Essential Classics retold by Pauline Francis
Evans Publishing, 2010.
It is no small ambition to take the great classics of western
literature and make them accessible to today's young readers. Pauline
Francis has succeeded in doing just that in this charming series
reducing plot, theme and character to their essence and maintaining the
threads of these complex tales. Presented in an easy read format and
beautifully produced with detailed air-brush style illustrations by
Gary Andrews. As an introduction to the classics of fiction these
little books will enhance any school collection adding a new dimension
to the Quick Read collection in the library or as class sets for Year 8
students. They give access to works that children may never come across
and may succeed in inspiring readers to go on to read the original
works. Presented with a glossary of terms and a Test Yourself quiz at
the end English teachers will find them a great asset in encouraging a
love of reading. Students may need some guidance in understanding some
of the concepts in the texts and the short biography of the authors
which introduce the stories will help readers to understand the stories
in their historical contexts. I really enjoyed reading the selection
and was transported back in time to when I first discovered Robinson
Crusoe, Frankenstein and the brave dog Buck in Call
of
the Wild. A
must have series.
Trisha Walker