A review by alyssaarch
Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk by Jane Sutcliffe

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.