Shakespeare: Three Stories

Although this book is out-of-print, taking the trouble to find it will be worth it. Charles Lamb gives concise summaries of the plots of three Shakespearean plays: Romeo & Juliet, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. There are a few big words, so it is best to read this book along with children, but the stories are short and exciting enough to hold attention. In addition, the illustrations by Judy Mastrangelo are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Shakespeare himself would have been proud.