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Topic: History

Picturebook

A picture book story about the triumph of hope, love, and determination, Coming to England is the inspiring true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin: from Trinidad, to London as part of the Windrush generation, to the House of Lords.

When she was ten years old, Floella Benjamin, along with her older sister and two younger brothers, set sail from Trinidad to London, to be reunited with the rest of their family. Alone on a huge ship for two weeks, then tumbled into a cold and unfriendly London, coming to England wasn’t at all what Floella had expected.

Coming to England is both deeply personal and universally relevant – Floella’s experiences of moving home and making friends will resonate with young children, who will be inspired by her trademark optimism and joy. This is a true story with a powerful message: that courage and determination can always overcome adversity.

Non-fiction

Malorie Blackman is one of the most successful and prolific children’s authors writing today. Made Children’s Laureate for 2013-15, her books, such as Noughts and Crosses , Double Cross and Knife Edge , are loved by kids and adults alike. Malorie’s influence extends far beyond the literary world, however. She has used her position to speak out against racism, and to campaign for greater ethnic diversity in children’s books and children’s publishing.

Discover the story behind this incredible writer – from her struggles as a child facing racism in 1960s London, through her parents’ divorce and her misdiagnosis of Sickle-Cell Anaemia, to the globally renowned author she is today.

It focuses on Malorie’s love of reading, and how she tries to foster that in children today. It also looks at how she pursued her dream of becoming a writer with determination and courage, in the face of people who told her she would never amount to anything. Biographical information, and Malorie Blackman quotes, support the narrative.

A fantastic resource for biography based project work!

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.

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!

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 .

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 . . .

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..

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.

Picturebook

40 years. 7 million copies. 1 kick-ass princess who has inspired generations of readers to stand up for themselves.

How do you celebrate an occasion as special as 40 years in print for a book as beloved as The Paper Bag Princess ? You track down some of the most poignant commentary about the story; you share behind-the-scenes insights from the author and his partner; and you present it all in a beautiful package that showcases the story like never before.

To mark The Paper Bag Princess ‘s 40th anniversary, Annick has done just this, creating a gift-worthy deluxe hardcover featuring extra thick paper, a beautiful dust jacket, and a hidden second cover that reimagines the original cover imagery, plus commentary from renowned authors Francesca Segal ( The Innocents ) and Chelsea Clinton ( She Persisted ). Publishing in time for International Women’s Day in March, this gorgeous edition celebrates an enduring story that has had a profound effect on countless readers around the world.

Chapter book

The first in a series of hilarious stories about Charlie Tanner and his dog Jasper. In this, the first book and to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, Jasper has ambitions to fly into space and walk on the moon. In preparation, Charlie consults with experts.

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