Much Ado About Nothing for Kids
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Much Ado About Nothing for Kids
Much Ado About Nothing for Kids Much Ado About Nothing for Kids

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Publisher: Firefly Books

Author Statement: Lois Burdett ; foreword by Denzel Washington
Series Name: Shakespeare Can Be Fun!
Audience: Juvenile
Age range lower: 7
Age range upper: 10
Specs: full color illustrations throughout
Pages: 64
Trim Size: 7 1/4" x 9 1/4"
Language code 1: eng
Publication Date: 20020302
Price: Select Below

Much Ado About Nothing for Kids

Retelling of the classic play written in rhyming couplets and accompanied with unedited writings and art by children to help narrate every page of the book.

"What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" These famous lines from Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing delightfully show the verbal sparring between the reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedick who are happily brought together at the end by the schemes of their friends. And, no story is complete without at least one evil character, Don John, who unsuccessfully tries to tear apart the wedding plans of Hero and Claudio, the other lovers in this sparkling tale.

Written in rhyming couplets, Much Ado About Nothing, the eighth book in this successful series, captures all the exciting elements of the original story, and is truly a delightful read for both adult and child.

Lois Burdett has been a teacher at Hamlet Public School in Stratford, Ontario, for over twenty years and her expertise in bringing Shakespeare to life for children as young as seven is reflected in the children's clever insights and wonderful drawings which complement the play.

Her success has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for workshops as far afield as Europe and Australia where she instructs educators on how they too can familiarize young children with Shakespeare.

From the Foreword by Denzel Washington

"[Lois Burdett's] delightfully entertaining text is complemented by her students' thoughtful interpretations and charming artwork which make Much Ado About Nothing come alive in a whole new way."

Bio:

Lois Burdett has received many commendations for her work including Encyclopedia Britannica's National Award for Early Childhood Education, Canada's Meritorious Service Medal, the Canadian Teachers' Federation's Hilroy Fellowship and two writers' awards. Her many speaking engagements have included the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Lois Burdett has given children a gift to last a lifetime.

Excerpt:

Beatrice approached, with Claudio by the hand,
"I've brought the Count, as was your command."
Don Pedro inquired, "My friend, why are you sad?
What's wrong with you, Claudio? Are you sick, my lad?"
But this faulty notion, Beatrice tried to dispel,
"The Count is neither sad, nor sick, nor merry, nor well.
He's jealous and thinks you tricked him, my lord!"
"Claudio, your beliefs are false!" the Prince deplored.
"I have wooed in thy name and fair Hero is won,
Her father has consented. Now my job is done."
Then Leonato arrived with Hero by his side.
"Count Claudio, take my sweet daughter for your bride."
The young man was speechless and knew not what to do.
"Speak, Count!" urged Beatrice, "Tis your cue!"
Claudio stammered, "Dear Hero, my heart soars."
He promised, "Lady, as you are mine, I am yours!"
Beatrice prompted Hero, "Speak cousin, or, if you cannot,
Stop his mouth with a kiss. Give it your best shot!"
Any thoughts of betrayal they would now replace,
And soon the two were locked in a loving embrace.
Don Pedro chuckled, "Beatrice, you have a merry heart!"
Beatrice confided, "It keeps sorrow apart!
Everyone in the world has a mate but I.
Good Lord, send me a husband, by and by.!"
The Prince interrupted with his own plea,
"I will get you one. How about me?"
"No, my lord, I was born to speak all mirth and jest."
Don Pedro laughed, "Being merry suits you best."

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