Reviews
Shakespeare's Zoo (Volume 1) is a clever and fantastically illustrated collection of the Bard's best observations on the subtle, and at times human, traits of animals both great and small. Children will love the vibrant and rich illustrations, while parents and teachers will welcome the chance to introduce the beauty of language in a simple yet wonderful way. I can see children enjoying spin-off projects, using animal quotes from other great writers.
Shakespeare's Complete Paragon: The author is also the artist who created these amazing and beautiful paintings of animals, here collected from various other books. A beautiful and arresting cover that combines great illustration with custom lettering for a unique effect. |
|
The children’s book "Shakespeare’s Complete Paragon" is exquisitely designed by Laudea Martin to teach many lessons and enchant a wide audience. It shows the relationship between art and text. It also builds appreciation for the paragon of animals. Above all, we can sample and meditate on the meaning behind the Bard’s words. "Shakespeare’s Complete Paragon" is a suggested classroom aid for grade 3 and up. Teachers could use this colorful book to improve writing techniques, such as using similes and metaphors or even using it to discuss the concept of inspiration. They could begin by asking: What can you see in the picture? How does it relate to the text? What was the writer trying to say by using the simile of this animal? Teacher preparation could include having the context of each Shakespearean quote ready to hand, on a kindle for instance, and reading the folk-lore of Shakespeare to gain a better understanding of the symbolism of each animal.
But there are further applications of this wonderful book. Imagine your two-year old wishes you to teach him all the animals for the 100th time. You have pronounced e-le-phant so many times that you wonder if it is really a word or not. Enter "Shakespeare’s Complete Paragon" to stimulate your intellect with classic literary texts and appease your two-year old. This could also be used as a game for adults or those studying Shakespeare. You could show the picture and the text, but hide the Shakespeare play it was sourced from. Whoever guesses the source wins. As you can see, owning this beautifully illustrated book has many benefits. "Shakespeare’s Complete Paragon" definitely deserves a place on your shelf.
