the characters are illustrated at the front, so the reader can readily identify who is speaking. It is good to introduce younger readers to Shakespeare through such an appealing format and will lead to a love of Shakespeare. This takes the dialogue and reduces it to as few words as possible; but because it still features the same artwork, this version retains all of the characters, plots and motives from the play. Ideal for younger readers, reluctant readers, or for people who want to get a quick but full understanding of the play. 
 

 Illustrated stories from Shakespeare

This is another super book in the Usborne Illustrated Stories series. The books are illustrated in full colour throughout and the pictures really draw the reader into the stories. This collection is no exception and is a marvellous introduction to Shakespeare. Each play is introduced with a summary (and pictures) of the characters, so they can be followed throughout the story. Twelfth Night, Macbeth, The Tempest, Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet are included. The use of extracts from the original work gives children a feel for Shakespeare's language without being daunting. A great book for every child's collection.

 Macbeth - original text

Macbeth brought to life with brilliant illustrations which make the play really accessible to modern readers without losing any of the feel of the original play.Look out for more in the series, both Shakespeare and many other classics. I especially like the way young readers can be introduced to the Quick Text and then move on to the full text version - great for last minute revision too! These books are a great resource for school libraries and I highly recommend the use of Classical Comics to entice students into the world of our great classical authors. This is the full, unabridged original script - just as the bard intended. This version is ideal for purists, students and for readers who want to experience the unaltered text.

The Tempest - plain text 

For readers reluctant to tackle the original prose of older books, which aren't always the easiest to modern eyes - these adaptations can introduce them to some of the great works of literature. This version takes the original script and "translates" it into modern English, verse-for-verse, whilst retaining the full essence of the play. If you've ever wanted to fully appreciate the works of Shakespeare but find the original language rather cryptic then this is the version for you!

 Henry V - quick text

This is ideal for younger students, or for those studying the play in KS3/4 to get a quick overview of the play, before going on to the full version. A brilliant resource.
"We take the dialogue and reduce it to as few words as possible; but because it still features the same artwork, this version retains all of the characters, plots and motives from the play. Ideal for younger readers, reluctant readers, or for people who want to get a quick but full understanding of the play. "

The Young Inferno by John Agard

What Rhymes With Sneeze? by Roger Stevens

This is the book you need to hand next time your child comes home from school and says 'I've got to write a poem.'  Including poems by Roger Stevens and classic and contemporary poets from Gerard Benson to Hilaire Belloc, this book celebrates rhyme. Find out how and why the different forms of rhyme work and pick up useful tips on how to write rhymes. It really makes poetry writing fun and gives children the opportunity to pick up ideas to encourage poetry writing. The combination of a great selection of poetry plus useful ideas is excellent.

Journey to the Centre of My Brain Poems by James Carter

This is James Carter's third poetry collection for children. The variety of poems and layout is fascinating and a great way to inspire children to 'think outside the box, when writing their own poems - poems don't have to be written in straight lines! THey can even be made up of one word - look at 'What are dinos made of'. In this collection, the reader is taken on a trip to space, meets tigers, mammoths, clouds and bugs and that’s just the start of the journey . . .  Imaginative and original, this is a lovely collection for children.

Beware! Low Flying Rabbits by Roger Stevens

Sharing poetry with children is a wonderful way to extend their imaginations and develop their feeling for language - and it can be great fun at the same time with a collection like this. A range of emotions are covered - there's humour and there's sadness and everything in between. The settings are varied and many have a familiarity and identifiable settings which children will love. There's lots of variety in the type of poem too, making it a lovely collection to read aloud and share with a class.

Mad About Minibeasts by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz

An enticing journey through the world of minibeasts. From slugs and snails to bustling  beetles and beautiful butterflies, these rhymes are full of humour and great for reading aloud. The artwork is nothing short of brilliant and the large size of the book gives maximum scope for the bold and colourful illustrations. This is a duo who work marvellously together and their work complements each other perfectly. Each page would make an exceptional poster for a classroom or nursery wall. A great way to start children off with an early love for poetry.

The Worst Class in the School edited by Brian Moses

Poetry about familiar situations is always a great way to get children interested - and what could be more familiar than school? These badly-behaved children will strike a chord with many children, and they will be amused by their antics. A well-chosen selection, from a range of poets, this is school life as children would like it in this collection of hilarious poems. Read them aloud, share them, and use them to encourage children to develop their creative writing and create their own mini-masterpieces.

Animal Lullabies by Mandy Ross

The scene is set for this lovely book of lullabies by the pictures of sleepy animals and their young on the front cover - I especially like the octopus hugging ner babies! All sorts of animals are included in this book and Mandy Ross has written some lovely lullabies expressing how she thinks animals will sing their babies to sleep, depicting key features of each creature. The love that all creatures have for their babies clearly comes across and make this the perfect reassuring bedtime read for human babies. Plenty of opportunities to talk about the animals too. The illustrations by Kristina Kallai Nagy are wonderful - the warmth and love flow out of them. Animal Lullabies on Child's Play website.

Number Rhymes: Tens and Teens by Opal Dunn and Hannah Shaw

Rhymes are such a good way to help children learn.This catchy collection explores all sorts of number activities from 0 to 20 (and even up to 100 in 100 Bees Round a Hive) in a variety of ways that will all help children learn that numbers are fun. Some poems are very well known, but there are many unusual poems here too and all selected to use language appropriate for young children. A lovely book to share at home and also a great classroom resource.  The introduction 'Cracking the Code' gives useful and practical advice.The illustrations are bright, apt and full of detail and are in themselves an excellent aid in learning numbers.

The Cat and the Fiddle: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes ed by Jackie Norris

This is a book to cherish long beyond nursery days - it would make a perfect gift and should become a family keepsake. The watercolour  illustrations are outstanding - each is a mini work of art -  and they have plenty to appeal to older children too, making this an ideal book for the family to share. There is so much to talk about in each and every picture and the illustrations add a new dimension of meaning to the familiar rhymes. Many of the old favourites are in this collection of 40+ rhymes but there are also some lesser-known rhymes included which help to keep the book fresh. A book which repays close attention and which deserves to become a classic.

The Oxford Treasury of Classic Poems ed by Michael HArrison

This is the perfect book to inspire a love of poetry in young people - and adults too, as the range of poems is so wide, with something for everyone. Yes, there are children's favourites such as The Owl and the Pussycat, but most of the poems will appeal to a more mature audience, teen and adult. There is a wide range of classic poems but many modern poets are included. The illustrations are equally varied and are also ageless in their appeal. It is a high quality paperback, with a heavy cover and shiny paper, making it an ideal gift - the type of book I would gibve to 11 year olds moving on to a new school.

Let's Celebrate: Festival Poems from Around the World ed by Debjani Chatterjee & Brian D'Arcy

A collection celebrating 24 festivals from around the world. An eclectic selection with some verey ususual festivals featured - how about a tomato festival - an ice festival or Kwanzaa? As I read the book, I found myself really wanting to know more about these obscure festivals so I was very relieved to find that all 24 are described at the end of the book! The poems are from a wide range of writers and each is illustrated by Shirin Adl in a very distinctive style which reflects the poem. Every page is full of vibrant colour. This book is a great classroom and assembly resource and gives a super look at the diversity of world celebrations in a very refreshing way.

When I Grow Up by Benjamin Zephaniah

Far more than just a poetry book, this is an exploration of people's lives. It aims to open up young peoples' minds to the huge range of job opportunities that are available and to break down any preconceptions about 'suitable' roles. 12 wonderful and exceptional role models feature - their jobs are described and photographed by Prodeepta Das. Then, on the facing page, is one of Benjamin Zephaniah's poems - these are all very different in style and reflect the chosen role perfectly, as does the background. A really innovative book with plenty of scope for discussion - it would be a super theme for a classroom/careers room display. A great reflection of our diverse society.

Come Into This Poem by Tony Mitton 

The cover of this book gives a good indication of the unexpected waiting to happen in this collection of poems - 'The door is open.... Step through this little gap between the words....What kind of ants flap their ears in the breeze? Follow the invitation and revel in the powerful and evocative language in this collection. Wonderful for extending the imagination and inspiring children to think 'outside the box'. Come Into This Poem and Hey, Little Bug are the second pair of books to be published by Janetta Otter-Barry Books at Frances Lincoln.

Hey Little Bug: Poems for Little Creatures by James Carter

THis is a lovely introduction to poetry for young children - Foundation Stage and KS1. Not just bugs, although there are plenty of those, but poems about all sorts of topics familiar to young children - travelling, the naughty step, bubbles, puddles and much more. I love the imaginative and unusual approach for example: Dear Firefly do tell me why you shine at night? Do you store light - a scoop of sun inside your tum? What shines through is a real understanding of the target audience and the things that will appeal to them. A great book for the classroom/ school library.

Evidence of Dragons by Pie Corbett

This is the first published collection of Pie Corbett's poems. They are truly beautiful poems - atmospheric and haunting. The use of imagery and language is outstanding - 'I am the last unicorn. My time is starved. I live in a cavern where crystals glisten like a startled serpent's eyes.'  Many of the poems are far more ordinary in theme yet Pie Corbett's wonderful way with words lifts them to great heights. A book to sit and absorb and revel in - to read alone or to share and accessible and enjoyable for all age groups.

Best of Enemies, Best of Friends compiled by Brian Moses

An anthology of poetry about friendship and about bullying, this book will strike a chord with many children as these issues are covered in poems that range from serious to humorous, and even sad. The first part of the book is about bullies and bullying;  the second half of the book is full of poems about friends. I think this would be a super book to have in the classroom as a resource to dip into whenever issues arise. There is something here to cover most eventualities and using poetry can be a gentle yet effective way of getting a message across - from making the most of our friends to coping with bullies. A range of poets are included in the book - many well known, but good to also see some lesser well known poets featured.

Cockadoodle Moo - Rhymes for the Very Young compiled by John Foster

This is a wonderful collection of poems to share with young children. Poetry is wonderful for reading aloud and sharing and this is a perfect first poetry book.Over 80 poems, carefully selected from some of the best poets for young children make this collection exceptional. A wide range of artists feature too, and all the illustrations are vibrant and full of life; the different styles mean each poem is perfectly complemented - children will love these exceptional pictures. The range is sensitively chosen by a keen advocate of promoting poetry for young children. This anthology will be an excellent addition to both home and school libraries as well as being a great classroom resource.

 The Humpback's Wail by Chrissie Gittins

I was delighted when Chrissie approached Parents in Touch to ask us to review a selection of her poetry books as I love to encourage children to read poetry. These poems really will appeal to children, with their quirky take on things familiar and unfamiliar. Often, she needs very few words to convey her thoughts and this simplicity will appeal to children. Her vivid use of language will engage children and stimulate their imaginations, and her topics are carefully selected to appeal. I had to think to read 'Suzannah the Tail Wagger' - a clever use of shape which will hopefully inspire children to try this for themselves. A super collection to share in the classroom. Find out more about Chrissie's poems here - http://www.chrissiegittins.co.uk/children.htm

Now You See Me, Now You . . . by Chrissie Gittins

This book contains a fascinating variety of poems, from the very short - I liked High Chair, which says so much in very few words - to much longer poems to really get your teeth into. Many of the poems have familiar settings, which will appeal to children, such as Getting Up and Back to School. I loved the quirky humour of poems such as Driven to Distraction: 'I picked up a bus on the High Street then put it down on the park.' Some have a much more serious message such as the thoughtful 'The Powder Monkey'. There are some wonderful poems on punctuation, which I think would make a great teaching resource. A well-balanced collection which will be read over and over again.

I Don't Want an Avocado for an Uncle by Chrissie Gittins

Acute observations of many aspects of life shine through in this collection of poems. We meet some lovely characters such as Mr Fogg the dentist and the grandmother who is a nun. I think my favourite is 'The Pencil Stub' - a wonderful poem about a very simple object, which makes us see it through new eyes. And that is  the cleverness of Chrissie's poems - she really makes you think about everyday things. The variety will capture and keep children's attention - people, places and animals, all embellished with humorous illustrations by Kev Adamson. Some poems are funny, some are very thoughtful and all are very enjoyable,

Nessie the Mannerless Monster by Ted Hughes

Poor Nessie - how would you feel if people kept telling you you didn't exist? So she decides to make people know she does exist, through a hilarious narrative poem. Follow her as she goes to Edingurgh, gets sent away and travels to London for an audience with the Queen. She is chased by the hounds, very rudely eats her dinner host, joins a march, and finally gets to meet the Queen. Gerald Rose's wonderful illustrations portray poor Nessie excellently and you really feel for the poor bewildered creature as she embarks on her quest - but all ends well.

An Imaginary Menagerie by Roger McGough

This collection and The Language of Cat are the first in a new series published by Janetta Otter-Barry Books at Frances Lincoln. Books will be published in pairs - one established poet and one new name. I am delighted by this initiative - poetry is such a wonderful way to get children interested in words and language and it can often be neglected.
Revel in all the creatures and their antics in this collection of animal poems - some familiar animals, but others are a little strange. The poems are illustrated, for the first time, by the poet. Roger McGough's clever plays on words mean these poems will appeal to adults as well as children, (Does God have feathers? Is St Peter's Square?) so go on - have some fun!
 

The Language of Cat and Other Poems by Rachel Rooney

This is an interesting and thought-provoking selection of poems. The title poem, The Language of Cat, cleverly and succinctly sums up cats, and this perceptive writing continues throughout the varied selection of poems. There are poems to make you laugh, poems to make you sad and poems to make you think. Look out for the word play and riddles in this debut collection. Share poetry with your children - make it part of your bedtime reading with your child, and see thier enjoyment. 

How to Turn Your Teacher Purple Poems ed by James Carter

This is a super selection of poems with a science theme - just the thing to brighten up those science lessons! Children will besurprised by how much real scienc ethey absorb from this selection of poems - from the moon to cliffs; from light to clouds; and from dinosaurs to the future - all science is here! Poetry is a great way to get children reading and enjoying the use of words and this collection is great for that - plenty of fun and nothing too serious. A wide range of poets is included from Wendy Cope and John Foster to some lesser known. Plenty of fun and laughs and amusing illustrations too.

What I Like by Gervase Phinn

All his years of experience in working with children mean that Gervase Phinn knows exactly what will appeal to his audience. Couple that with his love of English and his awareness of how vital it is for all children to develop a love of language, and you have a set of poems guaranteed to appeal. I love the way he has taken some well known poems and given them a very unusual twist - I can really imagine sharing 'On Old MacDonald's Mixed Up Farm' with a group of children, and this will really get them involved - very clever. All sorts of topics familiar to children are tackled; some poems have plenty of repetition so young readers will learn them quickly; others are longer. Lovely illustrations by Jane Eccles complement the poems wonderfully. A super book to help little ones get into the world of poetry at home or at school.

Calico Pie and Other Poems compiled by Tig Thomas

I love to see children introduced to poetry and this is a very appealing and slighty unusual collection. Some, like Bed in a Boat and Duck's Ditty are well-known old favourites but there are many lesser-known poems here too. I liked 'The Flower Alphabet' which would be a lovely poem to illustrate for a bedroom or classroom wall display. Share this book with your child and take it in turns to enjoy reading aloud from this lovely anthology, in which the style of every poem is different. From the embossing on the cover to the gentle illustrations which perfectly  complement the poems, this book is a real delight - one to return to over and over again.See the Miles Kelly website for more super books.

Chimes for Children by Nicolas Hill

It is lovely to see an innovative book of new poems and these somewhat ususual peoms are great fun..There is enough humour in each poem to amuse adults thus ensuring they will be very happy to read this book aloud many times. Each four line poem is accompanied by a clever and witty illustration by the author - even the borders are eye-catching! These repay close examination, for example the street name 'Windy Street'accompanying the poem 'Little Cloud'. Each time I look I spot something new. I hope that the (apparent) simplicity of the poems will encourage children to 'have a go' - although I know it is not as easy as it looks!

Down by the River by Grace Hallworth

This is a wonderful collection of Afro-Caribbean rhymes, games and songs for children. Grace Hallworth draws on the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean to  bring us this wonderful anthology. The book takes you from wake up time right through to the end of the day, with plenty of games for children to play, sing and clap along with on the way. Lots of new ideas for playground games here and an excellent way to introduce a new culture.The vivid illustrations by Caroline Binch really bring the book to life and draw the reader in to the life and customs of the region. The rhythms make this a wonderful book to read aloud and will have you clapping along.

By Sun and Candlelight illustrated by Shirley Hughes

This book is subtitled 'Poetry and Prose for all your days' and it does just what it says on the cover. It is a collection which has extracts relevant to us at all stages of life, from childhood through to old age. It is an upbuilding and life-affirming collection which would make a wonderful gift for a new baby to treasure through life. Shirley Hughes'  detailed monochrome illustrations beautifully capture the spirit of each extract in this carefully through-out collection. Adults will find many old favourites here and children will learn new favourites, as this collection spans the centuries and genres of great literature. A collection to treasure and hopefully lead the reader into following up favourites.

A little book of alliterations by Felix Arthur

I know this charming little book is not actually poetry, but it reads loud just like a poem!  It starts off: 'Awful Aunt Agatha ate all of Arthur's available apples' and continues to live up to the entertainment value of the first page. I think this book will inspire people to have a go themselves and anything that inspires creative wrining is great. The illustrations capture the spirit of the book perfectly and are great fun in themselves. They are crammed full of entertaining detail, so don't skip over them but relish them. At the end of the book, you are invited to submit your own alliterations to www.little-alliterations.com.