Michael Rosen's Pocket Shakespeare

The ultimate beginner’s guide to the magic of Shakespeare, from the award-winning Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell.

Step inside a sparkling celebration of the wonderful words of William Shakespeare. With former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen as your guide, discover how Shakespeare explores love and heartbreak, magic and superstition, jealousy, beauty and much more in a collection of quotes and speeches taken from his plays – plus a selection of Shakespearean insults and one-liners! Michael Rosen’s commentary illuminates the Bard for beginners alongside sumptuous illustrations by Chris Riddell, making this the perfect book to bring Shakespeare to life for all ages.

Shakespeare has inspired so many abridged editions for children that the choice can seem overwhelming. But Michael Rosen’s Pocket Shakespeare, for readers aged nine to 12, promises something different […] The emphasis of the book, as one might expect, is to make Shakespeare more accessible to young readers (with the aid of expressive illustrations by Chris Riddell) […] In many ways, this short, engaging book is typical of Rosen’s work. On the one hand, the prose is so laid-back that it almost seems too easy – yet there’s real wisdom to be found. The Telegraph
Bursting with quotes, speeches, and some superbly colourful insults from the Bard, this immersive collection from legendary poet Michael Rosen and celebrated illustrator Chris Riddell is the perfect celebration of Shakespeare. Waterstones
A sensational collaboration from two past Children’s Laureates and the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for any age…. Rosen’s infectious enthusiasm for the Bard leaps from the page. As one of the nation’s favourite poets and wordsmiths his is a trusted hand that beckons us to discover and relish in Shakespeare’s works alongside him… Chris Riddell’s distinctive illustrations also provide a comforting sense of being welcomed in. His skilful drawings further bring the plays and quotes to life, creating a feeling of joy and understanding on every page. Combined in a beautiful hardback format, this is a book to treasure and return to often. LoveReading4Kids, Amy McKay
Riddell’s illustrations help bring the text to life. The Bookseller
What a great concept for a book […] Being so reader friendly, it's super accessible. Certain words or phrases are simplified underneath passages for better understanding of the quotes used. It's also written in a simple and fun writing style, full of questions and thoughts and angles that Michael Rosen guides us to look at when interacting with Shakespeare. Netgalley Reviewer
This is exactly what I have been looking for for ages […] it helps at least higher ability UKS2 students contextualise Shakespeare's plays. Thank you for writing and publishing such a great book. Netgalley Reviewer
This book is magnificent! I love it! Aside from the winning combination of Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell, who could probably rewrite the phone book together and make it a masterpiece, the way that this book makes Shakespeare so accessible and engaging, is brilliant […] Chris Riddell's exceptional artwork features throughout, supporting the text but also just being brilliant in its own right. Netgalley Reviewer
Loved by young and old ( a national treasure ) Michael Rosen is the consummate wordsmith and master of poetry. This "Pocket Shakespeare" book is a fantastic compendium to introduce and help readers- Upper key stage 2/Lower key stage 3 - dig deeper into understanding the prose of Shakespeare without being overbearing […] Chris Riddell's superb illustrations further add a depth and drama to the selected prose. This is a must for home enjoyment and superb class book to share with readers to open their minds to the fulfilment that Shakespeare can give. A winner. Netgalley Reviewer
Great snippets from Shakespeare with Rosen’s illustrations, commentary and word definitions […] I got so much out of it. Netgalley Reviewer
Why have I - a 31 year old woman with no children of her own - read a book aimed at 9-12 year olds, filled with stories I already know and love? Well, because it's by Michael Rosen of course. I would read his shopping list if I could, I love his work so much […] a great introduction to the work of Shakespeare. Netgalley Reviewer
Michael Rosen is the consummate wordsmith and master of poetry. This "Pocket Shakespeare" book is a fantastic compendium to introduce and help readers dig deeper into understanding the prose of Shakespeare without being overbearing […] Chris Riddell's superb illustrations further add a depth and drama to the selected prose. This is a must for home enjoyment and superb class book to share with readers to open their minds to the fulfilment that Shakespeare can give. A winner. Netgalley Reviewer

Michael Rosen is one of the most popular authors for children; his bestselling titles published by Walker Books include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book. A popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and multi-award-winning poet, Michael was appointed the Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Chris Riddell is one of the country's finest children's book illustrators, and was Children's Laureate from 2015–17. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal three times – for Pirate Diary, Gulliver's Travels and The Sleeper and the Spindle. He is a political cartoonist for the Observer and has collaborated with Paul Stewart on the extremely popular Edge Chronicles and Muddle Earth series. In recent years he has had success writing and illustrating his own books, including the Ottoline stories and Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse, which won a Costa Book Award.

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