Yesterday was Shakespeare Day, so this week’s books all celebrate The Bard, with brilliant reimaginings of his works and inspirations.
For our youngest readers, I have chosen A Midsummer Night’s Drama by Louis Stowell, illustrated by Isobel Lundie, a warm, witty picture book that will strike a chord with children and parents alike.
Bill the Bear is a playwright with big ideas and an even bigger imagination. Living happily with his friends in the woods, Bill’s latest play is a roaring success at The Glade Theatre – but once bedtime arrives, all that excitement refuses to fade. What follows is a gently comic look at the whirlwind of thoughts, worries and ideas that can make settling down to sleep such a challenge.
This story is perfectly pitched for young children, with playful language, expressive illustrations and a reassuring bedtime arc. Parents will instantly recognise the familiar drama of trying to coax an over‑stimulated child into dreamland, while children will delight in Bill’s theatrical world.
A lovely choice for bedtime sharing, this is a comforting, funny read for little storytellers and budding bards.
Next, for Year 3 and 4 readers, I’ve picked Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Stinky Stolen Toenails by Kaz Penney, illustrated by Sammy Elgie, a brilliantly funny reimagining of the Bard’s childhood that is absolutely fizzing with mischief and sharp wit.
We meet a young Will Shakespeare long before he was a literary icon; here, he’s just a lad in a turnip-load of trouble trying to avoid his chores and navigate the muddy, stinky streets of Tudor England.
The story is incredibly clever in how it introduces people who may have inspired some of the world’s most famous stage characters. Seeing Ronaldo and Judy through the eyes of a frustrated young Will is a total joy, and the mystery of Henry VIII’s stolen toenail clippings provides exactly the kind of gross-out humour that middle-grade readers find irresistible.
The illustrations by debut talent Sammy Elgie are scattered throughout and really bring Will’s chaotic world to life. It’s fast-paced, irreverent, and manages to make history feel wonderfully accessible and ridiculous. A fantastic addition to any classroom bookshelf!
And finally for Year 5 & 6, I’ve chosen The Last Bard by Maz Evans, a thoughtful, funny and ultimately hopeful children’s novel that blends real emotion with a touch of literary magic.
Will Davenant’s life has been shaped more by sadness than joy, so inheriting his grandfather’s battered copy of The Complete Works of Shakespeare is the last thing he expects to change anything. But this is no ordinary book. When Will discovers his extraordinary family connection to William Shakespeare himself, he unlocks the ability to summon some of the Bard’s most famous characters straight from the page – and suddenly, he’s not facing life alone.
Maz Evans brings her trademark humour and warmth to this standalone story, while also handling themes of grief, identity and belonging with real sensitivity. The Shakespearean characters are introduced in an accessible, amusing way that never feels intimidating, making this a brilliant bridge into classic literature for younger readers.
Balanced with laughter, heart and moments of poignancy, The Last Bard is a reassuring read that shows how stories can help us make sense of the world. A fantastic choice for confident readers in upper Key Stage 2 and a real treat for adults sharing alongside.
Happy reading!
