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.