Shakespeare's Tales: The Merchant of Venice

By Samantha Newman and Ceej Rowland

A young man named Antonio borrows money from a merchant of Venice named Shylock, so that he can court a fine lady he wishes to marry. When Antonio is late to repay his debt, Shylock has him arrested and demands that a terrible price must be paid...

This thrilling tale 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: 9781398818187

Book preview

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The Merchant of Venice

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

Once upon a time, there was a merchant named Antonio who lived in the Italian city of Venice. He had a big fleet of ships that he sent all over the world to sell his wares. He was a popular man, along with his three best friends Lorenzo, Graziano, and Bassanio, and he liked to take thrilling risks.

One day, he took the biggest risk of all and sent out his entire fleet at once, holding all of the stock he owned. If the risk paid off, he would be rich, but the sea was dangerous. A storm could sink all of his ships, or pirates could attack them.

Antonio stood nervously on the docks every day waiting to hear news of his ships. Lorenzo, Graziano, and Bassanio took turns to go with him and take his mind off his worries by making him laugh.

One day, Antonio noticed that Bassanio seemed distracted. What’s wrong? he asked.

It’s nothing, Bassanio said. I know you have money troubles of your own.

Tell me, said Antonio. "You