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The stories come originally from the highly successful gift collection The Orchard Book of Shakespeare Stories. Also included are useful notes on the themes within the stories and a background to the Globe theatre. Andrew Matthews's vibrant and accessible retellings, coupled with expressive and funny illustrations by Tony Ross, provide an introduction to this important part of our cultural heritage in the most enjoyable way. Perfect for school use as the National Curriculum specifies that two Shakespeare stories are studied as part of English Literary Heritage KS3 and 4. Also optional at KS2. The notes highlighting themes in the specific stories will help to focus discussions.

64 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2002

10 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Andrew Matthews

128 books24 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Andrew Matthews was born in South Glamorgan in 1948. Andrew taught English in Hampshire after which he became a full-time writer. He lives in Reading with his wife and their cats. Andrew's work has been widely translated and he has made numerous appearances at schools and libraries throughout the UK.


Source: United Agents.

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5 stars
94 (24%)
4 stars
131 (33%)
3 stars
131 (33%)
2 stars
29 (7%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
2,064 reviews19 followers
October 22, 2016
Jacob read during nap time for CC2 wk 6. He said it was ok....krb 10/21/16
57 reviews1 follower
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September 23, 2020
My kids love reading Shakespeare story series of Andrew Matthews and Tony Ross.This book is a child's version of Henry v. This book highlights the rebellious king turning into a much loved King as he scares the French army away. This book is good as a focus for older children. For younger children in ks1 it is a good book to start looking at British history. I liked this book as it was child friendly and was presented in a friendly manner for children to understand better. I would use this book for a focus activity.
18 reviews
August 3, 2017
This story was talk about a England new King try to friend with his people. Moreover their was a war with France so he tried to use this war to build up the relationship with his people. This story content was so good. The content is more exciting and also the characters show their sentiment clearly. This story quit stimulate, can clearly explain the situation at that time.
Profile Image for Jayne.
1,179 reviews11 followers
December 27, 2022
"The game's afoot . . . "

A succinct retelling of Shakespeare's Henry V, also useful as historical fiction depicting the battle of Agincourt.
It is possibly a little too brief; I feel it could have done with more fleshing out of the characters. But it gets the main story points across in an easy to read fashion.
Profile Image for Marie.
247 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2017
I want to read more Shakespeare's but didn't know where to start so I bought the kids versions of his works. They are easy to understand and have some nice illustrations to look at, plus the covers are in my opinion so cute. Henry V wasn't bad but the story was a bit boring to me.
Profile Image for Fiona.
521 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2020
Although this is meant for a younger reader, it was an enjoyable and quick version of one of Shakespeare’s tales. The opening format, explaining the characters is excellent. Looking forward to reading the others.
Profile Image for Shannon Smith.
300 reviews
June 4, 2023
I loved the illustrations through the book as I expected to from Tony Ross.

The book did feel watered down for children although I can't say so confidently as I've never read Henry V before this. The book is still good and I'm sure it's a brilliant read and introduction into shakespeare for children.
Profile Image for Anna Maria.
184 reviews
November 7, 2024
A good read for kids, lots of history in this regarding Shakespeare & content of how the story is set back in the day when England's new king tries to make friends with his people. They go to war with the French which end up making peace when the king marries a Catherine the French princess.
Profile Image for Leanne.
377 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2018
This book was pretty much a history lesson but I did enjoy it.
Profile Image for Emma.
339 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2019
Good way to get the idea of story but too short
Profile Image for Jill.
1,526 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2020
Shakespeare’s Henry V shortened to a mid-reader chapter book. My children love these books—except Richard III. My youngest despises that tale.
Profile Image for MiR.
178 reviews
August 9, 2021
"او ستاره ی انگلستان هست.شمشیرش خوشبختی آفرید و با آن شمشیر بهترین باغ دنیا را به دست آورد" گروه پیش خوانان.
.
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هنری پنجم ، واقعا شاه محبوب من شد.
و خب جوون بودنش بیشترین دلیل من برای محبوبیتش هست:)
Profile Image for Carmel.
57 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2024
I really liked it because...
- Easy to digest
- Simple language
- Quick retelling

If you want to learn about Henry V as fast as possible, this is it! Plus, it is beautifully illustrated by Tony Ross!
7 reviews
September 6, 2025
For me this was just a short book to get a book read but now I know a bit more about Henry and his life
12 reviews
April 26, 2015
This book is a child's version of Henry v. This book highlights the rebellious king turning into a much loved King as he scares the French army away. This book is good as a focus for older children. For younger children in ks1 it is a good book to start looking at British history. I liked this book as it was child friendly and was presented in a friendly manner for children to understand better. I would use this book for a focus activity.
Profile Image for Shaza_saeed.
80 reviews
December 30, 2024
تجربة قراءة كتاب بالانجليزي
هناك بعض الكلمات التي لم اعرفها ولكن لم يؤثر على فهمي للقصة
Profile Image for Gsc.
150 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2013
I was recommended this series by a friend for my son. He chose Henry V and loved it. Insisted I read it. May now go and read the full length version!
Profile Image for Bec.
718 reviews63 followers
March 17, 2017
Shakespeare done simply :)
Profile Image for Fay.
225 reviews
September 10, 2018
A classic story made into and easy to read childrens tale.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,802 reviews561 followers
April 7, 2020
برای اینکه کتابی رو به بچه ای بدم حتمن باید خودم بخونمش، به نظرم برای سنی که من میخواستم (۱۵سال) زیادی ساده کرده بود؛ برای رنج سنی ۷-۱۲ سال خوبه.
و نکته مهمش اینه که اصلن نمایشنامه ای نیست نوشتارش.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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