William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

by The Shakespeare Globe Trust, Georghia Ellinas, Jane Ray (Illustrator)

Overview

The Bard’s classic comedy of mistaken identities is given a captivating retelling in a picture book splendidly illustrated by Jane Ray.

Travel to the far-off kingdom of Illyria as Shakespeare’s Globe introduces young readers to the Bard’s treasured comedy of shipwrecked twins, disguises, mistaken identities, and unrequited love. Narrated by Feste the Fool and showcasing Jane Ray’s exquisitely detailed illustrations, this presentation of the classic comedy is the third in a series of adaptations inviting children to experience well-loved works by the world’s preeminent playwright.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536231502
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.56(w) x 12.13(h) x 0.35(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Shakespeare’s Globe in London is inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of its iconic theaters. Its diverse program of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

Georghia Ellinas, a former English teacher, has focused on working with teachers across the UK and the world for the last thirty years. She has written several books about teaching Shakespeare and, in her role as head of learning at Shakespeare's Globe, was responsible for creating programs to make Shakespeare accessible and relevant to children of all ages. She has retold Shakespeare’s The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, also illustrated by Jane Ray. Georghia Ellinas lives in the south of England.

Jane Ray, one of the world’s foremost contemporary children’s book illustrators, has been nominated six times for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Her many books include Hummingbird by Nicola Davies as well as The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, both retold by Georghia Ellinas. Jane Ray lives in London.

Editorial Reviews

This genial introduction to the play is a good choice for young theatergoers but is also a fine picture book in its own right, maximizing the theatrical nature of picture books. The watercolor illustrations in jewellike colors and energetic compositions are reminiscent of the work of Tomie dePaola, and the casual diversity of the characters is a welcome touch.
—The Horn Book

Ellinas undertakes the daunting task of retelling Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night within the confines of a picture book and succeeds beautifully, her text illustrated and expanded by Ray’s lovely watercolor pictures. . . . Ellinas’ charming retelling is a good introduction for young readers.
—Booklist (starred review)

A straightforward adaptation with appealing illustrations.
—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2024-05-31
Ellinas introduces young readers to the characters and key plot points of a beloved Shakespearean comedy.

Feste the Fool tells the story of Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, who are separated after a shipwreck. To stay safe, Viola disguises herself as a man called Cesario. She’s hired by Duke Orsino to convey his passionate messages to the grieving Countess Olivia. Cesario falls in love with Orsino, while Olivia falls for Cesario. Secondary characters and plotlines all get their due, including Sir Toby and Maria’s plot against Malvolio. As in the play, Sebastian eventually returns, all confusions are resolved, Viola drops her Cesario persona, and nearly everyone pairs off happily. Watercolor illustrations depict period-appropriate costumes and settings, with characters theatrically facing readers. Most characters have pale or tan skin; Olivia has brown skin and tight curls, and Orsino is tan with wavy black hair. Feste’s first-person narration is prescriptive, leaving little room for readers’ own interpretations, and while young people will get a firm sense of the story, they may not be all that engaged. Though the pervasive theme of fools and foolery is an obvious one, framing anyone who “did not see through Cesario’s disguise” as foolish is a missed opportunity for a queerer reading of the Orsino/Cesario/Olivia love triangle.

A straightforward adaptation with appealing illustrations but lacking in emotional resonance.(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews