Bunchland

The most influential poet and playwright turns 448 today!

Witches, ghosts, crossdressers, villians and fairies — Shakespeare’s plays are full of some truly memorable characters and imagery. But even more importantly, they’re full of wise insight for young viewers, and your kids may find the plays more relatable than you think. After all, Shakespeare was all about throwing tantrums, wearing eccentric outfits and making up words. To thine own self be true, indeed.

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This interactive Globe Pop Up Theatre book shows the theatre circa 1612. All the details are there, including a ceiling painted like the heavens, thatched roof, stage, galleries and an expectant audience. Punch out characters are included so kids can act out act out the plays. Brief summaries included.

Make Wicked Will: A Mystery of Young Shakespeare one of your kids first chapter books. It’s a murder mystery with many references to Shakespeare’s plays, including an Elizabethan setting, and the characters from his plays.  Read more...

Our favourite novels don’t need to be updated

Something about fall makes us want to read more. Maybe we spent so many years getting back into academic mode around this time of year that we can’t shake the urge to learn and get all bookish starting in September. When it comes to reading material, for some reason this year we’re ignoring the bestsellers lists and letting nostalgia take over. By which we mean, we’re reaching for our old Babysitters’ Club books.

Our latest obsession started when a friend pointed us towards What Claudia Wore, a blog that mixes posts about fashion with the series’ fabulous descriptions of Claudia Kishi’s various outfits. The site reminded us how funny and amazing the BSC books were, and a trip to our local Value Village later, we were curled up with Kristy’s Great Idea.  Read more...