March 27th is World Theatre Day, a global event that celebrates the enormous cultural and social impact of the theatre arts. From playwrights to set designers to lighting technicians to directors to the actors and performers themselves, creating a stage production takes the hard work and artistry of dozens — sometimes even hundreds — of people. To commemorate World Theatre Day and the art form it recognizes, we’ve gathered seven books for young readers all about the magic of theatre.
Onstage & Backstage: At the Night Owl Theater by Ann Hayes, Illustrated by Karmen Thompson
If your little reader is curious about how a play goes from concept to execution, this adorable tale of the Night Owl Theater’s production of Cinderella is a can’t-miss. The spritely story effortlessly walks readers through the steps of staging a play from announcement to opening night, detailing all of the behind-the-scenes work such as holding auditions, rehearsals, scenery construction, and even promotion. The charming cast of animal characters is endearing — especially after a rough dress rehearsal shakes their confidence — and the four-panel gatefold illustration of their performance is sure to wow.
Broadway Bird by Alex Timbers, Illustrated by Alisa Coburn
Louisa has one dream: to make it big on Broadway, the epicenter of the theatre arts in the United States. The only problem is that, on Broadway, it can be tough to make it big when you’re very small — and Louisa is a parakeet in a city of large mammals. She’s got the voice and the moxie, though, and refuses to let the endless stream of rejections get her down. A sweet story of perseverance and self-confidence, theatre lovers, in particular, will be drawn to this one for the Broadway easter eggs, including a seek-and-find of “stars” such as Patti Lupony and Otter McDonald in the illustrations.
Night Play by Lizi Boyd
A delightful ode to the childhood activity of putting on a show, Arlo’s animal friends convince him to stay up for “one more play” before he heads off to bed. However, as the creatures fuss over the details of Act One — such as the costumes, sets, and curtains — Arlo falls asleep! Not wanting to disturb their dozing pal, the animals continue with Act Two, and Arlo wakes just in time to join them for the showstopping finale. With an incredibly unique art design that features gatefolds, pages of varying widths, and die-cut edges, this playful tale is sure to capture the imagination.
Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk by Jane Sutcliffe, Illustrated by John Shelley
There’s a reason that when we think theatre, we often think of Shakespeare; the prolific playwright and poet not only revolutionized English-language theatre but also made significant contributions to the English language itself! After a cheeky author’s note that accuses words of Shakespeare’s invention popping up all over her writing, Sutcliffe takes readers through a day in the life of theatre culture in 1606 London, introducing Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre; peppered throughout are many of the words and phrases attributed to The Bard’s creation, such as “too much of a good thing,” “wild-goose chase,” and “for goodness’ sake,” and information about their origins.
Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis with B.G. Hennessy, Illustrated by Jody Wheeler
Who doesn’t love a book starring the timeless, cuddly teddy bear Corduroy? Don Freeman’s characters are brought to new life in this darling story penned by Hennessy and star of stage and screen Viola Davis. On his first trip to the theatre with his best friend Lisa, Corduroy inadvertently gets dropped to the floor in the darkness! Exploring the space for the perfect vantage point from which to view the stage, the curious bear ends up in the dressing rooms, the wings, and eventually even on stage. Not only an adorable tale, this one captures the magic of the theatre from both onstage and the audience and will get kids excited to see their own first show.
Backstage Cat by Harriet Ziefert, Illustrated by Jenni Desmond
A mischievous pet cat takes readers on a backstage tour of his owner’s theatre in this madcap adventure by prolific children’s author Ziefert. Though Simon is supposed to wait in his owner’s dressing room while she’s onstage starring in the play, when he spies a mouse running through the hall, how can he help but give chase? Finding himself in a new world filled with racks of costumes, bright lights, and stagehands, Simon wreaks a bit of havoc after being startled up a (fake) tree. Just when things are looking disastrous, however, the lovely singing voice of his owner calls him to safety. Ridiculous fun with a spoonful of heart, this theatre tale will charm little theatre fans and cat lovers alike.
B Is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z by John Robert Allman, Illustrated by Peter Emmerich
As theatre fans, it was a tough pick between this title and the author/illustrator duo’s first collaboration, the iconic A Is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z. However, this B Is for Broadway gets our nod for not only introducing young readers to Broadway hits new and old through Emmerich’s vibrant and electric artwork but also to some theatre vocabulary that little theatre lovers will absolutely sink their teeth into. Between kick lines, ensembles, auditions, revivals, finales, and more, theatre lovers of all ages will love the obvious passion and expertise that went into every showstopping page.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they inspire you you check out your local stage productions — there’s just nothing like a night at the theatre. Happy reading!
For more recommendations for young lovers of the arts, check out our article on Children’s Books That Capture the Magic of the Museum.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
