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.

Paché Montessori

Located in a newly renovated landmark building amidst the beautiful brownstones of Cobble Hill. Carefully crafted with the developmental needs of children in mind, classrooms offer children calm, peaceful environments to explore the rich Montessori learning materials. Pach&eacute; Montessori is a community-oriented, value-driven Montessori school with highly trained educators located on Court Street in Cobble Hill. The name, Pach&eacute;, comes from the Italian word for peace (&ldquo;pace&rdquo;), and this guiding principle is at the heart of everything we do. The school serves children from birth (3 months) through 6 years old (Kindergarten) and offer a Spanish Immersion option for their Toddler and Primary students. &nbsp; Their beautiful 25,000 square foot school contains a large rooftop playground, an indoor gross motor space with a climbing wall, and a second-floor terrace for outdoor gardening and learning. &nbsp;

Green Meadow Waldorf School

Striving to create a social, cultural, and learning environment that recognizes the child&rsquo;s spiritual freedom and growth, Green Meadow nurtures the physical, emotional, and intellectual capacities of the growing child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum.