Did the kings of Benin keep pet leopards? And other questions about the kingdom of Benin

Discover the weird and wacky history of the kingdom of Benin! Did the kings of Benin really keep pet leopards? Did spirits live in the African rainforest? And did bicycles REALLY destroy the Benin kingdom? A Question of History: The Kingdom of Benin answers all these questions and much more. With an engaging question and […]
The Genius of The Benin Kingdom: Clever Ideas and Inventions from Past Civilisations

Which genius ideas and inventions began in the Benin Kingdom? What did the people of the Benin Kingdom develop that we use to this day? Find out how a collection of separate villages and communities grew into a strong, united kingdom and developed a network of successful trading relationships. Discover the brilliant developments in town […]
Explore!: Benin

Benin was an important kingdom in West Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Find out about Benin’s magnificent capital city, the objects that Benin traded with Europe and their intricate bronze plaques and statues. Read about food and farming, armies and weapons, the life of a craftsman and how to make a leopard statue! […]
Daily Life in Ancient Benin

This book explores what life was really like for everyday people in Ancient Benin. Using primary sources and information from archeological discoveries, it uncovers some fascinating insights and explodes some myths. Supported by timelines, maps and references to important events and people, children will really feel they are on a time-travelling journey when reading this […]
Explore!: Early Islamic Civilisation

Early Islamic civilisation spread across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia in the 7th and 8th centuries CE, forming a massive empire. Find out about the birth of Islam, amazing inventions and trade across the empire. Read about weapons and war, the city of Baghdad, the life of a scribe, science and medicine and […]
1001 Inventions & Awesome Facts About Muslim Civilisation

We often think that people from a thouand years ago were living in the Dark Ages. But from the 7th century onward in Muslim civilisation there were amazing advances and inventions that still influence our everyday lives. People living in the Muslim world saw what the Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Greek and Romans had discovered and […]
The Golden Horsemen of Baghdad

This fast-paced story is set in the Islamic Golden Age when Baghdad was considered the largest and most dazzling city in the world. Perfect for fans of thrilling adventure. Thirteen-year-old Jabir is hoping to save his family from being made homeless by finding work in Baghdad. Famished after his long journey to the city, Jabir […]
Children of the Benin Kingdom

A fast-paced adventure, this story brings to life one of Africa’s most fascinating civilizations, the ancient Edo Kingdom of Benin. This is an immersive adventure story and perfect for any child who enjoys being transported to another world. It fits well with the increasing interest in African fiction and stories that are inclusive, diverse and […]
Sinbad the Sailor

The stories of Sinbad the Sailor are some of the best loved tales from The Arabian Nights. Travel over the seas and follow Sinbad’s adventures retold in Marcia Williams’ vivid comic-strip style. These seven stories are presented in an entertaining and accesible way packed with hilarious creatures and spectacular feats!
The Kingdom of Benin

Find out all about the ancient kingdom of Benin, the tribes that lived there, how they lived and were ruled, and how the nation changed and developed over time.
Kingdom of Benin Short Stories: Ehi and Uki

Kingdom of Benin Short Stories use delightful characters to explore aspects of life in the kingdom of Benin in its hay days. Ehi Edo Warrior Chief turns the spotlight on a chief when he leads others through a war experience. This is war like no other. Uki at Ukpe Festival deals with a different aspect […]
Diary of An Edo Princess

Kingdom of Benin Short Stories use delightful characters to explore aspects of life in the kingdom of Benin in its hay days. In Diary of an Edo Princess, the vulnerable Princess Iyomon finds growing up fun and a challenge; her experiences are those that most children can identify with today. This book is suitable for […]
Tales from Africa

In this book of tales from Africa there are stories about an evil-hearted shark, an extremely cunning hare, a very greedy spider, and the strongest man in the world. There are also answers to such questions as why the crab has no head, why the sun and moon live in the sky, and why flies […]
The History Detective Investigates: Early Islamic Civilization

How did Islam start? What weapons did Islamic warriors use? Where was the ‘Round City’? Who invented the elephant clock? This book helps children at Key Stage 2 discover the answers to these and other fascinating questions. It also recommends sites on the Internet and sources in local libraries where they can find out more […]
Daily Life in the Islamic Golden Age

This book explores what life was really like for everyday people in the Islamic Golden Age,including Baghdad around AD900. Using primary sources and information from archeological discoveries, it uncovers some fascinating insights and explodes some myths. Supported by timelines, maps and references to important events and people, children will really feel they are on a […]
World Civilisations Topic

Children’s books about Benin Kingdom and Early Islamic Civilisation The National Curriculum states that pupils should learn about a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history, including one study chosen from: early Islamic civilisation, Maya civilisation and the Kingdom of Benin. While many schools are familiar with the topic of the Maya (see our […]