Review: Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk by Jane Sutcliffe (Illustrated by John Shelley)

Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk is a beautifully crafted book for children up to about 10 years old. Sutcliffe writes about Shakespeare, his life, his works, and most importantly, his words in a way that is both educational and engaging.

Sutcliffe begins by trying to use her own words to discuss Shakespeare, the Globe Theater and a little bit of London's history, but she quickly finds Will's words cropping up. She decides there are no better words to use than those of the man himself--William Shakespeare. The book alternates between a bit of history using those words or phrases created by Shakespeare and definitions of those phrases complete with the plays they originate in.

Let me also say Shelley's illustrations are fabulous. I found myself getting lost in London, looking at the people, the buildings, the birds.

I believe this book works on a lot of levels, most importantly as an early introduction to the works of Shakespeare and an understanding of the human link to history. Everything comes from somewhere and understanding where these everyday phrases and words originate will put the children who read it on a path towards deeper understanding of history and their place in this world.

I also greatly appreciate that Sutcliffe includes an accurate bibliography in the book, thus exposing children to actual literary and historical scholarship.

Well done!

Will's Words is expected to be published by Charlesbridge in March 2016. Mark your calendars!
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.