Happy Birthday Shakespeare! Introducing the Bard to Young Readers.

Well, it's been a while since this blog reviewed Shakespeare's works and books about the bard.  Eight years as a matter of fact.  It seems that the Ol Bard has been on the brain again.  The question of Shakespeare's appropriateness for certain age groups keeps popping up.  To quote the brilliant and wise playwright, from one of his play All's Well that Ends Well,  "I will be a fool in question, hoping to be the wiser by your answer.”      In other words,  enlighten me!   And so this blog shall attempt to do just that dear audience!

First and foremost,  whenever I begin expounding on the greatness of Shakespeare's wit with young readers, I always begin with something that is familiar and relatable to them.  For example,  Shakespeare has been known to coin a few phrases that we either use ourselves or have heard once or twice in a lifetime.    Let's begin with the phrase that everyone has used when telling a joke. "Knock Knock!  Who's There?  This line was first used in Macbeth.     Have you ever heard someone say,  "kill them with kindness"?    Shakespeare was the first to come up with that one too in Taming of the Shrew.   Another one of Shakespeare's one-liner that everyone is sure to have heard is "Laughing Stock"  which was first penned in The Merry Wives of Windsor.    By beginning with a couple of these phrases, it relieves the Children's fears of not being able to comprehend Shakespeare.   Unfortunately,  many high schools dread reading the Sonnets and plays because they can't relate to Old English Speech.  Rubbish!  It is sad to admit, it may be the adults' fault for that attitude.  No memories come to mind from Elementary or high school of students cheering because the reading assignment included Romeo and Juliet. Oh, joy --- not!  Whoops!  Wait there was once one ten-year-old asking for Shakespeare at the reference desk, but she was by far the exception to the rule.


On a recent homeschool library program visit,  Rosie Dickin's book World of Shakespeare Reference Book (A Usborne publication)  came in quite handy. In this book of 32 color pages, the author points out quick facts relating to Shakespeare's life,  the Globe Theater, the actors,  the Royalty, and timelines.   It's a quick read and it is absolutely necessary to consult when preparing a library program for youngsters.  To be brutally honest, it can also be used for adult programs too!   Having said that,  the little nugget sized information is perfect for sharing.  Some trivia to share,  Which  Monarch did Shakespeare write Macbeth for? If you thought of the Scottish King James I, you would be correct.  The three witches in Macbeth were created as part of the cast of characters because King James had an interest in witches.  

Another personal favorite that has made it's way to a beloved spot on the bookshelf is Where's Will? Illustrator Tilly and author Anna Claybourne cleverly used the idea of Where's Waldo to help children understand Shakespeare's plays.   While Tilly illustrates a selected scene from a Shakespeare play, Ms. Claybourne writes about the plays and characters in clear, one-page synopsis. Added bonus, is looking for William in each of the illustrations.  In a group setting,  a projector is used to illuminate the illustrations on the screen and the children have fun trying to find William together.  Laser pointers come in handy as well if the find and seek gets too difficult.  Children have fun following the red dot.

Graphic novels are okay, but as a student of English Literature, it seems to be a bit of a downer to give to students. Or to put it plainly,  a rip-off.  Give the students the real thing first.  Allow them to experience the language, the imagery and the art of Shakespeare first hand before going straight to watering it down to make it understandable.  By doing this,  it cultivates an appreciation for history, literature, and language.    In my heart of hearts, (a famous line from Hamlet), I know that Shakespeare can become a building block to lifelong reading and literature appreciation if given half the chance.  If wanting to introduce Shakespeare to middle schoolers, ten years and up, let's say, forget the graphic novels.  Go right to fiction books which introduces the works of the Bard but in a modern-day setting.  Like Gary D. Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars which tells the tale of a bright kid who has to read Shakespeare for an English Class.  it is relatable and cleverly mixes in learning about the works of the Bard without being overly obnoxious about it.   This is an idea for another time and blog post.  

As this post ends,  let's leave with this one beautiful goodbye from the Bard,  "Farewell, my sister,  fare thee well!  The elements be kind to thee and make thy spirits all of comforts:  Fare thee well!  Farewell readers!  To honor the Bard on his birthday, read one of his Sonnets.   As for Romeo, (the official canine for Mrs. Nowc Librarian At Large),   a long walk with his favorite blogger/reader and Shakespeare enthusiast, Romeo and Juliet's famous balcony scene read aloud,  should be the right mix for a quiet, sensible celebration.

I Can See Clearly Now

Last night my husband and I viewed Emilio Estevez's movie The Public.    It was released in theatres on April 5th and has a limited run.  I'm sure it is not a coincidence that the movie's release was just before National Library Week,  which was celebrated April 7-13th.  Another item that has not escaped my attention is Mr. Estavez's attraction towards movies about libraries. Fans of 1980's films will remember John Hugh's hit movie The Breakfast Club quite well and Estevez's role in that iconic movie.  Seems he likes the idea of being detained in a library.   Personally, who could blame him for wanting to be surrounded by books all the time?  Not a bad way to be punished if you ask me.  Then again, I connected so personally with this movie that at several points in this movie I understood exactly how Mr. Stuart Goodson felt.    If you will allow a little departure from the normal routine of this blog,  I'd like to shed a light on my career as a librarian and how this blog was started as

One of the key moments of this film is when Angela, Stuart Goodson's soon to be the love interest, poses the question,    "What made you choose to be a librarian?"  His response, "I ask that myself every day."  That was my own #metoo moment.  The exact moment when I realized that I've been asking myself this same question for over ten years.  Don't get me wrong.  I love my profession.  However, full-time jobs in libraries are hard to come by due to budgets constraints.  This situation has left myself and many of my peers to work part-time jobs and freelance on the side to pay the bills. Why do I stay?   Why do I continue to advocate for the good that libraries do? Honestly,  I can not think of any other profession I want to be a part of and work in.  They say if you love what you do, you'll never have to work.   So far, I haven't had one day where I wished I were somewhere else.  The libraries I've worked in have given me a reason to wake up each morning and ask "What adventure awaits today?"  So how can it be work if I'm going on an adventure?

It wasn't always like that.  As a bright-eyed graduate fresh out of college with my Master of Science in Library Science in hand, I was not setting out to change the world but to simply be employed. There's nothing wrong with that.  In fact, many people follow that same path.  For some, it worked for them.  For others, it didn't and they refocused their energies to another line of work.    For me,  I was fortunate to become a Library Director right out of the gate.  It wasn't until mid-2006 that my library career took a financial dive. Still employed but working part-time with side gigs.  Not the ideal situation, but I made it work.      Through the years, working in a library taught me many things about society, management and serving the public.  What I have come away from all of this is that working in a library is not for the faint of heart.   It was not until this time when I began thinking about what legacy I would want to leave behind.  What would my body of work in libraries say about my contributions?

 A  few years ago  I realized where my contribution lied and hopefully long after I'm gone will be the legacy of which I may be remembered.   This has become the heart of librarianship in my eyes.  For every child, I read a book to,  my career has far exceeded my expectations for fulfillment in my job.  Those moments of pure joy, sharing a story have forever changed my view of the world.  Why?  Because, I got to see them through the eyes of a child and see the wonder, the awe and the good that children see.  What I've also discovered is that children are naturally color blind.  They don't judge on the fact of skin color but they do respond to someone who is paying attention to them.  Helping them.  Reading to them.  Offering them a safe place to connect with others and be themselves.

For every patron who has had problems paying their electric bills because money is too tight,  I am reminded that the library is for everyone, rich and poor alike.  For those who are living beneath their means, the library is a life saver.   The internet is free,  the help is free and no one is judging them about why they can't pay their bills.  I saw the relief in folks eyes as they were given an opportunity to keep the gas or the electricity on or two more weeks while they figured out how they would come up with the payments with the aid of a social worker.   It's a relief that only people who struggle would understand.

For every pet rock painting craft program that has left the children's room a little messier and a bit louder, I am reminded that inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes.  Mostly inspirations can come from a community coming together to create something wonderful.  Sometimes making noise in the library is a good thing. Something as simple and fun as painting rocks. And a few laughs along the way never hurts!

For every patron that came into my library and was exhausted from basketball practice outside the library and wanted only a drink of water, I am reminded that everyone thirsts for different needs.  Some for knowledge.  Some for water.  Others just want a quiet place to sit and listen to music or a favorite podcast.   The library is for everyone.

For every patron that comes to the reference desk looking for information that will point them in the right direction for whatever reason, spiritual, medical or educational, I am reminded that although the answer may seem easy or trivial to one person, it could be the difference between hope and despair to someone else.  In all honesty,  I do believe that the library is the last Beacon of hope for a free society.  What other institution in our society promotes, advocates and encourages people to read, to grow, and discover new things?

I can finally say I can see clearly how my choice of becoming a librarian has been a life changing for myself.  I've learned much from every patron, and every situation I have encountered in the library.   It is my intent that from what I have gained I give back ten folds to the patrons, whether they are young or old, rich or poor, white or black, in the communities I serve.   For every obstacle that life throws into our way,  it's always a sun-shiny day at the library.

 Back to discussing the film The Public.  Do I recommend it?  Absolutely!  Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 59% rotten.  I say they got it all wrong.  Incidentally, so do 97% of viewers who saw the movie and rated it on Rotten Tomatoes.   Perhaps Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it such a low score because they are not like this librarian whose main ambition is to help readers discover their world one story at a time.  This film's story needed to be told.  Kudos Emilio!  You have done well.  A sincere thank you as well, Emilio.  In two hours time,  you've reminded me why it is that I became a librarian  I'm sure my story is not unique.  It wouldn't surprise me if a hundred more librarians were celebrating a sun-shiny day too!

April Children's Books Pick

April is wonderful for new books, especially in the Children's Book publishing.   So for a little fun this month,  here are a couple of really cute books that may tickle the funny bones or gets reader's to rhyme their words or sometimes both.

An absolutely adorable book, which is perfect for the jokester for all ages is,  Knock Knock written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Guy Francis.  It begins with the traditional lines of every Knock Knock joke in the history of time.  Knock, Knock.  Who's there?  In walks a party of animal friends who will not leave poor old Bear to his hibernating.  By the end of the book, it's springtime and Bear has to be ready for Spring.  Love the transitions for season.  Love the transition of  Bear's feelings from being grumpy in Winter to gleeful in Spring.  A must-have for anyone who loves knock knock jokes and even those who don't.

Young readers who loved Dragons Love Tacos will absolutely love Adam Rubin's High Five by Adam Rubin with illustrations by Daniel Salmieri.  If they don't there is something terribly wrong in the universe.   This is a rollicking, rhyming, high fiving,  entertaining tale that will be read over and over again.  Loaded with giggles in between the pages.  The star of the show?  The Reader of course! this is the reader's chance to learn the art of perfecting high five skills.  With a series of guided lessons that become sillier as the pages turn.  Was it mentioned that this is a funny book?  Um.... well it's worth repeating.  This is really FUNNY!

Last but certainly not least in the kind of funny yet rhyming category,  In the Middle of the Night: Poems from a Wide-Awake House written by Laura Purdie Salas with acrylic-on-wood illustrations by Angela Matteson. This is a collection of poems that Salas has put together to explain what happens while everyone in the house is asleep. Everyday objects, even the food, come alive to play and seek out great adventures at night.   Ever wondered what happened to a lost library book?  Actually, it has found the perfect place to hide.  Do paper clip skydive with tissues for a parachute?  Yes, indeed they do in this book.  Along with the fruit snack which unrolls to create a tricky road track for the toy cars.   A fun and imaginative look into the time known as night.  Obviously, this is not a book to be taken seriously.  However, it can lead to a discussion of what other everyday objects do at night.  Gee,  what do hoses do at night?  Read the book to find out!

All of these titles are sure to be a hit for bedtime, story time or anytime.  Don't believe me?  Take the challenge and read to a child.  If they do not laugh out loud, it just maybe they are too serious to be a kid.   Enjoy the titles!  Until next time... I'm reading to a child today.  Hope you will too!