Stories of Don Quixote: Written Anew for Children

by James Baldwin

In this classic book, Don Quixote, (who became utterly captivated by the enthralling tales of chivalry he devours), embarks on an audacious quest to become a knight himself. Accompanied by his loyal squire (the endearing Sancho Panza), the errant knight's adventures unfurl in a tapestry of wondrous and unexpected ways. While Quixote's boundless imagination often leads him astray (he tilts at windmills, imagining them to be giants), Sancho emerges with a growing cunning and certain sagacity. Together (as sane madman and wise fool), they roam the world-and together, they have continued to inhabit the dreams and imaginations of readers for nearly four centuries. It's easy to focus on the adventures (or misadventures) of Don and Sancho in this book. To the surface reader, the classic simply describes (in a very exciting way) the unnecessary chaos and suffering caused by a would-be knight driven mad by over-reading the works of chivalry. More than that, however, Don Quixote gave birth to a new art form-a secular novel depicting disenchantment with the modern world. Wrapped into the text (as stories with potentially hidden meanings) is the tale of heroic daughter of a Moor who steals her father's riches and flees to Christendom. There is also a foolish Christian who steals her father's riches to run off with a soldier. And there is more, much more. In addition to being one of the most translated and frequently read books of all time, Don Quixote delves into themes related to literature and cultural modernity. To the discerning reader, this exciting tale is much more than the story of a chivalrous madman in search of days gone by-it is a thought-provoking book about virtues lost and the shared human condition.

Genres: Classics, Childrens, Fiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1908

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

James Baldwin (1841-1925) was an American editor and author. Largely self-educated, he began teaching at the age of 24. In addition to editing school books, he started writing books of his own. After the publication in 1882 of The Story of Siegfried, he went on to write more than 50 others. At one time it was estimated that of all the school books in use in the United States, over half had been written or edited by him. He is best remembered for the books of introductory historical sketches he wrote for younger students and his retellings of the legends of heroes for older students. Other works include: The Story of Roland (1883), A Story of the Golden Age (1887), Old Greek Stories (1895), Fifty Famous Stories Retold (1896), Four Great Americans (1897), Hero Tales (1904), Fifty Famous People (1912) and In My Youth (1914).

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the full, unabridged version of Don Quixote, I feel comfortable saying this is an excellent introduction to the story for young readers 10 and up. It includes the most famous adventures, such as the windmills, demonstrates Sancho as Quixote’s foil, and shows Quixote’s confusion about the real world and his “friends” efforts to cure him. Although not nearly so satisfying as the full version, this one contains enough to spark conversation about imagination, dreams, madness, friendship, heart motivation, and the power of books.

[Flower Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed listening to this book..

it make me laugh on Don's adventure and how he imagin things around him ..

loved what he advised his follower before becoming the governor of the island..

[Moz Copestake · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent snapshot of satire in the 16th Century (although the original story was not published until 1605). This translation captures well archaic language, with 'thou' and 'potage' and 'hither & thither', without becoming stodgy or pretentious.
It is episodic and almost a children's book with it's farcical adventures and absurd premise. I have not read the longer version, with these selected tales being sufficient to satisfy my curiosity. If you want to read Don Quixote this version worked for me.

[Melissa King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just the right amount of Don Quixote for me. The chapters were short and simple and I chuckled through them.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because no one gets hurt (and that is pretty amazing, given all the trouble that is actively sought), the chuckles and laughs abound during the reading of this retelling of Miguel Cervantes' famous knight, Don Quixote, and his faithful aide, Sancho. It's fun to see how far the "knight of the lion's" friends and family will go to get him to give up his crusade and come home.
The very basic plot is that a common man in Spain has enjoyed reading books about knights and their various adventures. He takes the notion to share in these adventures, so a non-literate neighboring friend promises to ride along. They use whatever they have in their travels. Of course, the one with the most common sense is Sancho; and each adventure usually is proposed by Don Quixote with Sancho dutifully cautioning against getting involved as Don Quixote jumps in anyway. Along the way, the beautiful lady whom they seek to honor is often named (Dulcinae); but when the reader finally meets her, the reality of the situation is lost on no one but Don Quixote. Finally, an upper class couple and their servants who find themselves wanting entertainment, invite the two heroes to their estate, promising even more adventures. Don Quixote has opportunity to ride a flying horse in order to save someone very far away (Sancho faithfully right behind him, both blindfolded so they don't "fall off"), an experience which shows what a vivid imagination he has (for the horse is really wooden and doesn't move at all). Sancho gets to live his dream and govern an "island" (Don Quixote has promised him throughout the book that he will receive his own island for his gallant service), something that he won't ever want to do in the future.
Once Don Quixote makes his mind up to go home and take off his armor, then his friends and relations can finally rest at ease. He must have learned something on his journeys because he doesn't want to retire to his library.

[Klayre Holeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one that we looked forward to reading each day. The Valorous Don Quixote de La Mancha dazzled us in his brilliant knighthood each and every reading, and his faithful squire made us laugh, as well as think deeply on matters of philosophy. The end was a sorrowful parting, but one that was a well-earned and peaceful one. Overall, we are mournful that it ended and that we had to part with our dear friend, Alonso Quixana.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Baldwin does a nice job plucking out the most interesting and colorful stories from Don Quixote. My nine year old son enjoyed hearing about the exploits of the Man of La Mancha and his faithful squire Sancho Panza. A great introduction to a classic work of literature.

[Fateme Balouchi · Rating 1 out of 5]

این کتاب نسخه اصلی نیست شاید یه گزیده مختصر باشه و شاید به خاطر همین بود که من نفهمیدم چرا یکی از بهترین رمانهای تاریخ شده

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of the adventures of Don Quixote. Perfect for middle/high schoolers.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Family read aloud. This version was recommended by AO Y8...krb 8/26/21 The kids were not really into this (or me) so we skipped some chapters in the middle and read the end together...krb 10/13/21

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! Very Funny!