Reviews
Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk by John Shelley, Jane Sutcliffe
sandraagee's review against another edition
3.0
This is actually a fairly interesting and informative read for children about play-going and the Globe Theater during Shakespeare's time. The way that it incorporates words and phrases popularized by Shakespeare makes it even more interesting. My only complaint - and unfortunately it's kind of a big one - is that there are no actual quotes from Shakespeare's plays to give these words context. The play, act, and scene are all cited and a basic description of the plot and how the words are used is given, but I'd really like to also see the actual phrasing so that we can really appreciate the language and the way it is used.
carstensena's review against another edition
4.0
What a clever book. I especially liked the way it took the reader through the the experience of attending the Globe theater even as it explained the expressions that originated in Shakespeare's plays.
jillyd's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful way to introduce children to Shakespeare and teach them how many of the words and phrases we use today can be attributed back to The Bard. The illustrations were well done also. I'd recommend this one to readers of all ages.
iluvbooks13's review against another edition
5.0
The format of this book is terrific! It is written as the story of William Shakespeare and how his plays became so popular, but every page uses two or three words that Shakespeare made more popular. These words are defined in a separate text box, along with descriptions of how the word has changed in meaning over time and what play it was used in. A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare!
muddypuddle's review against another edition
5.0
This is more than a book that tells about how many of our everyday word choices and combinations were originally penned by W. S. There are wonderful explanations included for each and the opportunity to read them in context, which is more-than-excellent. It also tells of the times, of the theater, of how it all "worked." You learn lots! And the illustrations are a blast - there's so much to take in as you look and look at the details. Great timeline and bibliography included as well.
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
joshrskinner's review against another edition
4.0
I do not think there is anything to dislike about this book. It is interesting and informative. It is beautifully illustrated. This book will be a welcome addition to any library (public or personal) and I will be working it into our Shakespeare curriculum this coming year. Great for kids, but adults will enjoy it as well. I look forward to seeing my kids interact with it for a long time.
Great book!
I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Great book!
I received a review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
dabieyo's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very simple read but also a really interesting one! The art-work was amazing and the final note of the author made me tear up a bit!
I kindly received this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I kindly received this book from its publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
calistareads's review against another edition
5.0
This book gives a fun little history of the London plays and what life was like back then. It is also telling us phrases that Will either gave us or immortalized. "Wild-Goose Chase" "Too much of a good thing" These all came from Shakespeare.
The art is lovely and gives the feeling of excitement and crowds. There are so many people in this book.
It's a nice introduction into Will and the world of plays. My niece did enjoy it.
The art is lovely and gives the feeling of excitement and crowds. There are so many people in this book.
It's a nice introduction into Will and the world of plays. My niece did enjoy it.
alyssaarch's review against another edition
5.0
Will’s Words is a cute picture book that delves into the history of theater in England, especially looking at how plays were put on when William Shakespeare was writing. On the side, the author takes out some of the phrases and words used in the historical narrative to give more detail about how Shakespeare used them, and in what plays. The particular words and phrases she highlights are ones that either Shakespeare invented or made popular.
I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are bright and friendly, and it gives an incredibly accurate and interesting narrative about theater and England while still being approachable for new and young readers. I even think that this could be used in a lesson about theater in England, or as a book for students to peruse once they start learning about Shakespeare and his works. I especially love the add-ons in the back that include a timeline of Shakespeare’s life and a bibliography.
Definitely get this for the language-loving kid in your life — it’s a wonderful non-fiction picture book that I will certainly be gifting to baby cousins and nieces and nephews this Christmas.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.
I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are bright and friendly, and it gives an incredibly accurate and interesting narrative about theater and England while still being approachable for new and young readers. I even think that this could be used in a lesson about theater in England, or as a book for students to peruse once they start learning about Shakespeare and his works. I especially love the add-ons in the back that include a timeline of Shakespeare’s life and a bibliography.
Definitely get this for the language-loving kid in your life — it’s a wonderful non-fiction picture book that I will certainly be gifting to baby cousins and nieces and nephews this Christmas.
Also posted on Purple People Readers.