Romeo and Juliet | Shakespeare for kids

By Jeanette Vigon

Embark on a spellbinding adventure through the cobbled streets of Verona with "Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare for Kids" by Jeanette Vigon. This charming retelling of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, adapted for the young and young at heart, transforms the classic story into an accessible tale of romance and rivalry that captures the essence of the Bard's original drama.

In this beautifully crafted book, the story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, comes to life as they find love in an unexpected place. Their world is one where family names dictate who you should befriend and who you should avoid. But what happens when your heart chooses a path of its own?
Jeanette Vigon weaves a narrative filled with warmth and wit, ensuring that even the youngest readers can grasp the compelling themes of love, conflict, and the consequences of choices. Through fluid prose and lively illustrations, this story portrays the magnetism and innocence of first love, while gently introducing the complex emotions and moral dilemmas that will resonate with readers of all ages.
As Romeo and Juliet defy their feuding families and dare to dream of a life together, children will learn about devotion, bravery, and the importance of communication—a message as vital today as it was in Shakespeare's time.
Perfect for bedtime reading or as an engaging classroom text, "Romeo and Juliet - William Shakespeare for Kids" by Jeanette Vigon promises to enchant with its balance of earnest storytelling and lighthearted moments. It's a captivating introduction to one of literature's greatest love stories, retold with care and creativity for the next generation of dreamers and star-gazers.
Come, be whisked away to a place where ancient feuds can't quench the spirit of youth and love, and discover that even the greatest tales can find new life through the eyes of a child. Add "Romeo and Juliet" to your collection today and let the wonder of Shakespeare inspire your little ones to love, laugh, and live vibrantly!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanette Vigon
• Release date: May 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223036297

Book preview

Romeo and Juliet

SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS

JEANETTE VIGON

Copyright © 2023 Jeanette Vigon

All rights reserved.

This book is a modern adaptation for children of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which is a work in the public domain. While the original story and characters are based on Shakespeare's play, this adaptation includes significant original content tailored for a young audience. These additions include simplified language and reimagined scenes, specifically created to make this timeless tale accessible and engaging for young readers. The intention of this adaptation is to introduce children to the classic story in a manner that respects the essence of Shakespeare's original work, while presenting it in a way that is relatable and understandable for a younger audience.

Contents

Why I wrote this book the way I Did

Introduction

ACT I

Prologue

scene 1

scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

scene 5

ACT II

Prologue

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

Scene 6

ACT III

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

ACT IV

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

ACT V

scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

THE END

The Life of William Shakespeare

About the Author

Afterword

Shakespeare for Kids - Other books in the series

Why I wrote this book the way I Did

When I embarked on the journey of adapting Shakespeare's plays for children, my primary goal was to bridge the gap between the timeless allure of Shakespeare's narratives and the imaginative worlds of young readers. The decision to adapt these plays for children was driven by a desire to introduce them to the richness of literary classics at an early age, fostering a love for literature that could grow with them.

Choosing to maintain the original structure of acts and scenes was a deliberate effort to preserve the integrity and rhythm of Shakespeare's works. This approach not only honors the original compositions but also introduces young readers to the conventions of drama and the beauty of structured storytelling. It was important to me that children experience the plays as they were intended, albeit in a more accessible form.

Incorporating literary language while ensuring it remains engaging and understandable for children was a balancing act. I aimed to simplify the complexity of Shakespeare's language without diluting its power and beauty. By carefully selecting vocabulary and crafting sentences that convey the essence of the original plays, I aspired to captivate young minds and stimulate their intellectual curiosity.

Adapting these plays also involved making thoughtful choices about content, ensuring that themes and scenes were appropriate for a young audience. This required a sensitive approach to storytelling, where the lessons of love, loyalty, betrayal, and justice are presented in a manner that is both educational and entertaining.

In summary, the creation of this book was a labor of love, guided by the belief that Shakespeare's works are not just for adults but for everyone. By adapting these plays for children, I hope to plant the seeds of appreciation for classic literature in the fertile ground of young imaginations, encouraging a lifelong journey of reading, learning, and discovery.

I truly hope you will enjoy reading it, as much as I enjoyed re-writing it.

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting and sometimes topsy-turvy world of Romeo and Juliet, as we whisk you away to the charming city of Verona, where our young heroes' story unfolds. You might think this is just an old tale about love and family feuds, but it's so much more—it's a journey of friendship, bravery, and the lengths we go to for our heart's true desire.

Our story takes place long ago when messages were sent with a quill and ink, not a smartphone, and when sneaking around meant tiptoeing through stone corridors, not just sending secret texts. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Verona, two families, the Capulets and the Montagues, are not getting along—but let's be honest, that's putting it mildly!

In one corner, we have Romeo, a kind-hearted boy from the Montague family, who has a knack for daydreaming and looking at the stars. In the other corner, there's Juliet, a smart and strong-willed girl, who just happens to be a Capulet. And just like oil and water, these two families don't mix well. So, what happens when Romeo and Juliet meet and their hearts dance to the same beat? Well, it's a little like trying to mix a cat and a dog and hoping they'll be best friends.

But don't worry, this isn't a boring history lesson—oh no! We're going to bring some fun and shenanigans into this tale. There will be jokes that make you giggle, secret plans that'll have you on edge, and we might even throw in a little bit of mischief for a good laugh. And of course, there will be some lovey-dovey moments that might just make you say aww.

So grab your comfiest cushion and snuggle down as we dive into Romeo and Juliet in a way that's just right for kids. It's time for sword fights replaced with thumb wars, mushy love poems turned into doodles, and a story that will show us that even when things get super tricky, love and kindness can pave the way for happy surprises!

Are you ready? Then let's join Romeo and Juliet and all their friends (and not-so-friends) as we leap into a story that's been told for ages, but with a twist that's just for you. Here we go!

ACT I

Rose

Prologue

Once upon a time in the sunny city of Verona, two families were very much alike, and they were both very proud. But they did not like each other at all, and their fighting was causing a big mess in the town.

One day, a boy and a girl from each family fell in love, even though they weren't supposed to. It was a sad love story because they were not allowed to be together, and their troubles ended up causing even more sadness for everyone.

Our play is going to tell you all about their adventures and how their families kept on fighting. The story might sound serious, but we're going