Henry V

Shakespeare Stories #12

by Andrew Matthews, Tony Ross (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Shakespeare, Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Drama

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2002

About the author

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.

Reviews

[sleepinthebooks]

I first started this book mid September in order to get out of my reading slump, and also heal my inner child as back then I didn’t really read books like this and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Now as a huge huge huge lover of Shakespeare, or a slut for Shakespeare as my online friends say, this was my first time reading Henry V and I really do want to give the official classic a read since this one was way too simple for me, and was also extremely fast paced.

Personally, I was surprisingly hooked on this book despite the shortness and lack of plot, and I really did love the illustrations inside despite my age which I’m guessing is down to my autism, but this book really got me out of a slump, and has made me want to read more of these books by Andrew Matthews and Ross Taylor because they did a really good job.

The main reason why I have given this book a 3 star review instead of a 5 is because it took me a few days to read rather than one single sitting which would have been expected for this book. But despite my low rating, I will be keeping it and the entire collection so I can pass it down to my future children instead.

However, I did thoroughly enjoy this book, and I definitely do recommend it to everyone of all ages because despite the simplicity of this play, it holds an important message for everyone to learn and remember.

[Karen]

Jacob read during nap time for CC2 wk 6. He said it was ok....krb 10/21/16

[Mafaz Ali]

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.

[JOOJOO LEE]

This book was a story about a war and clever plan by Henry. There were a war between England and France. By an ambassador's word, young king Henry decided to make a war. By
Henry's clever thought the plan successfully worked. That time France and England promised the peace so French king didn't know the war is going on. Suddenly England attacked France so England won. The France king to surrender, so the land became all England's. I thought king Henry was very clever because even though he is young he can find a way to attack safely.

[Sakamoto]

The book of Henry V tells a story of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Readers don’t know what kind of person Henry V really is until reading until the end.

Introduction briefly gives an impression how crazy he could have been when he was a prince, without solid content, leaving more mysteries to how he would’ve come.

— Spoiler Alert —

At the end it’s lovely to see he’s a capable king who is also willing to listen to ordinary people and really cherish their honest opinions.

[MAK KA]

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.

[Jayne]

"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.

[Marie]

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.

[Fiona]

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.

[Shannon Smith]

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.

[Anna Maria]

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.

[Leanne]

This book was pretty much a history lesson but I did enjoy it.

[Isobel]

A short story of Shakespeare. This book is written in simple language to introduce children to his tale on the Henry V.

[Megan B.]

Overall, a simple and fun way to introduce kids to Shakespeare.

[Emma]

Good way to get the idea of story but too short

[Liselotte]

Honestly just boring🤷‍♀️

[Jill]

Shakespeare’s Henry V shortened to a mid-reader chapter book. My children love these books—except Richard III. My youngest despises that tale.

[MiR]

"او ستاره ی انگلستان هست.شمشیرش خوشبختی آفرید و با آن شمشیر بهترین باغ دنیا را به دست آورد" گروه پیش خوانان.
.
.
هنری پنجم ، واقعا شاه محبوب من شد.
و خب جوون بودنش بیشترین دلیل من برای محبوبیتش هست:)

[Grace Wright]

Simple and short read of Shakespeare.

[Lottie]

3.5

[Shatterlings]

A cute little retelling of Henry V

[Carmel]

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!

[Adriana Royston]

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

[Jeremy]

Read before seeing a production of the play at Regent.

[Katie Feather]

Interesting historically. Until now, I'd forgotten I'd seen the 2019 film The King, which covers this period of history and his reign.

[Jayde]

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.

[Shaza_saeed]

تجربة قراءة كتاب بالانجليزي
هناك بعض الكلمات التي لم اعرفها ولكن لم يؤثر على فهمي للقصة

[Gsc]

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!

[Philippa Brunt]

Very clearly and simply written. Year Three upwards for content and language choice.

[Bec]

Shakespeare done simply :)