LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
Book Band: Dark Red (Ideal for ages 10+)
Having read The Tempest as a pupil and taught it to KS2 pupils, I wish we had had this as an introduction. It is beautifully retold, with just the right amount of traditional language to make the young reader feel they are truly tackling Shakespeare.
From the very beginning, the writing is atmospheric and descriptive. Ariel immediately gets the reader drawn in, filling them in on the plot so far and making them part of the evolving story. The characters are richly described, and the complex plots carefully explained. There are so many elements to this story, the love story between Miranda and Ferdinand and the murderous plots of their parents. It is also a story of revenge, trickery, and magic.
By including the reader in the story, by such questions as ‘do you know what is? Do you remember, and have you ever wondered’ the writer manages to pull the reader in as a conspirator. This is cleverly and successfully done.
Ariel’s mischievous character makes the story fun and lively. The tricks played on Trinculo and Stephano and the way the invisibility cloak is used are all themes that appeal to children. Despite it being a fun and exciting piece of writing the author also manages to write about the feelings of the characters in addition to writing so descriptively.
There is so much to discuss and to develop into further reading and writing tasks. There is a lot more here than just a good story.
Rosie Watch
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About
The Tempest: A Bloomsbury Reader Synopsis
A year has passed since Ariel's storm brought a shipwreck to the magical island. Now freed from slavery, Ariel returns to the island and remembers the events of that fateful day. The day that love blossomed, fools were exposed, and traitors were brought to justice.
Franzeska G. Ewart's imaginative recreation of The Tempest by William Shakespeare has beautiful black-and-white illustrations by David Wyatt and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.
About This Edition
Press Reviews
Franzeska G. Ewart Press Reviews
'Patrice Lawrence, Tony Bradman, Margaret Mahy [...] any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed.' - Books for Keeps on the series
Author
About Franzeska G. Ewart
Franzeska was born in Galloway. She worked for a while as a medical researcher before becoming a teacher. She has taught in Pakistan and is interested in how bilingual children learn English. She now lives in Renfrewshire with her partner.
In her spare time she enjoys gardening, walking, cycling, painting and writing.
More About Franzeska G. Ewart
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The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with brilliant books to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2, with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence covering a wide range of genres and topics.
With charming illustrations, ideas for discussion points and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home.
Find more information on the Bloomsbury Readers Scheme.