Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children 16 Books Collection Set - Ages 6+ - Paperback

Titles in This Set
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Romeo and Juliet
King Lear
Macbeth
Hamlet
The Winter's Tale
The Tempest
Othello
Much Ado About Nothing
The Comedy of Errors
Love's Labour's Lost
The Merchant of Venice
As You Like It
Twelfth Night
All's Well That Ends Well
Antony and Cleopatra

Details
Condition: Brand New
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781398815247
Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
Age Range: Ages 6-9 (Grades 1-4)

Overview
Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children brings sixteen of William Shakespeare's most beloved plays to young readers in warm, accessible prose. Retold by Samantha Newman and illustrated by Ceej Rowland, this paperback box set trades archaic verse for clear, engaging storytelling that still captures the wit, drama, and heart of the originals. Perfect for ages 6 and up, it's an inviting introduction to tragedy, comedy, and romance alike, ideal for family read-aloud time, classroom libraries, or independent young readers ready to meet Puck, the witches of Macbeth, and star-crossed Romeo and Juliet.

About the Books
This sixteen-book collection gathers Shakespeare's most enduring stories into one beautifully packaged paperback set, giving children a gentle first encounter with the world's most famous playwright. Samantha Newman's retellings simplify the language and streamline the plots while keeping many of Shakespeare's own memorable turns of phrase intact, so young readers absorb the flavor of the originals without getting lost in Elizabethan English. Each slim volume focuses on a single play, making the stories easy to read in one sitting or spread across several bedtime chapters. From the fairy mischief of A Midsummer Night's Dream to the tragic ambition of Macbeth and the aching romance of Romeo and Juliet, the set spans comedies, tragedies, and romances, giving children a genuine feel for the range of Shakespeare's imagination. Ceej Rowland's artwork adds warmth and humor throughout, helping younger readers follow unfamiliar settings, costumes, and characters. Because each title stands alone, children can start with whichever story catches their eye rather than reading in strict order, building confidence at their own pace. Teachers and parents will find the set useful for introducing Shakespeare well before the plays appear on a school syllabus, planting familiarity that makes secondary-school English class less intimidating. This Shakespeare collection is one of the most ambitious entries in the Arcturus Retold Classics series, distilling sixteen full-length plays into a manageable shelf of books.

Key Benefits

• Sixteen of Shakespeare's best-loved plays retold in clear, age-appropriate language for ages 6 and up
• Charming illustrations throughout bring characters, settings, and drama to life for young readers
• Retains many of Shakespeare's own famous phrases, easing the transition to the original texts later on
• Compact paperback volumes are perfect for independent reading, read-aloud sessions, or classroom libraries
• Covers comedies, tragedies, and romances, giving children a well-rounded introduction to Shakespeare's range
• A thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school reading that builds a lifelong love of classic literature

Book-by-Book Guide
A Midsummer Night's Dream — A moonlit forest of fairy mischief, mistaken love potions, and Puck's playful tricks makes for a delightfully funny introduction to Shakespearean comedy.
Romeo and Juliet — The timeless story of two young lovers from feuding families is retold with warmth and clarity, keeping its heartbreak and beauty intact for younger readers.
King Lear — An aging king's decision to divide his kingdom among his daughters unravels into a moving lesson about pride, loyalty, and the cost of flattery.
Macbeth — Three mysterious witches and a prophecy of power set a brave soldier on a dark path, retold here with just enough shadow to thrill without overwhelming young readers.
Hamlet — A prince's quest to uncover the truth behind his father's death is simplified into a gripping tale of grief, duty, and courage.
The Winter's Tale — Jealousy nearly destroys a royal family before time, forgiveness, and a surprising reunion restore what was lost.
The Tempest — A shipwreck on an enchanted island brings magic, mischief, and reconciliation together in one of Shakespeare's most imaginative stories.
Othello — A tale of trust and betrayal among soldiers and friends is retold with care, highlighting the danger of jealousy and misplaced suspicion.
Much Ado About Nothing — Witty banter, mistaken identities, and a pair of reluctant lovers make this retelling one of the liveliest comedies in the set.
The Comedy of Errors — Two sets of mistaken twins cause a day of hilarious confusion in one of Shakespeare's fastest-paced and funniest comedies.
Love's Labour's Lost — A group of friends who vow to avoid romance find their resolve tested in a lighthearted story full of banter and charm.
The Merchant of Venice — A tale of friendship, fairness, and a daring court case explores mercy and justice in terms young readers can follow and discuss.
As You Like It — A princess disguised as a shepherd boy navigates the Forest of Arden in a cheerful comedy of mistaken identity and true love.
Twelfth Night — A shipwrecked girl disguises herself as a young man in this warm, funny story of mistaken identity and unexpected romance.
All's Well That Ends Well — A determined young woman sets out to win the heart of a reluctant nobleman in this hopeful tale of persistence and love.
Antony and Cleopatra — The passionate and turbulent relationship between a Roman general and the Queen of Egypt is retold with drama fit for young imaginations.

About the Author
Samantha Newman is a children's author known for retelling classic literature in accessible language for young readers, including titles in the Arcturus Retold Classics series. Her adaptations preserve the spirit, humor, and emotional depth of the original works while making them approachable for children encountering these stories for the first time. William Shakespeare (1564-1616), whose plays form the basis of this collection, remains the most widely read and performed playwright in the English language, and his enduring tales of love, ambition, and human nature continue to captivate readers of every age.

Why You'll Love This Collection
This charming box set makes Shakespeare fun, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable for young readers of all kinds. Perfect as a birthday gift, holiday present, classroom library addition, or summer reading pick, it introduces children to sixteen timeless stories they'll treasure and remember long after the final page is turned.

Please Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.