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Claire Saunders Books

This book reveals what it was like to live in the turbulent Tudor times, when England’s kings and queens held absolute power over their subjects, and stepping out of line meant a whipping or worse. From Henry VII to Elizabeth I, the Tudor monarchs were colourful, powerful people who presided over an era of naval expansion, exploration and trade.

Children will learn about ordinary people’s day-to-day lives, from what they wore and ate to how they spent their free time and what kind of jobs they did. They will get to know a young, fictional Elizabethan girl, as she tells them about her life, from helping her mother with the laundry to visiting the Globe theatre and having a visit from a doctor.

Dotted throughout the book are craft activities and recipes to have ago at, such as making Tudor marchpane (marzipan), learning how to play Tudor games and how to dance like a Tudor.

This beautifully illustrated book takes young readers on an immersive tour of a transformative period in history, when the Industrial Revolution, new inventions, and social change reshaped life in Britain. From grand mansions to crowded workhouses, children will explore the stark contrasts between the lives of the wealthy and the poor, gaining insight into Victorian fashion, food, jobs, education, and even life in prisons and service.

Engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and historical facts bring the era to life, while fictional accounts from two Victorian children – one rich and one poor – help readers compare experiences and understand the realities of the time.

The book also features hands-on activities, including crafts and recipes, to encourage interactive learning. A timeline highlights key events and laws that shaped the era, and a detailed map showcases the British Empire and trade routes.

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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