I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
These are cute easily to follow crochet doll patterns. I think they would be perfect for beginners wanting to learn the art of making these cute little characters. The patterns seem easy to read and follow.

Hooked on Shakespeare is an adorable collection of crocheted amigurumi patterns for Shakespearean characters (and the bard himself) written by Gurinder Kaur Hatchart. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 128 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is such a fun collection of small amigurumi crochet dolls with a surprising amount of detail, and made with readily available yarns and supplies. The tutorials are easy to understand, and all of them include tools and supplies lists, along with step by step instructions and process photos in colour. There are dolls from 14 of the plays as well as an adorable "Wooliam Shakespeare" himself.

The author has also included tips and basic instructions for getting started with 3 dimensional crochet. Although the instructions are well written and detailed, it would be best for absolute beginners to have access to an experienced crochet friend or local yarn boutique for help along the way. More experienced beginners will have no problems following the tutorials to create the projects included in the book.

Most of them use very small amounts of individual colours and are thus perfect for stash-busting and using up the yarns which readers already have on hand.

Four stars. Adorable and well written patterns. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, maker's groups, and for crocheting for "educational" toys for children's play/doll show for an audience. A good and relevant introduction to the major plays for youngsters (all ages, really).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is a creative and fun book for those with some crochet experience who are also fans of Shakespeare. The book covers many of Shakespeare's most famous plays offering not only a brief summary of the events of the play but also the opporitunity to make some of the most beloved characters. The patterns are easy to read and follow. The book also contain helpful tips and illustrations of techniques. Definately putting the book on my shelf and the projects on my hook.

I was given a copy of Hooked on Shakespeare in return for my honest review.

This Shakespeare-themed crochet collection is the perfect crafty companion for Shakespeare enthusiasts.

I love how Hooked on Shakespeare includes short introductions to the plays and to the characters for each of the chosen projects. I would have wanted this book as a teen and I would have crocheted the characters from my favorite plays, along with a yarn version of William Shakespeare himself! We live close to Stratford, Ontario and part of our 'English' classes included trips to Stratford Festival Theatre to watch many of the plays by William Shakespeare be performed.

I believe having crocheted versions of some of these popular Shakespearean Play characters is a great way to introduce Shakespeare to younger students and a wonderful way to encourage a love of theatre and literature to a younger demographic.

This collection of patterns can be used for other purposes too - there are Kings and Monsters, Witches and Ghosts and even a Skull and a Cauldron pattern included. The fancy outfits worn by many of the characters work perfectly for Prince and Princesses - so would be great for playtime too if your little one loves fairy tales.

This book includes an EXCELLENT "How to Crochet" section that demonstrates with multiple photographs and written instructions, every single stitch and technique used in the projects. Although the patterns would be challenging, they would be something a newer crocheter or even a determined beginner could manage because of this added section in the book.

Read my full review at the link below:

I received a copy of this eBook for a honest review from NetGalley.

I'm passive about this book. I love to crochet and amigurumi and dolls are a favorite of mine but this book of patterns is only somewhat inspiring. They witches' and the ghost are interesting but nothing really stands out for me.

I cannot even describe how absolutely adorable this book is! The attention to detail not only in the patterns, but the helpful hints in the beginning are top notch. There is even more help after the patterns for people new to the art of crochet. Super creative.

These dolls are not particularly attractive, but the theme will likely be appealing to beginners. It's a plus that there are instructions with photos on how to make the stitches used in the projects.

Pros: I taught myself to crochet a few years ago and still consider myself very much a beginner. I love books like this that help me learn more about crochet and inspire me to try new stitches. I thought this book was such a fun concept, combining crochet with the works of Shakespeare. I really enjoyed learning more about Shakespeare's plays in this book! I was surprised (in a good way) with how many projects this book includes! My favorite thing about this book is that it uses different skin tones for different characters--I love that thoughtful diversity! I was also incredibly impressed with the skill and creativity that went into these crocheted creations--they are works of art.

Cons: As a beginner, I still struggle with the patterns and abbreviations used in them, so I found this book not to be beginner friendly. That's not a bad thing! I think it's important for readers to know if the book is for them, and this is a great book for experienced crocheters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA, Herbert Press for the opportunity to read this book.

5 stars for the artistry that went into these crochet projects!