The Boy And The Globe

Young Toby is down on his luck. His parents have died and he has been trying to survive on the streets of Tudor London. A resourceful youth, he seeks out Moll Cut-Purse in a bid to become a member of her gang of nippers, dippers and cut-purses. It's a dangerous life, but better than being alone! Carried away by watching a play at the Globe, Toby gets caught in possession of someone else's purse and finds himself face to face with the great Shakespeare himself - a Shakespeare who is struggling for inspiration. So begins a new phase in Toby's life. Combining Barrington Stoke's trademark dyslexia-friendly font and tinted paper with a fun story line and great illustrations, this is a good read for everyone! The book is full of engaging, likeable characters from Moll Cut-Purse, Queen of London's thieves and pick pockets to the gloomy, self-doubting Shakespeare. Tony Bradman manages to convey a feeling for Tudor London, the world of the Globe and Shakespeare's life. He also manages to introduce the reader to the language, plots and history behind some of Shakespeare's plays as part of the plot! The epilogue makes sure the reader knows what happened to Shakespeare, the Globe and introduces the reader to the idea of the First Folio, put together in 1616 after Shakespeare's death by two fellow actors, John Heminge and Henry Condell and published in 1623. All the details are included alongside Toby's story and we are left wondering whether he and his wife, Sarah, will name their first child, Will. In 'Act II: Funne Activities for Boyes & Girls', there are plenty of engaging activities to continue and develop interest in the life and work of Shakespeare, including making puppets and downloading a model of the Globe from the Barrington Stoke website. A great introduction to Shakespeare! 192 pages / Ages 7+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 7+