(3) K-3 Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Clear prose and a pared-down plot make this picture book retelling of one of Shakespeare's last plays--the story of a jealousy-crazed king--easy to follow for young audiences. Coville's incorporation of quotes from the play helps retain the flavor of the original language. Jewel-tone paintings tinged with golden hues reflect the light and shadows of the story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Laurel Long. Mary Mapes Dodge's classic tale is here adapted for a picture book audience. Hans and his sister prepare for an ice skating race while Hans tries to solve the puzzle of a mysterious watch. The book's highlight is Long's glowing oil paintings, which are equally effective in illustrating Holland's snowy, glittering landscape and the story's warmer, more intimate family moments.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Leonid Gore. If readers must have Hamlet as prose before they tackle the Bard's challenging poetry, this picture book version is accessible and expertly told. Coville employs rich and elegant language in his retelling, remains faithful to the original plot and characters, and smoothly incorporates lines from the play. The textured illustrations create an atmosphere as brooding as the prince.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tim Raglin. This prose retelling of Shakespeare's romantic comedy of mistaken identities provides young readers with a shorter and simpler version of one of the bard's most popular plays. The text, which retains snippets of the original language, is sprightly enough to keep pace with the many plot twists and turns. Colored pen-and-ink drawings ably interpret the spirited goings-on.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute