A Children's Book No One Should Read – Or Should They? Summary “Tales from Shakespeare” by Charles and Mary Lamb has delighted readers for over two centuries, but it is time we reconsider its place in modern literature. Originally written as an “introduction to Shakespeare,” it weaves sexist tropes, objectifies characters, and promotes regressive gender roles. Is this really what we want to hand to our children? Read on for a thoughtful critique of this so-called children’s classic. --- Have you ever come across a children’s book that, at first glance, seems perfectly innocent—maybe even charming—but after closer inspection, you wonder why anyone thought it was a good idea for kids? That’s how I felt when I revisited Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb, a book that many of us have either heard of or, perhaps, read during our childhood. The book, often passed off as a harmless introduction to the world of Shakespeare, feels more like a collection of cautionary tales for...
Story Teller | Blogging Since 2006