Shakespeare's Tales: Hamlet

By Samantha Newman and Ceej Rowland

Prince Hamlet's father is dead. Hamlet believes he was murdered, and that he knows the culprit. The only problem is it's his uncle, the new king - and Hamlet has no proof.

This striking tragedy has been retold and adapted with new illustrations, making it perfect for younger readers. Adapted by Samantha Newman, it will enthral young readers of 7+.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Shakespeare's Tales brings the Bard's timeless stories to life for a younger generation, with wit and panache. Samantha Newman's cleverly reworked text retains many of Shakespeare's own inimitable turns of phrase, while simplifying and clarifying the language and plots to make stories accessible to children. Perfect for children aged 7+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398818095

Book preview

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Hamlet

A William Shakespeare Tale

Retold by Sam Newman

Illustrated by Ceej Rowland

Note to Parents

Shakespeare’s plays sometimes contain difficult themes. We have handled these sensitively, but would recommend that younger children in particular read the stories aloud with a trusted adult, so that they can discuss anything that causes them concern.

Titles in This Series:

1. The Comedy of Errors

2. Love’s Labour’s Lost

3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream

4. Romeo and Juliet

5. The Merchant of Venice

6. Much Ado About Nothing

7. As You Like It

8. Hamlet

9. Twelfth Night

10. Othello

11. All’s Well That Ends Well

12. King Lear

13. Macbeth

14. Antony and Cleopatra

15. The Winter’s Tale

16. The Tempest

Contents

Act One

Act Two

Act Three

Act Four

Act Five

Act One

A long time ago, the kingdom of Denmark was ruled by a good and kind king. He was honest, brave, and beloved by his people because he had brought peace to the land. It was a great shock to everyone when he was found dead one afternoon in the royal apple orchard.

Hamlet, your father died peacefully, said Queen Gertrude. We all miss him, but I will try to be a good ruler in his place.

Hamlet mourned his father, and put up a magnificent statue of him. He was visiting it with his mother just a few weeks later, when he received a further shock.

My son, I have some news, said Queen Gertrude. I am going to marry again. My husband will be Claudius.

Claudius? cried Hamlet. My uncle? My father’s brother?

I know you’re upset, but I think it’s the right thing to do, said Queen Gertrude.

Hamlet shook his head and gazed again at the statue of