Janet Crane Barley (Children's Literature)
Mr. Coville retells Shakespeare's tale with the drama, intensity, and excitement of a true bard. He weaves Shakespeare's most familiar lines gracefully and seamlessly into this retelling and produces a story that is a pleasure to read. It is quite a contrast to those retellings that simply describe the plot and sprinkle in some quotes, but lack the spirit of the original. His thoughtful author's note is well-worth pondering. Among other things, he says "It is ironic that in our justifiable admiration for Shakespeare's genius, we have done him a disservice by making his writing seem inaccessible....He was, after all, a man of the theater, and always strove to entertain." Coville says his book is "meant to provide an enjoyable hint of the greater wonders still in store" when Hamlet is seen on stage or read in its original form. It succeeds admirably. Coville, who has retold four other Shakespeare plays, is a popular and versatile author who has also been a playwright and actor. Mr. Gore, who illustrated many Russian books before emigrating to the United States, has illustrated several award-winning books. His art, in acrylic and pastel, has a dark, mysterious quality with more things hidden than revealed, and that fits the story very well. 2004, Dial Books, $16.99. Ages 10 up.

CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2005)
Bruce Coville evokes the somber tones of the original play in his artful adaptation of Hamlet into story form. Coville liberally incorporates quotes from the original play into his fine narrative. The sharp-edged figures and often murky tones of Leonid Gore’s acrylic and pastel illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text in this marvelous mood piece. CCBC categories: New Editions of Old Favorites. 2004, Dial, 40 pages, $16.99. Ages 9-12.

Janice Mantooth (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 17, No. 3))
Bruce Coville has done a wonderful job of retelling the play, Hamlet. His adaptation of the play is written so that young audiences can understand and enjoy the writings of Shakespeare. The illustrator has used dreamlike drawings to tell the story. I would recommend that this book be used to introduce Shakespeare to young people. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades 5 and up. 2004, Dial, Unpaged., $16.99. Ages 10 up.