All the world's a stage.Or at least it is when you've been raised in a theater. And not just any theater, but the magical Theatre Illuminata, home to the characters from every play ever written, where any scene from any play can be staged at any time. Beatrice Shakespeare Smith (or Bertie, as everyone calls her) has grown up in the Theatre, which is why she is devastated when the Theater Manager threatens to expel her from the only home she's ever known (all because of a tiny incident with a cannon).
But when the Players protest, the Manager is convinced to reconsider... but only if Bertie can find a way to make herself uniquely useful to the Theatre. With the help of dashing Nate, the pirate; Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed and Peaseblossom, Shakespearean faeries; Mrs. Edith, the kindly Wardrobe Mistress; and Ariel, mysterious, seductive spirit of the air, whose help may not be quite the sort Bertie needs, she sets out upon her quest.
Taking the role of Director, Bertie decides to restage Hamlet - in ancient Egypt. The Theater Manager agrees - if she can put it on in four days. With a sold out house. And a standing ovation. Despite the fact that this seems almost impossible, especially when the Players can't seem to remember their lines the moment the pyramids appear onstage, Bertie stubbornly refuses to give up. But when the golden Book binding the characters to the Theatre vanishes, uncooperative Shakespearean characters are the least of her worries. Will Bertie be able to find the Book, keep the Players inside the Theatre, stage Hamlet succesfully, and keep her home? Find out by checking out Eyes Like Stars @ the library!
This book was so much fun to read! Full of swashbuckling adventure and derring-do, not to mention some very funny pixies, Bertie is a plucky, stubborn heroine you'll love to cheer for as the odds stack higher against her. If you're a theater junkie, a Shakespeare lover, or just love a good, fun adventure story, this one's for you!
Megan
(finally getting to Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters, next up is Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon, which I'm super excited for!)
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