.jpg)
First sentence: Dear Reader: We have to talk. I have failed you. I set out to write a book about the Globe Theatre and its great storyteller, William Shakespeare. About how the man was an absolute genius with words and wove those words into the most brilliant and moving plays ever written. But that's just the trouble. You see, I wanted to tell you the story in my own words. But Will Shakespeare's words are there, too, popping up all over the place. It's not my fault. Really. Will's words are everywhere. They're bumping into our words all the time, and we don't even know it.
Premise/plot: Sutcliffe's picture book for older readers does a great job introducing readers to the sixteenth century theatre. And her emphasis on "Will's Words" shows the relevance Shakespeare still has in today's world. It is part narrative. But on each spread, she focuses on words--phrases--Shakespeare either invented himself (coined) OR kept alive (sustained) through the longevity of his plays. She uses the word or phrase in her narrative, and then explains it. Each word is explained and/or defined. Sometimes this includes "what it meant then, what it means now." But she also always includes: WHERE it came from--which play, which act, which scene.
Words include:
- for goodness' sake
- what's done is done
- too much of a good thing
- outbreak
- excitement
- of a sudden
- wild goose chase
- fashionable
- money's worth
- hurry
- with bated breath
- a sorry sight
- heart's content
- well behaved
- send him packing
- good riddance
- love letter
- laugh oneself into stitches
- foul play
- make your hair stand on end
- cold-blooded
- hot-blooded
- bloodstained
- dead as a doornail
- seen better days
- into thin air
- amazement
- the short and long of it
- not budge an inch
- eaten out of house and home
- green-eyed monster
- household words
My thoughts: I really loved this one. It is for older readers. I don't think the typical preschooler is going to care about the word origin of the phrase "dead as a doornail." But for older students (mid-to-upper elementary on up) what a treat!!! Be sure to watch the Horrible Histories music video about Shakespeare!
© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
1 Comments on Will's Words, last added: 12/29/2016
Display Comments
Add a Comment
What a wonderful way to introduce young people to Shakespeare! Through phrases they still hear and use every day.