Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home

Topic: History

Children’s Books about Slavery & The Slave Trade

Our list of the best children’s books about the slave trade is an essential guide to educating children about slavery in history in an age-appropriate way.

Children can discover stories of how Harriet Tubman helped to free hundreds of slaves in Trailblazers: Harriet Tubman, or how Mary Prince escaped slavery to become a key figure in the abolitionist movement in Mary Prince. Younger readers can join Paloma as she discovers her family’s history in Our Story Starts in Africa.

Rich with memoirs and tales of bravery and extraordinary journeys as well as exploring the wider themes of racism and exploitation, this varied selection of titles aims to illuminate the important topic of slavery in a way that children can engage and relate with.

 

Picturebook

King Charles the III is now King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but he is finding his new crown just a little heavy to manage and he is worried that he might not be as beloved as his dear mama, Queen Elizabeth II. But his good friend Tom the gardener is on hand to show him that kings must wear all sorts of hats and that he must be brave and allow himself to be the king he was born to be.

Best Children’s Books about King Charles III

What better way to get to know our monarch than this list of the best children’s books about King Charles III? Featuring richly-illustrated books full of facts and fun stories for sharing, children will love learning about the King’s life story and passions, and the customs and traditions of his role.

Our list of recommended stories about the King provides a glimpse into the life of our monarch and offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making history come alive in an engaging and accessible way. For young readers looking to learn about the King’s life story and journey to coronation, this list will provide the most relevant recommended books such as The Boy Who Would Be King or Our King Charles.

For readers looking for fiction themed around the king, we recommended the entertaining illustrated picturebook The King’s Hats or a royal encounter with a favourite character in Winnie The Pooh Meets the King.

Whether it’s a bedtime story or a classroom adventure, join us on this enchanting journey through living history and introduce young children to the royal world of King Charles III.

Non-fictionPicturebook

Little Charles always knew that, one day, he would have a big job to do. As the son of Queen Elizabeth II, he was a prince, and in the future, he was to inherit the throne of the United Kingdom.

As a young man, he developed a passion for one cause; the environment. Charles recognised that plastics and pollutants were causing harm to Earth, and as the Prince of Wales, he spent all his efforts championing climate justice and sustainability.

As a member of the Royal Family, Charles used his power to build important organisations such as The Prince’s Trust, a charity that works to improve the lives of young people across the UK.

And in 2022, when he became King, he pledged that he would spend the rest of his life serving his people with loyalty, respect and love.

This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the royal’s life, from little prince to grown-up king.

Picturebook

The day of the new king’s coronation has arrived. It’s a stupendous day, an exciting day, a MOST important day – and everyone, from the King’s butler to the palace guards, is feeling nervous. They’re all getting ready when Colin, the King’s Jack Russell, grabs the crown and runs away. Soon, he is being chased by the butler, the guards – even the pigeons and crowd gathered for the event! But it takes little Violet, aged 5, to work out what the problem is. Maybe Colin is nervous about his important new job as the King’s dog. Actually, everyone else admits they’re nervous too – especially the King, who has the biggest job of all. Can Violet help get Colin and the crown back to the King in time for the coronation? A fun royal caper covering themes of anxiety, empathy and community in a light-touch and warm-hearted way – with a non-fiction page about coronations at the end of the book.

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.

Non-fiction

Celebrate Britain’s newest monarch, King Charles III, and uncover his fascinating story in this kids’ biography, from the publisher that brought you Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration.

Charles has been heir to the throne since he was three years old, but what do we know about our new king? Come along as we embark on a royal journey like no other…

This incredible book traces Charles’ life, from his investiture as Prince of Wales and his time in the navy, to his extensive charity work and now his accession to the throne. Going beyond just the basic facts, young readers will love learning astounding, lesser-known information like how before becoming King, Charles was a magician, as well as what being king really entails.

Playful illustrations with simple, age-appropriate text fill every page to make this the perfect gift to mark King Charles III’s reign and celebrate his coronation!

Non-fiction

Celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with this fascinating book of facts about Charles, his mother Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, his childhood, hobbies, home and his new royal role – perfect for 8+ and fully illustrated throughout!

Did you know?

Charles is passionate about the environment.

He was the first royal to go to school.

Charles once played the cello on TV.

He has a tropical tree frog named after him.

Find over 100 extraordinary facts in this fun-packed book, the perfect gift for kids aged 8+.

Picturebook

A simple storybook for very young children to celebrate coronation day.

In this funny storybook, King Charles is on his way to Westminster Abbey to be crowned. He meets his colourfully dressed subjects one by one, from beefeaters in blue to a very yellow lollipop man. Before long, he realises he’s very, very late! Will he make it to the Abbey in time?

Read this jolly read-along story to find out – then turn to the non-fiction page at the end to find out more about the coronation ceremony!

Marion Billet’s illustrations bring the buzzing celebrations to life. With famous London sites to spot and soft learning about colours woven into the story.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your Review

Stone Girl Bone Girl

review

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Curriculum links (if relevant)

Any other comments

Any other comments