CHILDREN in Warwickshire are being helped to develop a love for the work of the county’s most famous son from an early age.
Warwickshire Libraries has unveiled a new set of free, bespoke reading resources created to accompany Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the Plays, A Children’s Edition – a lavishly illustrated, child-friendly adaptation of the playwright’s iconic 1623 collection.
The acclaimed special edition from Walker Books, produced in partnership with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), brings all 36 First Folio plays to young readers aged seven and up. The abridged texts retain Shakespeare’s original language, making them both authentic and accessible.
The book was conceived and edited by Dr Anjna Chouhan, former in-house scholar at the SBT and now creative producer for Warwickshire Libraries. It features illustrations by award-winning artist Emily Sutton, drawing on heritage styles to bring the plays vividly to life.
Through a special collaboration with Walker Books, Warwickshire Libraries has secured exclusive rights to create and distribute custom reading resources designed to support the book. The free materials currently include play summaries and vocabulary lists, with more to follow.
Warwickshire County Council libraries spokesman Coun Michael Bannister said: “This initiative exemplifies Warwickshire’s deep connection to Shakespeare and our commitment to making literature accessible and inspiring for all ages.
“We’re proud to support a resource that not only honours our local heritage but also opens the door for young readers to explore the richness of Shakespeare’s work in a fun and age-appropriate way.”
The full collection of resources can be accessed via the Warwickshire Libraries Catalogue at library.warwickshire.gov.uk/children-and-young-adults/shakespeare-childrens-folio
