Yorick and Bones

Gr 4-6–Alas, poor Yorick! He’s been buried in the ground for hundreds of years. When his skeleton form is awoken and unearthed, there’s just one thing he wants—a friend. But Bones, the tiny dog who dug him up, would love nothing more than to chew on Yorick’s leg. The jester’s increasingly amusing attempts to make friends are hindered by his skeletal form. Yorick views Bones first as a nuisance, then as a potential strategy to make friends, then, of course, as the companion he’s been searching for. This winning tale from father-daughter duo Jeremy (Grumpy Bird) and Hermione Tankard features clever dialogue, often done in iambic meter, and illustrations that rely on striking linework and primary colors. Yorick’s expressive body language drives home the emotions behind the text. Educators introducing students to Shakespeare will especially appreciate this tale. (References abound, such as, “’Tis sure that if you prick me, I do not bleed!”) Kids who have an interest in the Bard will definitely love this, but it will also please readers who want a sweet and funny friendship tale.