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Kings & Queens Topic

Best Books for the Kings & Queens Topic

From picturebooks about The King’s Pants to comprehensive fact books like Kings and Queens: Alfred the Great to King Charles III and Everyone In-Between!, we’ve picked out some of our favourite texts suitable for primary school children to help explore the Kings and Queens topic.

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Children's stories and poetry about Kings & Queens

Michael Bond
 & R. W. Alley
Picturebook
This picturebook featuring a familiar favourite bear captures the experience of visiting Buckingham Palace as a tourist, watching the Changing of the Guard and seeking to get a glimpse of the Queen at her home.
Nicholas Allan
Picturebook
The King cannot rule without his Royal Pants. He has a pair for every occasion: coronation pants (he can't be crowned without them), organic pants (edible in royal emergencies) and even inflatable space-pants (because one never knows when they might come in handy). But in a boxer-shorts blunder at the Royal Mail, the King's undies have been posted to his subjects nationwide! With his Y-fronts gone wandering, how will the King possibly cope? The Queen's Knickers by the same author has been a bestselling family favourite for 30 years, and won The Sheffield Children’s Book Award and The Coventry Inspirational Award.
Nicholas Allan
 & Sue Buswell
Picturebook
It's a busy year for the Queen - she has lots of important events to attend. Meanwhile, a little girl is wondering what knickers Her Majesty will choose to wear on a school visit! Will they be her 'at home' knickers - adorned with corgis - or her 'garden party' knickers, or perhaps her woolly Balmoral ones...? Both children and adults will love this very special and endearing insight into a child's imagination, from the best-selling author-illustrator of Father Christmas Needs A Wee and Jesus' Christmas Party .
Michael Morpurgo
 & Michael Foreman
Non-fiction
A beautifully illustrated full-colour tribute to King Charles III, published to mark his coronation – from the bestselling creators of There Once Is a Queen.There once was a boy who was going to be king one day . . .From the Nation’s Favourite Storyteller Sir Michael Morpurgo comes a poetic celebration of our new monarch, King Charles III, beautifully illustrated in watercolour by acclaimed artist Michael Foreman.There once was a little boy, born a prince. Encouraged by his parents, he grew up with a passion for the countryside, wanting to look after it. Then, as the longest-serving Prince of Wales in British history, he dedicated decades of his life to raising awareness for conservation. Now our king, his devoted work will continue to inspire the protection of our planet for future generations.This allegorical story tells how – with the help of a tiny acorn – a wise old woman gives a lonely boy, who would be king, the courage and determination to change the world for the better, for everyone. An exquisite companion to There Once Was a Queen, this commemoration of King Charles III’s coronation is a gift book truly to be treasured.
Steve Antony
Picturebook
A hilarious tale that will take you all around London! Winner of the Evening Standard's Oscar's First Book Prize. A sudden gust of wind sets off a marvellous London adventure for the Queen, the Queen's men and one very special hat. So let's follow one determined, dare-devil queen through London Zoo, over Tower Bridge and up Big Ben ... just where will that hat land? Featuring favourite London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben and London Zoo.

Julia Golding
 & Kate Hindley
Non-fiction
The story of the life of Queen Elizabeth II, told through her clothes and jewellery - and a gorgeous gift to treasure. Includes a foreword by Michele Clapton, costume designer for series one of Netflix's The Crown, giving a peek behind the scenes at the recreation some of the Queen's most famous outfits. Did you know the Queen's crown weighs as much as a bag of potatoes? Or that she has her own tartan nobody else is allowed to wear? Written by the Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning Julia Golding, The Queen's Wardrobe is packed with fascinating stories and astounding facts about our record-breaking Queen. The detailed, humorous and colourful artwork from bestselling Kate Hindley shows what it's really like to grow up as a princess. This book brings to life the story of a young princess who grew into one of the world's best-loved and most famous royals, touching on wartime truck-fixing, ration-book wedding dress making, splendid gowns, trusty wellies, the Crown Jewels and jumping out of a helicopter with James Bond.
Caroline L. Perry
 & Lydia Corry
Picturebook
Can one dog help a young princess learn how to become a beloved queen? The true and touching story of Queen Elizabeth II and her first corgi, Susan. As a young girl, Elizabeth's life changed for ever when her Papa was crowned King George VI and the family moved into Buckingham Palace. But one thing has never changed: she always has her corgis at her side. This is the story of her beloved first corgi, Susan, who accompanied Princess Elizabeth everywhere she went - even secretly riding in her glass carriage on her wedding day to Prince Philip! Susan was there for Elizabeth when her Papa died and she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II, and remained at her side as a faithful companion in her early years as a Queen and later as a mother. This picture book provides a fascinating window into the life of Queen Elizabeth II from princess to beloved Queen, told through her enduring love of corgis.
Nick Sharratt
Chapter book
Nick Sharratt's fabulously funny debut novel is now available in paperback. The Cat and the King tells the story of a gentle, unworldly King and his very clever cat, and is illustrated throughout in two colours with Nick’s irresistible wit and humour.The cat and the King must find a new home after their castle burns down in an Unfortunate Incident with a dragon.They choose Number 37 Castle Close, and the cat introduces the King to all sorts of new experiences, from washing-up to shopping.Then danger looms when the pesky, fire-breathing dragon makes its return.
Gloria Whelan
 & Nancy Carpenter
Picturebook
Poor Queen Victoria! She loves to swim, but can't quite figure out how to get to the water without her devoted subjects glimpsing her swimming suit. (Because, of course, such a sight would compromise her regal dignity.) Fortunately for the water-loving monarch, it's Prince Albert to the rescue with an invention fit for a queen!This quirky tale about the longest reigning monarch in British history is as fun as it is authentic, and the book includes a picture of the actual bathing machine Prince Albert created.

Children's fact books about Kings & Queens

V&A
Non-fiction
A mini guide to the life and legacy of Queen Victoria, complete with colour illustrations and photographs. This book covers the various stages of Victoria's life and reign as well as additional details about everyday life during the Victorian reign. Recommended for ages 7-11.
Jonathan Melmoth
Chapter book Non-fiction
A lively and intriguing biography of Henry VIII, full of fascinating facts, famous paintings and photos of historical artefacts that bring history to life. Discover Henry’s life as a young prince at Tudor court, the religious conflicts of his reign, the fates of each of his six wives and his lasting legacy as one of England’s most famous kings.
Marcia Williams
Non-fiction
Meet every king and queen in the history of Britain in this lively comic-strip guide from award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams.From medieval monarchs to the newly crowned King Charles III, join award-winning author-illustrator Marcia Williams on an entertaining guide to every king and queen of Britain. Discover the kings who fought off the Vikings, the queen who spent the longest time on the throne, the king who died from eating too much fish, and many more. Featuring famous faces like Henry VIII and Elizabeth II, plus the lesser-known stories of the daring, the caring and the cruel who have worn the crown, this is an accessible and engaging introduction to the kings and queens of Britain, sure to inspire even reluctant readers.
Rachael Saunders
Non-fiction
Celebrate the extraordinary life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II and discover the history of the royal houses of Great Britain.The kings and queens of Great Britain are brought to life in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Exploring the history of the monarchy, featuring expertly written histories and a timeline of the royal houses, this is the perfect book for kids to learn more about Elizabeth’s life and reign.

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