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Castles and Knights Topic

Best children’s books about castles and knights

Take a time trip into the past to explore the exciting world of castles. From early Norman defences to splendid Tudor castles, this is a fun history topic to explore with primary school children. Whether you are looking into turrets and trebuchets or drawbridges and dungeons, there’s plenty to discover among our list of the best children’s books about castles and knights.

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Picturebooks about castles and knights

Rebecca Colby
 & Tom Froese
Picturebook
Find out exactly what goes on inside a medieval castle in this impeccably stylish picture book from the National Trust.How many people does it take to build a castle? And what exactly does each person do? Discover masons to merchants and bakers to blacksmiths in this unique take on the classic rhyme 'This is the House that Jack Built'. Explore what happens inside the castle the king built with striking retro artwork from illustrator Tom Froese and a carefully researched rollicking rhyme from author Rebecca Colby.Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free "Stories Aloud" audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!
Christopher Wormell
Picturebook
This is the story of a mighty dragon who seems ferocious, until we discover that he is terrified of George, a tiny mouse who pops round to borrow some sugar. This is a beautifully illustrated story coupled with the kind of gentle humour that draws readers in and makes them want to read it over and over again.
Elli Woollard
 & Benji Davies
Picturebook
When a kind young boy helps a strange-looking bird, a beautiful friendship forms. But what these two friends don't realise is that one is a young knight . . . and the other a young dragon! What will they do when they discover they are enemies and destined to FIGHT?The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight is a bold, funny and heartwarming story from a perfect picture book pairing; the uniquely talented Elli Woollard and award-winning Benji Davies.Fairy tale fun from the creators of The Giant of Jum .
Lucy Rowland
 & Kate Hindley
Picturebook
Ned the knight ALWAYS does exactly what he's told. When his parents ask him to pick up his toys, dig up the cabbages or go to bed on time, he does it all with a smile. And when the dragon swoops into town every night, he always runs inside just as he's asked. But one morning, instead of saying,"yes," he says, "NO!" He will NOT help his dad find his shield, his arrow or his bow, and he will certainly NOT let the butcher go past. That night, he refuses to go inside, and in doing so he confronts the dragon, making a very unlikely friend . . .
Helen Docherty
 & Thomas Docherty
Picturebook
Leo the mouse isn't like the other knights. While they like fighting, he'd rather read a book. Leo's parents are keen to turn him into a proper knight, so they pack him off on a mission to tame a dragon. But Leo knows that books are mightier than swords, and he tames not just the dragon, but a troll and a griffin, too - by reading them stories. With its witty rhyming text and glorious, detailed illustrations, The Knight Who Wouldnt Fight is a joyful, magical picture book about the power of stories..

Valerie Thomas
 & Korky Paul
Picturebook
When Winnie and Wilbur fly over a castle, they swoop down to take a closer look. When it turns out to be nothing more than a ruin, Winnie realizes that they are 'hundreds of years too late' and so makes a swoosh of her wand to take them back to medieval times. The ruin becomes a fully functioning fortress and it's a day of much archery, jousting and feasting. Winnie disguises herself as a medieval lady-in-waiting. Wilbur is a dashing knight in armour. But when they come across a naughty knight,making mincemeat of his rivals in the tournament and losing his temper in the banqueting hall, a little magic is required to put him in his place and give everyone else the entertaining day they've come to enjoy. Sir Wilbur is given pride of place at the banquet and everyone wants to know who the mysterious knight could be. Winnie realizes things could go badly if their true identities are revealed. They make a swift exit before out-staying their welcome, and the castle is restored to the ruin it was. With medieval magic and mayhem from the start, this story is a classic Winnie and Wilbur adventure.
Robert Munsch
 & Michael Martchenko
Picturebook

When Princess Elizabeth is all set to be married to Prince Ronald, disaster strikes! Suddenly, a fire-breathing dragon appears, smashing its way into the castle, scorching the princess’s clothes and kidnapping Prince Ronald! Resourceful Elizabeth finds a paper bag to replace her burnt clothes and sets off on a brave quest to rescue the prince, only to find that her prince isn’t quite as gallant as she had imagined. A very popular and entertaining story that is unafraid to twist traditional character stereotypes….

Non-fiction books about castles and knights

Robin Twiddy
Non-fiction
Life was different long ago, but how? Jump back in time to experience the lives of children in Roman times, or the Stone Age. What did they eat? How did they defend themselves? What happens if you try to storm a Norman castle? Ready to find out all this and more? Let's go!
Philip Steele
Non-fiction
This children's history book has everything you need to know about medieval castles, including knights, jousting, sieges, drawbridges, and forts.Learn about castle design, from the earliest motte and bailey styles to stone fortresses and beautiful castles in Japan and India. See some of the most impressive castles in the world, and stock up on amazing facts. Packed with information, artefacts, and colourful pages, DKfindout! Castles brings the medieval world to life.The DKfindout! series introduces children to a range of exciting topics in a fun, engaging way. Checked by specialist consultants and an educational expert this is not only a source of information you can trust, but one that is age-appropriate and supportive of schoolwork. Ranging from core topics, to more specialized subjects, the DKfindout! series will inspire and delight kids.
Marcia Williams
Graphic Novel
Delve into the fascinating Anglo-Saxon legends of King Arthur and his knights. The tales are retold in a comic book style, with speech bubbles and many humorous details in both the text and illustrations that pupils will love. Encounter stories of King Arthur, Merlin, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Excalibur and the search for the Grail.
Conrad Mason
 & Barry Ablett
Non-fiction
Lift the flaps to explore behind the scenes of a bustling medieval castle as Lord Robert and Lady Margaret hold a feast, watch a tournament and fight off fearsome enemies. Amid the hustle and bustle in the colourful illustrations, find flaps beneath flaps and many more surprises to keep enquiring minds entertained. Young readers can meet lords, ladies, knights and squires and find out how they live, work, fight and relax in their magnificent castle home.
Claudia Martin
Non-fiction
Why Do We Remember?: The Battle of Hastings looks at the gripping events that led up to the famous battle of Hastings in 1066 and the following Norman conquest of Anglo-Saxon Britain.This simple, friendly children's first history series, aimed at readers aged 5 and up, takes a close look at some key events and personalities through history and reveals how and why they are still important to us today. A perfect support to learning about history at Key Stage 1, each book uses a rich variety of historical sources, from diaries to paintings, to bring events to life, while simple historical vocabulary is introduced and explained. Each book also features a simple timeline and explores how we find about the past. All text has been carefully checked by a historian.

Chae Strathie
 & Marisa Morea
Non-fiction
Part of Nosy Crow's list of publishing in collaboration with the British Museum, developed in consultation with some of the world's leading experts on medieval history.A kid's life in a medieval castle might sound like fun, what with all those cool battles and massive feasts, but actually life for kids could be pretty hard. In this hilarious book, written by award-winning author Chae Strathie, children will learn just how tough life really was, from getting stuck in a siege and living next to a poo-filled moat to having teeth yanked out with pliers... and even eating live blackbird pie!Probably the first book about medieval times to feature talking cats and bottom burps, this is a must read for kids with a passion for horrible history!Brought to life with rich, humorous illustrations by super-talented Marisa Morea.Other titles in the series include: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, Aztec Age, and Prehistoric Times.

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