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Topic: History

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

Chapter book

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life.

One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit’s Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.

The book includes a behind-the-scenes journey, including an author profile, a guide to who’s who, activities and more..

Dragons Can’t Swim: Book 1 (Knight in Training)

Picturebook

Sam J. Butterbiggins’ only ambition is to be a Very Noble Knight, but he has a problem – he’s been packed off to the castle next door to stay with his aunt and uncle while his parents are away. Not only does he have to put up with his annoying cousin Prune, there are also the weird creatures his aunt looks after in her Luxury Accommodation for Dragons, Griffins and other Regal Beasts to contend with!

But when Godfrey the dragon gets stuck down a well, Sam and Prune have to work together to come to the rescue. Inside the well they make an incredible discovery – a scroll giving instructions on the six quests to be completed in order to become the perfect knight! Sam’s ambition seems close at hand – if only Prune would stop getting in the way…

See Inside Castles

Picturebook

A humorous yet historically accurate look at life in a thirteenth century medieval castle. Inventive embedded flaps on page allow children to explore the hidden world of the castle. Young readers are taken on an exciting journey in which they encounter a magnificent banquet, a thrilling tournament and a dramatic siege. David Hancock’s bright, detailed illustrations combined with informative and friendly text, provide children with an entertaining insight into life long ago.

The Siege of Caerlaverock

Chapter book

12-year-old Ada is a laundress of little consequence but the new castle commander Brian de Berclay has his evil eye on her. Perhaps she shouldn’t have secretly fed the young prisoner in the tower.

But when the King of England crosses the border with an army of over 3000 strong, Ada, her friend Godfrey and all at Caerlaverock suddenly find themselves under attack, with only 60 men for protection.

Soon, rocks and flaming arrows rain from the sky over Castle Caerlaverock – and Ada has a dangerous choice to make.

rosa parks

Rosa Parks

Picturebook

In this book from the highly acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Rosa Parks, the ‘Mother of the Freedom Movement.’

Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This moving 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 activist’s life.

The Same but Different too

Picturebook

A brilliantly witty introduction to comparisons and opposites, illustrated by the winner of the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award.

These children and animals are all very different to each other. Some are big, some are small. Some are gentle, some are rough. Everyone is playful, but who’s the best at hiding? One thing’s certain: they all love a good bedtime story!

Shortlisted for the Sainsbury’s Children’s Picture Book Award, this is the perfect book for little ones who are just beginning to make sense of their place in the world. Karl Newson has created a simple, funny and heart-warming text, which is perfectly matched by Kate Hindley’s charming, brilliantly witty artwork, filled with detail.

Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free “Stories Aloud” audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!

Related activity sheets available on the Nosy Crow website.

Titanic (My Story)

Chapter book

Margaret Anne dreams of leaving the orphanage behind, and she can hardly believe her luck when she is chosen to accompany wealth Mrs Carstairs aboard the great Titanic. But when the passengers are woken on a freezing night in April 1912, she finds herself caught up in an unimaginable nightmare…

What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions

What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? And Other Big Questions

Non-fiction

An important and timely book on race and racism, encouraging children to think for themselves about the issues involved.
Talk about race is often discouraged, but this book aims to bring everyone into the conversation. It explores the history of race and society, giving context to how racist attitudes come into being. It looks at belonging and identity, the damaging effects of stereotyping and the benefits of positive representation. The authors talk sensitively about how to identify and challenge racism, and how to protect against and stop racist behaviour.

Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards.

Part of the groundbreaking and important ‘And Other Big Questions’ series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today.

The Book of Boy

Chapter book

The year is 1350. Boy, a hunchbacked, sweet-natured goatherd, is content in his quiet country life. But when a shadowy pilgrim with a dangerous past arrives on the farm, his world is turned upside down. Secundus is a man on a mission, and upon first sight of Boy, enlists him as his servant, ripping him away from tranquillity and plunging them both into a perilous medieval treasure hunt … but there is more to the pilgrim’s quest than meets the eye.

The Queen’s Wardrobe: The Story of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Clothes

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.

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Stone Girl Bone Girl

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