The Illustrated William Shakespeare: 25 Essential Poems

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

Dazzling and vivid, this collection includes twenty-five of William Shakespeare's most beloved poems, each illustrated with stunning, full-color collage artwork.

Dazzling and vivid, this collection includes twenty-five of William Shakespeare's most beloved poems, each illustrated with stunning, full-color collage artwork.One of history's most prolific playwrights and poets, William Shakespeare is known throughout the globe for such masterpieces as "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day" "All the world's a stage" and many other famous poems that are included in this collection. Though his works are often intimidating to analyze and understand, this particular volume helps young readers, with brief commentary and helpful definitions, gain better insights with each poem. The Illustrated William Shakespeare is among the most accessible—and beautiful—introductions to William Shakespeare available.Excerpt rom the Introduction:1: Enjoy the poems. This seems far more important than trying to puzzle out what the author meant (or what other people believe the author meant).2: Engage with the poems by asking questions….3: Be your own boss. Read the poems in order or jump around as you see fit. Share them or savor them all by yourself. Say them aloud or whisper their words in your heart.Poetry makes life better. There is NO wrong way to experience a poem. So, read on, dear friend. And thank you for choosing poetry.

About the Author

Ryan G. Van Cleave wrote his first poem at age five, and he's been writing, reading, and loving poetry ever since. He earned a PhD in American literature with an emphasis in poetry and has taught at numerous colleges and universities. Currently, he runs the creative writing major at Ringling College of Art and Design. As The Picture Book Whisperer, he helps celebrities and high-profile clients write picture books and kidlit projects.