Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children 16 Books Collection Set - Ages 5+ - 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

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781398815247

Overview:
Shakespeare's Tales Retold for Children: 16-Book Box Set brings the Bard's timeless stories to a younger generation with wit and panache. Samantha Newman has reimagined the original plays in clear, approachable prose that preserves many of Shakespeare's own turns of phrase while gently clarifying plots and language for early readers. The accompanying illustrations by Ceej Rowland illuminate pivotal moments, helping children visually connect with character, setting, and emotion. This boxed collection is designed for children aged 7 and up, making it ideal for shared reading at home, classroom storytelling, or independent reading in a cozy reading corner. The 16-book set introduces a broad sampling of Shakespeare’s most beloved works, from sparkling comedies to thought-provoking tragedies and the magical dreamscape of a midsummer night. With its accessible format and lively artwork, the box set invites curious minds to discover, revisit, and fall in love with classic literature. It’s a substantive starter library that grows with a child’s reading journey.

What This Collection Covers:
This collection curves Shakespeare’s repertoire into a coherent, age-appropriate reading experience. It blends comic mischief with timeless drama, offering both lighthearted titles and more serious tales in a way that respects young readers’ developing comprehension. Across the set, themes of love, loyalty, ambition, jealousy, forgiveness, and resilience emerge through approachable narratives and clear plotting. The box set format supportively groups familiar stories together, creating a natural bridge from picture-book storytelling to longer middle-grade reads. Readers gain exposure to a range of character types, settings—from courtly gardens to bustling towns—and dramatic devices like mistaken identity, disguise, and clever wordplay. The overall effect is a curated introduction to Shakespeare that encourages independent reading while providing ample opportunities for discussion, comprehension checks, and guided storytelling in school or at home.

Book-by-Book Guide:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
A magical fairytale of love, mischief, and mistaken identity that glows with cheeky wit and playful imagination today.

Romeo and Juliet
Two young lovers navigate family feuds and fate, with vivid scenes of courage, devotion, and timeless romance together.

King Lear
An ageing king's flight from pride teaches humility, loyalty, and the price of misjudged power in a storm.

Macbeth
A restless thane seeks power, then confronts guilt and spectral signs in a dark, cautionary tale for readers.

Hamlet
A prince confronts questions of duty, revenge, and mortality while watching friends and foes twist over truth itself.

The Winter's Tale
A tale of jealousy and joy, where time heals misunderstandings and friendship proves stronger than fear and trust.

The Tempest
Shipwreck and magic collide as forgiveness and new beginnings unfold on a wind-swept island of wonders for all.

Othello
A tale of jealousy and manipulation, retold to illuminate trust, resilience, and the danger of misreading motives cleverly.

Much Ado About Nothing
Two couples spark wit and misunderstandings in a sunny comedy about trust, friendship, and honest yet humorous schemes.

The Comedy of Errors
Mistaken twins, mistaken identities, and a bustling market collide in a fast-paced romp filled with slapstick charm throughout.

Love's Labour's Lost
A merry foray into romance and wit, where lessons about love, friendship, and humility emerge playfully for young readers.

The Merchant of Venice
A tale of mercy, justice, and choices, retold to provoke empathy while keeping themes accessible for children today.

As You Like It
A forest escape invites disguise, friendship, and self-discovery, turning complex ideas into playful adventures and generous humor everywhere.

Twelfth Night
A shipwrecked village reveals mistaken identities, resilient friendships, and heartfelt affection under sparkling, witty social mischief and music.

All's Well That Ends Well
A story about resilience and second chances, retold to explore courage, kindness, and personal growth for young readers.

Antony and Cleopatra
Epic ambition and intimate loyalty intertwine, offering lessons on leadership, love, and the costs of power for all.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This box set is an ideal gateway to Shakespeare for families and classrooms alike. It suits children who are beginning to explore classic literature and enjoy vivid illustrations, ages roughly 7 and up. It’s a thoughtful gift for parents introducing their children to theatre, for teachers building a Shakespeare-friendly reading program, and for book lovers who want a curated, durable library starter. The collection fosters confident reading, supports discussion of big ideas, and provides approachable entry points to dialogue about character, motive, and choice. It also serves as a dependable cornerstone for school bundles, home libraries, or classroom reading circles where accessible language meets rich storytelling.

Key Benefits:

• Accessible retellings that preserve Shakespearean wit while simplifying plots for younger readers
• Cozy, illustrated pages that sustain engagement and support visual learners
• Comprehensive introduction to a breadth of plays in one durable box set
• Ideal for shared reading, independent reading, and classroom activities
• Great for gifting and building a lasting home library
• Part of the Arcturus Retold Classics series, with a trusted format for young readers

About the Author:
Samantha Newman is a children's author renowned for witty, accessible retellings of classic tales, bringing familiar narratives to a younger audience with clarity and charm. Her collaboration with illustrator Ceej Rowland results in lively, engaging spreads that animate iconic scenes while preserving the spirit of the originals. The box set places their work within the celebrated Arcturus Retold Classics program, which aims to make timeless literature inviting for readers ages 7 and up. Newman’s knack for balancing humor, pacing, and understandable language helps early readers enjoy the drama and wonder of Shakespeare, while Rowland’s energetic illustrations provide a steady visual anchor that supports comprehension and enthusiasm for reading. Together, they offer a dependable, kid-friendly entry into the world of theatre and literature.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This 16-book box set is more than a collection; it’s a purposeful reading journey. It consolidates a wide range of Shakespeare’s work into one accessible, beautifully produced package, making it easier to build reading confidence and a lifelong love of classic literature. The combination of Newman’s clear retellings and Rowland’s expressive art invites discussion, sparks curiosity about language and storytelling, and creates a shared family or classroom experience. If you’re seeking a collectible, educational, and entertaining way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare, this set delivers depth, context, and enjoyment in equal measure.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.