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Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children
Shakespeare's Tales: Romeo and Juliet
The greatest love story ever told. When Romeo and Juliet meet, they fall in love - but how can they ever be together when all their families know is hate for one another?
This epic romance has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by Samantha Newman, it will enthrall young readers of 7+.
This epic romance has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by Samantha Newman, it will enthrall young readers of 7+.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2022
This was cute! It had the basic story and cuteness of Romeo and Juliet. Some of the vibes of the dialogue was butchered. I get they changed it up, but felt like they could have kept some of the warmth and humor
My biggest complaint is the choice to make the Capulets and only the Capulets Black. The Capulets are the abusive, more hotheaded and prone to violence family in the original story (and in this adaptation as well). And while I am always so happy to see characters of color on adaptations on Shakespeare's work, this specific choice felt wrong. I would have loved to see other characters of color filling other roles. While I know both the Montegues and the Capulets are at fault, the short definitely leans toward the Capulets being the more violent aggressors so it was disappointing to see the only characters of color filling that role. I would have preferred a more widely diverse cast...
All in all, it was cute, but not spectacular and definitely not free of issues
My biggest complaint is the choice to make the Capulets and only the Capulets Black. The Capulets are the abusive, more hotheaded and prone to violence family in the original story (and in this adaptation as well). And while I am always so happy to see characters of color on adaptations on Shakespeare's work, this specific choice felt wrong. I would have loved to see other characters of color filling other roles. While I know both the Montegues and the Capulets are at fault, the short definitely leans toward the Capulets being the more violent aggressors so it was disappointing to see the only characters of color filling that role. I would have preferred a more widely diverse cast...
All in all, it was cute, but not spectacular and definitely not free of issues
December 10, 2022
The most iconic of Shakespeares plays, retold for younger audiences.
I know the original quite well and I loved this adaptation. It was perfectly summed up and surmised to capture all the important bits, relay the story but make it accessible and enjoyable for children (if a somewhat tragic ending!). Shakespeare’s play’s make for great childrens fiction (if done and adapted well) which these most certainly are.
It handles the more sensitive nature of the plot very well and instead of adapting it to perhaps make it a happier ending or omit certain parts of the story, they were kept in to retain the original story but written in a straightforward and simple way, introducing some complex topics.
With illustrations and pictures to support the main text, it’s succinct and a great way to introduce such a classic to young kids.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I know the original quite well and I loved this adaptation. It was perfectly summed up and surmised to capture all the important bits, relay the story but make it accessible and enjoyable for children (if a somewhat tragic ending!). Shakespeare’s play’s make for great childrens fiction (if done and adapted well) which these most certainly are.
It handles the more sensitive nature of the plot very well and instead of adapting it to perhaps make it a happier ending or omit certain parts of the story, they were kept in to retain the original story but written in a straightforward and simple way, introducing some complex topics.
With illustrations and pictures to support the main text, it’s succinct and a great way to introduce such a classic to young kids.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
March 22, 2025
It wasn't that long and Juliet killed herself to be with Romeo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
** “I had a dream earlier. That something big will happen tonight. Something that changes the course of my life. Something that might bring my death.” **
Sam Newman retells Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” for young readers, with illustrations by Ceej Rowland, a story of revenge, bitterness, and forbidden but true love.
The Montague and Capulet families hated each other for over a thousand years. But when Romeo, a Montague, sneaks into the Capulets’ party, he’s instantly attracted to their daughter, Juliet, with a feeling of forbidden love. What follows is a tragic journey of twists and unescapable fate.
Told in five short acts, Newman does a brilliant job of retelling a classic Shakespeare tale in a way readers of all ages will understand and enjoy.
The publisher does include a note indicating Shakespeare’s works can contain sensitive themes so adults should read these stories with their children. This story is not recommend for very young readers.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishers provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Sam Newman retells Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” for young readers, with illustrations by Ceej Rowland, a story of revenge, bitterness, and forbidden but true love.
The Montague and Capulet families hated each other for over a thousand years. But when Romeo, a Montague, sneaks into the Capulets’ party, he’s instantly attracted to their daughter, Juliet, with a feeling of forbidden love. What follows is a tragic journey of twists and unescapable fate.
Told in five short acts, Newman does a brilliant job of retelling a classic Shakespeare tale in a way readers of all ages will understand and enjoy.
The publisher does include a note indicating Shakespeare’s works can contain sensitive themes so adults should read these stories with their children. This story is not recommend for very young readers.
Five stars out of five.
Arcturus Publishers provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
January 9, 2023
Romeo and Juliet's families have hated each other forever it seems. They are always fighting and brutalizing each other's members. The two fall deeply in love and secretly marry. How can their relationship thrive and they be together and live with happiness and peace when such hatred exists?
This is one of the most epic love stories ever told and has been read and taught in schools for many, many years. It is truly a timeless classic. Samantha Newman has adapted this beloved play perfecting its understanding to young readers 7+ brilliantly.
The added illustrations make the text come alive and will engage the younger generation from beginning to end. The language has been modernized and the story condensed. Told in five short acts it highlights revenge, bitterness, and forbidden love. I love the book and I highly recommend it and all the others in the series. This book ( and the entire series ) is a perfect addition to a home, classroom and library setting.
This is one of the most epic love stories ever told and has been read and taught in schools for many, many years. It is truly a timeless classic. Samantha Newman has adapted this beloved play perfecting its understanding to young readers 7+ brilliantly.
The added illustrations make the text come alive and will engage the younger generation from beginning to end. The language has been modernized and the story condensed. Told in five short acts it highlights revenge, bitterness, and forbidden love. I love the book and I highly recommend it and all the others in the series. This book ( and the entire series ) is a perfect addition to a home, classroom and library setting.
January 2, 2023
What a lovely way to introduce a new audience to the Bard's classic plays! As a middle and high school teacher who makes it a point to teach Shakespeare in the original Shakespearean language (I feel like the challenge gives students a confidence to face future difficult tasks, where translation of meaning is important) I love that they could now come to me, potentially, already possessing a basic idea of the stories. I also think this series could take some of the fear away for hesitant students, and show them that good stories are good stories - and they can transcend time. Although this version of adaptations is a bit young for my students, I would consider purchasing a set as an introduction for each play. Thank you to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 30, 2022
'Shakespeare's Tales: Romeo and Juliet' adapted by Samantha Newman with illustrations by Ceej Rowland is an adaptation of a beloved play for younger readers.
When Romeo and Juliet meet, it's love at first sight. The problem is that their families hate each other, so they secretly get married. Then a series of missteps and miscommunications bring on the real tragedy.
The obvious question is how to adapt this for young readers, and it's handled really well. The language is modern and the story is condensed in to a readable length. A really nice adaptation.
When Romeo and Juliet meet, it's love at first sight. The problem is that their families hate each other, so they secretly get married. Then a series of missteps and miscommunications bring on the real tragedy.
The obvious question is how to adapt this for young readers, and it's handled really well. The language is modern and the story is condensed in to a readable length. A really nice adaptation.
January 5, 2023
I love Romeo and Juliet but writing this for kids is hard. I love this story but they took so much out of it and made it too much for kids. It’s wonderful to be putting these stories into younger hands! I also loved the diversity in it!
February 1, 2023
Great break down for kids .
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews