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Easy to understand adaptations of Shakespeare's Much To Do About Nothing - YouTube style!

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All the videos in the 'Nothing Much To Do' web series in viewing order.

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Each chapter read by the author

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There are a lot of schools who read Floodland, especially in years 5 and 6 - and with the current situation, I know there are some of you who are halfway through the book, but who, without sufficient copies for every pupil, are unable to finish from home.

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Available on BBC's iPlayer

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Star-studded adaptation of Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy.

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Virtual Museum: 12 ways to explore from home

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Delve into the Museum from home with a virtual self-guided tour, an interactive experience about blue whales and audio guides narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

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Learn how to draw with Nick Sharratt - illustrator of the Jacqueline Wilson books

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Love Reading is a brilliant website for book recommendations and reviews. Use the Browse by Age tag.

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Collections

The Best Children's Box Sets - Great Gift Ideas for Young Readers this Christmas

Knowing how challenging it can be to encourage some children to read, we know the deep joy that comes with them finding a character or a story that really speaks to them, that they grow to love, and they want more, more, more of.

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Buy a Book. Support a School. Make a Difference | LoveReading4Kids UK

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LoveReading4Kids exists because reading matters, and books change lives. Support local schools through the LoveReading4Kids bookshop. 10% off RRPs, and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice. Sharing book love with children's book reviews and book recommendations right across the ages, from toddlers to teens.

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Free books to read every month

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Read full length books online for free and enjoy exclusive, extended excerpts of new young adult novels at RivetedLit.com.

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Renaissance Place ID

What is it? Renaissance Place ID is a unique identifier that provides a shortcut to your Renaissance Place site.

Where can I use it? Renaissance Place ID can be used during setup of Accelerated Reader on iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch® and during setup of STAR Reading, STAR Maths and STAR Early Literacy on iPad®.

What if I don't use Accelerated Reader or STAR assessments? Renaissance Place ID automatically appears on the Renaissance Place Welcome page and can be used wherever you see the RPID image going forward.

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What is it? Renaissance Place ID is a unique identifier that provides a shortcut to your Renaissance Place site. Where can I use it? Renaissance Place ID can be used during setup of Accelerated Reader on iPad®, iPhone®, or iPod touch® and during setup of STAR Reading, STAR Maths and STAR Early Literacy on iPad®.

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Harry Potter

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Join Harry Potter and journey into the wizarding world with our new site! Discover puzzles, quizzes, crafts and more to guide you through the very first book.

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Book reviews, blogs, apps.

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Nosy Crow is a multi‑award‑winning, independent children's publishing company. We make child‑focused, parent‑friendly children's books for ages 0‑12.

Latest releases from Nosy Crow

Buy our books

Find out where to buy Nosy Crow books, online and from your local independent bookshop.

Find out more.

Our collections

Books for young bird spotters - five of the best books about birds for children

Bird spotting is a great outdoor (or indoor) activity...

See collection See all collections

Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19

We are proud to publish Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19, explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, available in print and as a free digital edition.

Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19

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Nosy Crow is a multi‑award‑winning, independent children's publishing company. We make child‑focused, parent‑friendly children's books for ages 0‑12. Latest releases from Nosy Crow Find out where to buy Nosy Crow books, online and from your local independent bookshop. Find out more. Our collections Bird spotting is a great outdoor (or indoor) activity...

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"pemberley digital" "lizzie bennet diaries" "jane austen" "pride and prejudice" sanditon emma "emma approved" welcome to

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Pemberley Digital is an innovative web video production company that specializes in the adaptation of classic works onto the new media format. The company ut...

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Check out these stories.

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Information about our use of cookies

Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users and enhance your user experience. They also help us improve our site. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Welcome to World Book Day's World of Stories where you can enjoy our brand new, FREE audiobooks for 2021!

Whether you're reading together with the family, or listening in your own time, find your next audiobook to tune into here. To stay updated, why not sign up for our newsletter here.

Please note that all audiobooks will be taken down after 6 months. We will add new audiobooks to replace these, so keep checking back!

World Book Day® is a registered charity sponsored by National Book Tokens.

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Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users and enhance your user experience. They also help us improve our site. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Welcome to World Book Day's World of Stories where you can enjoy our brand new, FREE audiobooks for 2021!

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Malory Towers - Series 1: 1. The First Day

It’s the first day of term at Malory Towers and new girl Darrell Rivers can’t wait for a fresh start. However, while she’s keen to settle in, will her past come back to haunt her?

Duration 25 mins

First shown 23 Mar 2020

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1. The First Day

2. The New Girls

Jealous Gwen is determined to get to the bottom of Darrell’s past at St Hilda’s....

Jealous Gwen is determined to get to the bottom of Darrell’s past at St Hilda’s.

24 mins Available for over a year

3. The Trick

In an attempt to impress her new friend Alicia, Darrell puts her prankster hat on in class...

In an attempt to impress her new friend Alicia, Darrell puts her prankster hat on in class

25 mins Available for over a year

4. The Slap

Darrell does something unspeakable to Gwen during a moment of anger at the pool....

Darrell does something unspeakable to Gwen during a moment of anger at the pool.

25 mins Available for over a year

5. The Match

Darrell has to face her past when her old school comes to Malory Towers....

Darrell has to face her past when her old school comes to Malory Towers.

25 mins Available for over a year

6. The Midnight Feast

The North Tower have their first midnight feast, but they’re forced to hide from Matron!...

The North Tower have their first midnight feast, but they’re forced to hide from Matron!

25 mins Available for over a year

7. The Open Day

Malory Towers opens its doors to parents for the day!

Malory Towers opens its doors to parents for the day!

25 mins Available for over a year

8. The Push

When Sally is taken ill, Darrell does all she can to find a doctor....

When Sally is taken ill, Darrell does all she can to find a doctor.

25 mins Available for over a year

9. The Letter

Sally goes missing when her mother comes to take her away from Malory Towers....

Sally goes missing when her mother comes to take her away from Malory Towers.

24 mins Available for over a year

10. The Dress

A beautiful dress arrives at Malory Towers – but who is it for?...

A beautiful dress arrives at Malory Towers – but who is it for?

25 mins Available for over a year

11. The Spider

Darrell and Sally put a plan into action to make Mary-Lou braver!...

Darrell and Sally put a plan into action to make Mary-Lou braver!

25 mins Available for over a year

12. The Ghost

Darrell and Sally go in pursuit of the Malory Towers ghost – but it’s not what it seems!...

Darrell and Sally go in pursuit of the Malory Towers ghost – but it’s not what it seems!

25 mins Available for over a year

13. The Last Day

It’s the last day of term, and Darrell has to defend herself to the rest of the form....

It’s the last day of term, and Darrell has to defend herself to the rest of the form.

25 mins Available for over a year

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Malory Towers - Series 1: 1. The First Day

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It's a fresh start for Darrell as she settles in for her first day at Malory Towers.

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Harry Potter Studio Tour London | FULL EXPERIENCE | Warner Bros. Studio Tour

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Beam your favourite World Book Day £1 book authors and illustrators direct into your classroom or at home with our Author & Illustrator Academy videos.

Why not get your creative juices flowing using words and illustration with Joanna Nadin and Rikin Parekh, or merge words and pictures with Nadia Shireen. Let Michael Morpurgo help you find the seed of your story, or invent a fantasy business idea with Rashmi Sirdeshpande.

You can learn to write your own adventure story with lots of ideas and tips from Sophie McKenzie, or let Ben Bailey Smith provide some inspiration to write your own funny but realistic scene. Explore how to make the world a better place with Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola, or go on a journey to make your wishes come true with Simon Farnaby.

What is the Author & Illustrator Academy?
The Author & Illustrator Academy beams authors & illustrators right into classrooms so children can meet the creative minds behind their favourite books. Choose which Academy lesson to pick and then press play and let our brilliant authors and illustrators lead your class.

Each inspirational 'lesson' is a complete package with downloadable activities, creative challenges, resources and extracts to go with each video. They are available all year round so you can screen them in class at ANY TIME that suits you. The Academy lessons are perfect for home learning as well!

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World Book Day author & illustrator videos for schools

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Celebrate World Book Day with free video lesson resources featuring our £1 book authors and illustrators.

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Accelerated Reader Bookfinder UK & Ireland - Welcome

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Pride and Prejudice YouTube style

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A modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the series is told in vlog-style by Lizzie Bennet as she narrates the trials and tribulations of her family li...

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Listen to Coraline and Graveyard Book

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Videos - MouseCircus.com - The Official Neil Gaiman Website for Young Readers

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Watch the latest Neil Gaiman videos and see Neil (and some famous friends!) read The Graveyard Book and Coraline in their entirety.

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Looking for Alaska - Series 1: 1. Famous Last Words

Contains some strong language.

Miles Halter, seeking a more than minor life, enrolls at Culver Creek Academy. He makes a new best friend, some enemies and a life-changing deal with Alaska Young.

Duration 51 mins

First shown 19 Oct 2019

Available for over a year

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1. Famous Last Words

2. Tell Them I Said Something…

An expulsion ignites an escalating prank war with the Weekday Warriors....

An expulsion ignites an escalating prank war with the Weekday Warriors.

45 mins Available for over a year

3. They Couldn’t Hit An Elephant From This Dist... - General Sedgwick...

Alaska sets Miles up on a triple-and-a-half date that does not go as planned....

Alaska sets Miles up on a triple-and-a-half date that does not go as planned.

50 mins Available for over a year

4. The Nourishment Is Palatable - Millard Fillmore...

Despite the warnings of his friends, Miles agrees to spend Thanksgiving with Alaska....

Despite the warnings of his friends, Miles agrees to spend Thanksgiving with Alaska.

54 mins Available for over a year

5. I'll Show You That It Won't Shoot - Johnny Ace...

Miles, Takumi, the Colonel and Alaska reunite to exact revenge on the Weekday Warriors....

Miles, Takumi, the Colonel and Alaska reunite to exact revenge on the Weekday Warriors.

48 mins Available for over a year

6. We Are All Going - William McKinley

Miles and Lara date. There are dire consequences after the prank on the Weekday Warriors....

Miles and Lara date. There are dire consequences after the prank on the Weekday Warriors.

49 mins Available for over a year

7. Now Comes the Mystery - Henry Ward Beecher

Culver Creek grapples with a devastating tragedy. A possible clue leads to more questions....

Culver Creek grapples with a devastating tragedy. A possible clue leads to more questions.

54 mins Available for over a year

8. It's Very Beautiful Over There - Thomas Edison...

The search for answers pulls the group apart, but a final prank brings them back together....

The search for answers pulls the group apart, but a final prank brings them back together.

50 mins Available for over a year

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Looking for Alaska - Series 1: 1. Famous Last Words

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Miles enrolls at Culver Creek Academy and meets new friends, enemies and Alaska Young.

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MouseCircus.com - The Official Neil Gaiman Website for Young Readers

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Credit: Kimberly Butler

And the much longer version....

BEGINNINGS

Neil Gaiman was born in Hampshire, UK, and now lives in the United States. As a child he discovered his love of books, reading, and stories, devouring the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, James Branch Cabell, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Moorcock, Ursula K. LeGuin, Gene Wolfe, and G.K. Chesterton. A self-described "feral child who was raised in libraries," Gaiman credits librarians with fostering a life-long love of reading: "I wouldn't be who I am without libraries. I was the sort of kid who devoured books, and my happiest times as a boy were when I persuaded my parents to drop me off in the local library on their way to work, and I spent the day there. I discovered that librarians actually want to help you: they taught me about interlibrary loans."

WRITING CAREER

Gaiman began his writing career in England as a journalist. After a few graphic novel collaborations with artist Dave McKean, the groundbreaking series 'Sandman' followed, collecting a large number of US awards in its 75 issue run, including nine Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards and three Harvey Awards. In 1991, 'Sandman' became the first comic ever to receive a literary award, the 1991 World Fantasy Award for Best Short Story. He is credited with being one of the creators of modern comics, as well as an author whose work crosses genres and reaches audiences of all ages. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers and is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama. He is the author of many highly acclaimed and award-winning books for children and adults, including the New York Times #1 bestselling and Newbery Medal winning nove l The Graveyard Book, and the bestselling Coraline, New York Times bestselling The Sleeper and the Spindle (illustrated by Chris Riddell); Fortunately, the Milk (illustrated by Skottie Young); Stardust; and Odd and the Frost Giants. He is also the author of the picture books Chu's Day, Chu's First Day of School, and Chu's Day at the Beach, all illustrated by Adam Rex; Blueberry Girl and Instructions, illustrated by Charles Vess; The Wolves in the Walls, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and Crazy Hair, illustrated by Dave McKean; and The Dangerous Alphabet, illustrated by Gris Grimly. He is also the author of the Sandman series of graphic novels. Among his many awards are the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the Bram Stoker Award.

FILM AND TELEVSION

An animated feature film based on Gaiman's 'Coraline,' directed by Henry Selick and released in early 2009, secured a BAFTA for Best Animated Film and was nominated for an Oscar in the same category.

Q What makes a good graveyard and do you have a favorite real-world graveyard?

I think trees and wildness make a good graveyard, and the feeling that nature is out to reclaim its own. And peace. The best graveyards are such peaceful places. My favorite graveyards are Highgate Cemetery (West), Abney Park (Stoke Newington) and Glasgow Necropolis.

Q What is the most frightening book you ever read?

Strangely, books never frightened me. Short stories frightened me, I think because so much happened before or after the story, and there was so much to know. I was terrified as a boy by Charles Birkin's story "The Harlem Horror" (about a couple whose daughter had been turned into a circus freak by a mad scientist), and Manly Wade Wellman's "School for the Unspeakable," which I read in one of the Armada Books of Ghost Stories, published for children.

Q What are you reading right now?

I just finished a book called The Irregulars, about Roald Dahl's wartime exploits as a British Spy in America. Great fun.

Q What other books would you recommend to a young reader who really loved The Graveyard Book?

I'd point some of them at The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling. I'd point them at anything by Diana Wynne Jones. And Terry Pratchett's books for children, as well. Also, if they haven't read Coraline they should. I forget who wrote it, though.

Q If you could be a character in another author's imaginative world, where would you want to live?

I'd like to go on a road trip from Narnia to Oz. I could stop off in Ursula K. Leguin's EARTHSEA and Roger Zelazny's AMBER on the way. But, I don't think I'd want to be anyone else's character.

Q How do you feel about seeing film or stage adaptations of your stories?

I pretty much always enjoy them. Sometimes I shake my head and wish they had done something a different way, but mostly they just make me happy-it's a wonderful thing to see creative people take an idea of yours and try to make it real.

Q Which character from your books is your favorite?

I don't think I can answer that. But I love Delirium and Merv Pumpkinhead and Silas and Anaesthesia and the Little Hairy Man in STARDUST-the kind of characters who never stand in the spotlight, but who make the book work.

Q Why do you look different all the time? In every picture of yours you look like a different person.

It spooks me too.

Q How do you pronounce your last name? Is it gay-man or guy-man or something else?

It's Gaym'n.

Q What is your sign?

It's a painted piece of wood with Beware of the Mongoose on it... oh, you didn't mean that sign. I was born on November the tenth, 1960, which makes me a Scorpio Rat.

Q Do you have a fan club? How can we join?

There used to be a sort of unofficial fan club and info service called the MAGIAN LINE, but once the web started and information was easy to find it drifted out of use.

Q Are you Lemony Snicket? I promise I won't tell if you are.

Come close. Closer. Okay. Lean over here. Now.... I'm going to whisper. Nope, closer, so only you can hear.... ...nope. I'm not.

Q Why does it say 'critically acclaimed and award winning' every time your name is mentioned on your books?

It's a formal title. Like The Honorable, or Mister President. My full title is Critically Acclaimed and Award Winning Author Neil Gaiman. But because we're friends you can call me Neil for short.

Q What was your favorite place to explore as a child? And now?

As a child I liked to explore the gardens and grounds of old, empty houses in the town I lived in. Now I like exploring stories best.

Q Why does it say 'critically acclaimed and award winning' every time your name is mentioned on your books?

It's a formal title. Like The Honorable, or Mister President. My full title is Critically Acclaimed and Award Winning Author Neil Gaiman. But because we're friends you can call me Neil for short.

Q What was your favorite place to explore as a child? And now?

As a child I liked to explore the gardens and grounds of old, empty houses in the town I lived in. Now I like exploring stories best.

Q What's your favourite monkey?

Probably the colobus. It's something in the eyes.

Q Why do you and Clive Barker and my dad look similar and not appear to age?

I could tell you. But then Clive Barker and your dad would have to kill me.

Q Are you friends with Clive Barker? How did you meet him? Ever read his book, THIEF OF ALWAYS?

Clive and I have been friends for about eighteen years now. We met because people kept mistaking us for each other, which puzzled us as we don't look much alike. I put off reading THIEF OF ALWAYS for years, because I was afraid it would be too much like CORALINE, and finally read it a few years ago when I was asked to get involved in the film adaptation, and was relieved that it wasn't. Good book.

Q Dear Mr. Gaiman, How do you know Lemony Snicket because he is one of my favorite authors?

I don't know the mysterious Mr Snicket, but I am fortunate enough to know his associate, Mr Daniel Handler of San Francisco, who is charming and delightful and the accordion player for the Magentic Fields.

Q If you could be any of the characters in your books, which would you most like to be? Which one has been most like you?

Well, there are a lot of them who are pretty much me - lots of narrators of short stories, are as me as you can get. But there's bits of me in all of them. I'm not sure I'd want to be any of the ones I've written. But there are a few in books I've not yet written whose shoes I'd like to inhabit for a while.

Q If you had the opportunity to turn into a piece of fruit, what kind would it be?

A pomegranite, I expect. Or a mango.

Q I was wondering if at any time do you think you could come to Peoria, Illinois for a book signing? I hope you say yes. You are my inspiration, Neil Gaiman

I don't know. When it comes to signings, I go where the publisher sends me. If they say 'Go to Peoria' to Peoria I shall go.

Q Which book was the hardest for you to write?

ANANSI BOYS. I got stuck for months in the middle.

Q How do you keep yourself motivated to finish a story instead of hopping off to a fresher idea?

I quite like having more than one thing on the go. Then when I get stuck on one thing I can go and mess around with something else.

Q Do you have any unfinished novels? If so, will you finish it?

There's a book set in the STARDUST world called WALL, which I began before STARDUST and will finish one of these days, really.

Q If you could write a book with anyone in the world, who would you write with?

I'd love to write a book with Roger Zelazny, or with my friend John M. Ford, but I would want them alive again so we could collaborate. I don't know. I love what Diane Wynne Jones does.

Q Which of your books was the most fun or interesting while writing it?

AMERICAN GODS was the longest. So it probably had more interesting bits and more bits that made me wish that I wasn't a writer any more and that I could go and get the kind of job that didn't involve making things up.

Q When writing a story, do you prefer to write it first, then transpose it onto the computer? or do you entirely write your stories on the computer?

Depends on the story. I often use the computer for the second draft, so that what I type in is slightly better than what I wrote by hand.

Q Would you ever consider writing another book with Terry Pratchett? Because Good Omens was great!!!

Glad you liked it! Terry and I like it too. I can't imagine that we'd ever do it again, though.

Q Are you ever worried that you will introduce a world to children that is too horrific for them to handle?

No

Q Would you ever consider co-writing something with Jane Yolen?

Certainly.

Q Have you ever thought about writing a book with Stephen King?

I think that would be a bit intimidating. When I read his last short story collection I thought it might be fun to write an audio thing.

Q I think it might have been a short story of yours that got me thinking this way but I always connect cats with angels? Do you remember a story like that? And how many cats do you have?

You may be thinking of a story of mine called THE PRICE.

Q Are you going to have a continuation to AMERICAN GODS?

Maybe one day. And there's a book called ANANSI BOYS which may sort of do some AMERICAN GODS things in a different direction.

Q What's the best advice you have for aspiring writers?

WRITE. FINISH THINGS. KEEP WRITING.

Q When thinking of a story premise, where do you get your ideas from? And, for quite some time, I've been wanting to write a novella, after reading THE SANDMAN: DREAM HUNTERS, and I was wondering, how do you start off your stories, and how do you think of your clever dialogue?

I start off a story when I know where it begins; and the dialogue is something I mostly do by being quiet and listening.

Q What do you do when you have writer's block?

I cheat and write something else in the meanwhile.

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Credit: Kimberly Butler And the much longer version.... Neil Gaiman was born in Hampshire, UK, and now lives in the United States. As a child he discovered his love of books, reading, and stories, devouring the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, James Branch Cabell, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Moorcock, Ursula K.

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How to be a Pirate

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Cressida reads How to Be a Pirate: Chapter 4

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Via BBC iPlayer

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In a dystopian London, Sephy and Callum fall in love despite the odds.

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Whatever your child's age and whatever books they like to read, we can help you to find something new.

Use our Bookfinder to look for books that suit your tastes and interests, browse our archive of interviews with authors and illustrators, watch our online storybooks, or just see what's out this month that should be catching your eye in the bookshop or library. Here, you can also find reading tips and book recommendations for children of all ages, from babies to teenagers.

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Find children's books for your child, whatever their age, from BookTrust: with book recommendations, reading tips, online storybooks, author interviews, games to play and more.

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Murder Most Unladylike

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Did you know people thought this was really happening at the time!

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Orson Welles - War Of The Worlds - Radio Broadcast 1938 - Complete Broadcast.

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Free during lockdown

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If you have Netflix try watching: The Kissing Booth, The Worst Witch, Captain Underpants, Horrid Henry, Shadowhunters, Series of Unfortunate Events, How to Train Your Dragon, Vampire Diaries and many more. Just remember the films are not exactly the same as the book, so if you like the film, read the book.

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longleat virtual tour you tube - Bing video

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How to Be a Virtual YouTuber Create Virtual Model Yourself How to Become a Virtual YouTuber How to Be a YouTuber App YouTuber Seffer Create Virtual Soundboard Apps to Become a YouTuber for PC How to Become a YouTuber Site What Recording Software Do YouTubers Use

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Poetry, fiction and non-fiction

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Writer Michael Rosen's website for children, with videos, biography, news, a blog and lists of books

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Cathy Cassidy reading Love From Lexie

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Sainsbury Wing

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Virtual author visit

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Fantasy story read via YouTube

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THE NAMELESS ONE PART 1 - The Edge Chronicles Series Book (The Cade Saga Trilogy)

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Click on the virtual tour, watch plays and listen to them.

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A world-renowned theatre, education centre, and cultural landmark, located on the bank of the River Thames in London, UK. We are always open online, providing Shakespeare for all through digital events and resources.

HELP SUPPORT OUR BELOVED THEATRE.

With so many of our activities still on hold, we need you more than ever to help secure our future.

Please donate any amount, small or large, or join our community as a Member.

Don't forget to join our mailing list and be the first to hear about new events planned for when we reopen.

Our theatres might be temporarily closed physically... but they are always open online! Explore our spaces digitally, through fun facts, articles, our virtual tour and more.

Buy or rent films of full-length productions that took place at Shakespeare's Globe from 2007. Over 130 films make up our video-on-demand collection of Shakespeare plays on Globe Player.
globeplayer.tv

Romeo and Juliet (2019)

Our 90 minute production of Romeo and Juliet created especially for young people will be available to watch online for free, until 31 March 2021. There is an audio described version and a free online learning resources area to access online too.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Macbeth (2020)

Our 2020 production of Macbeth is now being streamed as a video exclusively for teachers - it is available to watch until 23 July 2021. To get access, fill out the form and you will be sent a private link for you and your students.
REGISTER INTEREST

Treat thyself or a loved one with our Valentine's Day selection. Find unique and romantic gifts for the Shakespeare lover in your life.

Browse clothing, bags, gifts, jewellery, posters, books, DVDs, homeware and more.

Every purchase supports the work of Shakespeare's Globe.
SHOP NOW

We are currently running options for higher education institutions and students online. Our multi-modal package of high quality resources consists of curated live sessions and selected pre-recorded material, all delivered by our scholars, faculty and artists.

Explore higher education online or find out more about our MA in Shakespeare Studies.
DISCOVER MORE

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A world-renowned theatre, education centre, and cultural landmark, located on the bank of the River Thames in London, UK. We are always open online, providing Shakespeare for all through digital events and resources. With so many of our activities still on hold, we need you more than ever to help secure our future.

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We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Read our cookie policy

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We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Read our cookie policy

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Reading How To Train Your Dragon

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cressida cowell reading how to train your dragon - Bing video

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How to Train Your Dragon Audiobook How to Train Your Dragon 1 How to Train Your Dragon the Book of Dragons Cressida Cowell Illustrations How to Train Your Dragon 2 Book How to Train Your Dragon Book Series YouTube Cressida Cowell Cressida Cowell Drawings Cressida Cowell Interview How to Train

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Hull Truck at Home - Creativity Can't Be Closed

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Jacqueline Wilson's Diary

Letter for April

Dear Everyone, This is such a strange time for all of us! I do hope you're all safe and well and coping with this new way of life. I expect you're really missing your friends and school and all your outdoor activities - dancing, Brownies, football, swimming, gymnastics ... It's so frustrating and upsetting - but this situation isn't going to last forever, even if it feels like it! I very much wanted to rush around the country in...

Continue reading Thursday 9 April, 2020

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Dear Everyone, This is such a strange time for all of us! I do hope you're all safe and well and coping with this new way of life. I expect you're really missing your friends and school and all your outdoor activities - dancing, Brownies, football, swimming, gymnastics ...

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Michael Morpurgo

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HarperCollins Children's Books are delighted to unveil Michael Morpurgo's major new fiction title for Autumn 2019 - Boy Giant: Son of Gulliver.

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JK Rowling

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J.K. Rowling is the author of the much-loved series of seven Harry Potter novels, originally published between 1997 and 2007. Along with the three companion books written for charity, the series has sold over 500 million copies, been translated into 80 languages, and made into eight blockbuster films.

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Kwame Alexander

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Author | Speaker | Producer | Poet | Kwame Alexander

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Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, producer and #1 New York Times Bestselling author of 38 books, including AN AMERICAN STORY, THE DOOR OF NO RETURN, BECOMING MUHAMMAD ALI

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Patrick Ness

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I'M PATRICK NESS.
All are welcome to my website!
Except you. And you.

Patrick is touring the UK to celebrate the release of Different for Boys, illustrated by Tea Bendix. Patrick will be visiting London, Liverpool and Edinburgh in March 2023. Tuesday 7th March - Edinburgh Wednesday 8th March - Liverpool Thursday 9th March - continued...

Chaos Walking, based on The Knife of Never Letting Go, will be available for premium rental at home on all digital platforms in the UK from 2nd April, and available in cinemas as soon as they open. Watch the trailer here:

Burn, an all-consuming story of revenge, redemption and dragons, is available now! "Wonderful and mind-blowing and exhilarating and heart-stopping. What a storyteller! I loved it!" Russell T Davies "A summer blockbuster of a novel: exciting, clever and moving. Somehow, Ness continued...

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I'M PATRICK NESS. All are welcome to my website! Except you. And you. Patrick is touring the UK to celebrate the release of Different for Boys, illustrated by Tea Bendix. Patrick will be visiting London, Liverpool and Edinburgh in March 2023. Tuesday 7th March - Edinburgh Wednesday 8th March - Liverpool Thursday 9th March - continued...

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Malorie Blackman

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Malorie Blackman ~ Author of Noughts and Crosses

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Welcome to my website! If you're trying to find out more about me, what I've written or what I'm up to now, then you're in the right place. You can browse my books, read extracts, watch trailers, and even write your own reviews - I'd love to hear what you think.

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Dean Atta interview

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Before the pandemic struck, I got the chance to interview Dean Atta about one of my favourite books The Black Flamingo, which is a moving, lyrical, up-lifting and hopeful novel told in verse...

Without giving too much away, can you tell us about your book The Black Flamingo?
The Black Flamingo is a coming of age story about a mixed race boy called Michael figuring out his identity in terms of race and sexuality and discovering a new side to himself in his drag person The Black Flamingo.
How is The Black Flamingo similar to your first debut collection of poems (I Am Nobody's Nigger)? How is it different?
The two books are similar in that they are poetry and they look at some of the same themes of race and sexuality. They are different because The Black Flamingo is a book of fiction and the poems tell a story and are written to be read sequentially.
Is The Black Flamingo entirely autobiographical, are certain parts based on your life or is it completely fictional?
There are some emotional truths from my own life, which I have written into the story but I'd say the book is completely fictional, despite some similarities The Black Flamingo is Michael's story.

Buy the book here!

I loved reading about Michael's disappointment at receiving a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy instead of a Barbie - I loved She-Ra as a kid and I can certainly relate to that! Organisations like 'Let Toys Be Toys' are currently trying to tackle the idea gender stereotypes in childhood. Do you think the idea that certain toys are for boys and certain toys are for girls is a problem?
It is a problem and it's insidious. I wanted to buy my three-year-old niece a durable camera and the one with the best reviews only came in two colours: blue and pink. It was hard to decide whether to buy her the blue one and make a statement but I personally preferred the pink so that's what I bought her. You're always second guessing if you're enforcing all these unnecessary gender stereotypes.

Michael does eventually get a Barbie in The Black Flamingo but you see how his mum is weary of letting him take the doll out of the house. The problem isn't in the home it's society at large and Michael's mum wants to protect her son from any ridicule.
Why did you decide to write The Black Flamingo in verse?
I wrote the book in verse because I love poetry and I've spent years getting good at writing it. I love to read prose but poetry is my first language, so it just made sense for me to write verse novel. It was a great challenge because usually when I write a poem a whole story is resolved within a single poem, but this needed to be a page-turner that doesn't ask you to pause like an individual poem does but encourages you to keep reading.
What strikes me throughout The Black Flamingo is the theme of redemption. You talk about the ability we have to be 'the prince and princess' and our own 'wicked witch and fairy godmother' in our personal fairy tales. Do you feel your role as a drag artist has influenced or been influenced by this idea?
I think we wear different costumes and take on different roles throughout life. We dress for work but might have comfy clothes for home, we dress to impress on a special occasion but it's only special if it's different to our everyday wear. In some scenarios we see ourselves as the hero, and at other times we have been made to feel like the villain. What I am trying to show is that under all these costumes and roles there is someone constant who is just playing dress up.

An extract from Dean's stunning novel The Black Flamingo

There's obviously been a lot in the media about LGBT education in primary schools. What are your thoughts about this and the subsequent protests that have arisen?
It's important to show different types of families to children. Some children are raised by a single parent, some are raised by same-gender parents, some are raised by grandparents or other relatives or foster carers. All should be respected and celebrated.
I love the front cover and illustrations by Anshika Khullar! What do you feel they bring to Michael's story? Can you remember how you felt when you saw the front cover of your book for the first time?
When I saw the final front cover I felt absolutely elated - I knew people would pick this book up simply because of how beautiful the cover is. We know that people really do judge a book by its cover. I feel confident that the words within are as gorgeous as Anshika's cover art, and the illustrations mirror the story's most poignant and magic moments.
As a teacher, I often struggled to 'teach' poetry to children - especially the writing of it. What advice would you give to teachers who want to develop their teaching of poetry in the classroom?
Teach poems about things your students are interested in. Try to source poems about everything from football to flamingos, science to sibling rivalry, poems from around the world and translated from other languages. Invite them to bring in a poem that they like or to ask an adult in their life to recommend a great poem; make it relevant, make it interactive and make it intergenerational.
I know you do lots of shows and performances. What can we expect to see and hear in one of your shows?
Expect myself and the other performers to be unapologetic in our blackness and queerness. Expect a night that centres black queer people and our experiences. Expect to feel safe and welcome but sometimes challenged and uncomfortable.

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The Black Flamingo: An interview with Dean Atta - The Reading Realm

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Before the pandemic struck, I got the chance to interview Dean Atta about one of my favourite books The Black Flamingo, which is a moving, lyrical, up-lifting and hopeful novel told in verse... Without giving too much away, can you tell us about your book The Black Flamingo?

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Carnegie

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We believe that a single book has the power to ignite a lifelong passion for reading. We have dedicated over 80 years to finding and celebrating outstanding writing and illustration for children and are proud to continue lighting the way for young readers to find their next life-changing read.