"Who is William Shakespeare?" For more than 20 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up.

A Midsummer Night's Dream for Kids, written in rhyming couplets is suitable for staging as class plays as well as reading aloud.

Lois Burdett's success in introducing Shakespeare to children is reflected in her growing international reputation. Her books and workshops for teachers have captured the attention and imagination of parents, educators, and lovers of Shakespeare around the world, including the American National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association. Among other commendations, Lois Burdett has received Encyclopedia Britannica's National Award for Early Childhood Education, Canada's Meritorious Service Medal, the Canadian Teachers' Federation's Hilroy Fellowship, and two writers' awards. Burdett's many speaking engagements have included the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Her books, magazine articles, presentations and media interviews are testimony to her strong influence in the education community, where she has also been instrumental in helping teachers to incorporate Shakespeare into early grade curricula.

Lois Burdett's profile page

If you are looking for more fun ways to teach Shakespeare to your children, the Shakespeare Can Be Fun series by Lois Burdett is an excellent way to introduce the playwright's many works. The author takes Shakespeare's entire works and puts them into a poetic, flowing version that is easy on children's attention spans whileleaving the crux of the works intact. It's helpful for mom and dad as well. The books also offer suggestions for lesson plans.

St. Louis Homeschooling Examiner, Los Angeles edit

Included in the "Great Books for Children" program.

Canadian Toy Testing Council

Makes it come wonderfully alive for young students.

Curriculum Administrator

Shakespeare is presented in a manner that is understandable to children without lessening the quality of the work.

Children's Literature