British Museum: My Bayeux ABC

This delightful board book invites babies and toddlers to explore the alphabet through the people, animals, scenes and patterns of the Bayeux Tapestry, ranging from A for Arrow to Z for Zigzag.

Using high-resolution photography of the embroidery, readers can examine up close the magnificent textures, detailed stitching, shield designs and intricate chainmail patterns among the threads. Some letters provide obvious links to the tapestry’s history (W for William the Conqueror, N for Normans). Others use creative stretches like U for Underwater or Y for Young Child to display parts of the tapestry’s varied inventory, and others still might prompt curious children to ask why and explore further (e.g. C for Comet, D for Dragon).

Sweeping double-page spreads like F for Feast offer rich detail, while a scannable audio link reinforces letter sounds and tricky pronunciations (like Guy of Ponthieu, which adults might also wish to double-check!). Whether used as a souvenir, a pre-exhibition spotting game or a way to experience the beauty of the tapestry from afar, it is a lovely first introduction to history that provides value as a resource well beyond the baby and toddler phase too.