
Delightful retellings bring Shakespeare’s most beloved dramas into a form that feels both familiar and fresh for younger ears. Each story preserves the playwright’s keen insight into love, bravery, folly and friendship, while trimming the language down to clear, lively narration. Listeners discover the same stirring emotions that have captivated audiences for centuries, now spoken in a way that feels accessible and engaging.
The collection journeys through a handful of the Bard’s greatest works, from the star‑crossed romance of Verona to the magical mischief of an enchanted forest, and the daring adventures on a storm‑tossed island. Along the way, iconic characters reveal their hopes and fears, offering gentle lessons about honesty, generosity and the courage to follow one’s heart. The narratives capture the humor and drama of the originals without overwhelming detail, inviting children to imagine the scenes vividly.
To ease the experience, the volume includes a handy guide to pronouncing the more unusual names and a selection of Shakespeare’s most memorable lines, arranged alphabetically. These extras let listeners hear the rhythm of the original verses while enjoying the simplified storytelling.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (261K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Morrie Wilson, James Rose, and David Widger
Release date
1998-08-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1858–1924
Best known for blending everyday family life with adventure and magic, this pioneering English writer helped shape modern children’s fiction. Her stories, including The Railway Children and Five Children and It, still feel lively, funny, and warm.
View all books
1564–1616
Often called the greatest writer in the English language, this English playwright and poet created dramas and verses that still feel alive on the page and stage. His stories of ambition, love, jealousy, power, and loss continue to speak to readers centuries later.
View all books