Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Topic: History

Astro Girl

Picturebook

Astrid has loved space ever since she can remember and wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. Even when her dad gently reminds her of the challenges ahead (eating food out of a tube, getting used to near-zero gravity, sleeping on her own amongst the stars), she is confident – “I can do that!”

This is a story full of tenderness and adventure, with a lovely surprise ending when Astrid and Dad go to pick up Mum from the airbase – where has she been?

This gentle picture book with distinctive earthy illustrations is a lovely read-aloud for Reception/Year 1 with a wonderful inclusive message at its heart, supported by the mini fact-files about female and BAME astronauts at the end.

Castles Magnified

David Long & Harry Bloom

Non-fiction

A treasure trove of information about castles, presented in a seek-and-find format, with fun a magnifying glass included. This interactive book includes information about castles through history. Readers familiar with the Where’s Wally? books will dive right in without hesitation as they search for different characters, historical figures, symbols and objects that all build up to create a detailed picture of different aspects of castle life.

How To be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs

Dr Sheila Kanani & Sol Linero

Non-fiction

How To be an Astronaut and Other Space Jobs is a very well laid out introduction to space exploration and the jobs associated with it. It begins with a short introduction to space and why it’s worth exploring before giving an in-depth look at what it’s like to be an astronaut, including such interesting questions as what kind of training you need to do, what it feels like to be weightless and what happens to your body when you return to earth. It also covers a wide range of behind-the-scenes roles I’d never considered before such as astrobiologists, space doctors and even space chefs!

The amount and detail of the text is perfectly judged for KS1/LKS2 – blocks of text are never more than a few sentences with key words highlighted in bold. Sol Linero deserves a special mention for the excellent clear and attractive illustrations which are as important as the words.

DKfindout! Castles

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.

George and the Dragon

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.

Look Inside a Castle

Barry Ablett & Conrad Mason

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.

Stephen Biesty’s Cross-Sections Castle

Richard Platt & Stephen Biesty

Non-fiction

This uniquely illustrated book inviting readers right into the heart of different castles will be enjoyed by older children for the packed-in information and by younger children who simply will enjoy poring over details of the ‘cross-section’ images.

The Battle of Hastings

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.

The Castle the King Built

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!

The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight

Benji Davies & Elli Woollard

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 .