Romeo and Juliet Series: World Literature for Children Title: Romeo and Juliet Original Author: William Shakespeare Retold by: Barbara Kindermann Artist: Christa Unzner Extent: 36 pp, 4/c throughout Format: 220 x 300 mm Pub. price: EUR 15,50 Pub. date : Spring 2003 German ISBN: 978-3-934029-12-5 Ages: 7 and up

Material available: German review copy

THE STORY:

The story of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare´s most romantic and best-known play, is set in the Italian city of Verona. For several generations, two noble families, the Capulets and the Montagues, have been living there in feud. But when Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with the beautiful Juliet, a Capulet, tragedy strikes. However, Kindermann´s sensitive narration alleviates the pain by focussing on the wonderful, yet unfulfilled love, marvellously illustrated by Christa Unzner.

THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR:

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is worldwide known as England´s greatest ever playwright. In 1587, he moved to London where, after a short acting career, he became co-owner of the famous theatre „The Globe“, where still today his plays are being. performed successfully. Even Hollywood could not resist and brought Romeo and Juliet to the big screen. Romeo and Juliet captures all the typical writing-ingredients of a Shakespearean play and therefore makes this story of love and war a worthwhile introduction to this truly classic author.

THE ARTIST:

Christa Unzner, born in 1958 near Berlin, has studied graphic arts. After her graduation, she worked for a public relations company. At the same time, she illustrated her first books. Since 1982, she has been working full-time as an artist and illustrator in Berlin.