Putting ‘ham’ in ‘Hamlet’

The return of September means it’s time to get back to the books. With “The Ghastly Dandies Do the Classics,” the reader will enjoy seven tales inspired by great works of literature that reveal the quirky, cheeky perspective of author-illustrator Ben Gibson. In this, his first children’s book, extremely condensed versions of the stories of Don Quixote; Dr. Frankenstein; Gatsby; Ishmael and Captain Ahab; Hamlet; Sherlock Holmes; and Mr. Darcy are told via dapper monsters — as the title implies. Even Gibson’s text is rendered in an exciting variety of sizes, colors and fonts. The silly, sweet illustrations are crammed with lots of texture, pattern and color. “The Ghastly Dandies” is truly a wonderful gift for all ages; beginning readers and high school students alike will be charmed as Ishmael wisely counsels Ahab, “Let’s go back to New Bedford for supper, Captain. Rhubarb pie tastes much better than revenge.”

“The Ghastly Dandies Do the Classics” By Ben Gibson, Razorbill, $13.46, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Congregation Beth Elohim Early Childhood Center

A progressive preschool that nurtures childrens&rsquo; natural curiosity, critical thinking and self-esteem through an emergent curriculum developed by direct observation of childrens&rsquo; play and interactions with the world around them.

Manhattan Charter School & Manhattan Charter School II

Having two small public elemen&shy;tary schools educating children in grades Kindergarten through Fifth is certainly appealing to parents.&nbsp; Here, much emphasis is placed on the importance of an intimate school culture and learning environment.&nbsp; They are committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem solv&shy;ing skills. This means that there are never more than 25 students in a class, and that all students receive weekly French, Art, Physical Educa&shy;tion, and Technology instruction, in addition to daily Music instruction all beginning in Kindergarten. "We pride ourselves on delivering chal&shy;lenging, standards-driven instruc&shy;tion and fostering a culture of high expectations.&nbsp;We are dedicated to demonstrating that all children, regardless of race or economic sta&shy;tus, can succeed when given equal access to quality education."&nbsp;Both schools offer free afterschool.&nbsp; Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.manhattancharterschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.manhattancharterschool.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1632498940569000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHW4OtNCKMQM-sdVjrtRWjATPkx8Q">www.manhattancharterschool.org</a> to learn more.

Lycee Francais de New York

One of the most renowned bilingual French schools in North America. We welcome students from more than 50 nationalities each year and prepare them to be thinkers, leaders and innovators at home in the world.