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Meet the Classics
Cover of Meet the Classics: Romeo and Juliet, retold by Sean Lee, with Romeo reaching up to Juliet on her rose-covered balcony under a full moon

Meet the Classics

Romeo and Juliet

Based on the 1597 play by William Shakespeare, retold by Sean Lee for ages 6–9

Ages 6–9, 72 pages

Two young people from feuding families in sunny Verona fall in love at a masked ball, and their story finally brings peace to their city.

In sunny Verona, the Capulets and the Montagues have quarreled for so long that their servants fight in the streets. Then gentle Romeo Montague slips into a Capulet masked ball and meets bright, brave Juliet Capulet, and the two fall in love at first sight.

Moonlit words on a balcony, a secret wedding, a quarrel in the hot sun and a letter that never arrives lead to Shakespeare’s famous ending, and to the peace the two families finally make. A complete retelling of the world’s most famous love story for ages 6–9, with an illustration on every page and the sad parts told gently.

Peek inside the bookRomeo and Juliet for Kids: A Parent’s GuideRomeo and Juliet summary for kids

Peek Inside

Prince Escalus rides into Verona’s sunny square on a tall white horse
A loud trumpet blast silenced the crowd. Prince Escalus rode into the sunny square on a tall white horse. He was the strict ruler of Verona. His deep frown showed he was angry about the fighting. The Prince pointed a firm finger at the families. “Three times your fights have broken our peace!” he boomed. He warned them to stop at once. Anyone who fought in Verona again would be sent away forever.
Romeo steps into the Capulets’ glittering Great Hall, full of dancers and chandeliers
Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio slipped into the Capulet Great Hall. Romeo caught his breath. High above, big chandeliers sparkled with hundreds of wax candles. Golden light glowed over the shiny marble floor. Sweet music filled the air. Laughing dancers spun past in fine silk and velvet cloaks. Romeo stepped behind a tall stone pillar. He gazed across the room in wonder. In a single moment, the heavy sadness in his heart floated away.

Meet the Characters

Character guide

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