Children's History Books

Very refreshing for the younger reader up to about 7 years old. Produced by Usborne and English Heritage. The cartoon-style pictures really capture the colourful nature of Celtic life and warfare, making it accessible to young minds. This is the most popular book sold on this website and my son's favourite too.

Each topic covers 2–4 pages in a series of questions answered in a paragraph or two — topics include everyday life, Roman Gods, shopping, the Roman Army and more. This is our best selling book about the Romans over the past few years.

History book review: 26/01/08

A good overview of Roman life for children beginning their study of the Romans. Every other page includes a photograph of Roman remains, artefacts or a re-enactment scene. Contents include: People of Rome, At home, On the streets, What to wear, Going shopping, Farming, Banquets, At the baths, Gods and goddesses, School, the Army, Games and races.

Review: Nigel Cross 15/11/09

Focuses squarely on the Romans in Britain and their effect on this island. Covers the invasion under Julius Caesar and Emperor Claudius, the resistance of Caractacus and revolt of Boudica, Roman roads, towns, bath houses, daily life and the fall of the Roman Empire. Far more advanced than the Usborne Beginners series.

Review: Nigel Cross 19/08/15

Well illustrated with a reliable factual base. Topics include: a soldier and his weapons, organising the army, training and tactics, war at sea, the standards, battle plans, siege tactics, war machines, defending the borders, life on the edge and more. The bright, busy illustrations make it very appealing yet informative.

Review: Nigel Cross 09/08/11

Strengths include costume items children can make: a toga, 3D Roman swords, curved shields, an Emperor's wreath and an actor's mask. The paper chain of legionary soldiers is excellent for illustrating Roman military structure. The firing catapult is good for History, craft and Science.

Review: Nigel Cross 14/11/09

Activities include: making a mosaic, a shield, a water clock, a tabula, an abacus, Roman border, toga, fort and gladiator puppets. The shield instructions provide the most authentic-looking finished product. The water clock is a good learning project.

Review: Nigel Cross 19/11/11

The story of Caratacus is one of the most interesting relating to ancient Britain. This centres on the interaction of a fictitious Celtic boy called Deri and the historical figure Caratacus. The most engaging parts are when it is closest to events described by Tacitus. Humour is kept well under control and doesn't distract from the story.

History book review: 22/04/08

One of the best-selling books on our website. The author puts words in the mouths of Boudicca, her subjects and the Romans — similar to how Tacitus told the story. This adds drama but please explain to children that we don't really know what she said. Appropriate illustrations on every page. 48 pages.

Covers: Everyday Life, Arts and Crafts, Trade and Transport, Religion, Attack and Defence, The Roman Conquest, Roman Britain, Myths and Legends, and Celtic Survival. Clear narrative with fact boxes and quotations from classical sources. Hazel Mary Martel's work is historically accurate throughout.

History book review: 22/04/08

Activities include: labelling modern country names against Latin place names, matching deeds to Roman Emperors, locating famous Roman places on a map of Roman Britain, buying items from a Roman market using Roman coinage and drawing mosaic centres. Perhaps the best activity is making a sequence of writing tablets from cardboard, like those found at Vindolanda.

History book review: 27/01/08

The painted cartoon-style drawings are witty and paint a vivid story. The text accurately informs children about what is currently understood about Boudica, including correcting the misspelling as Boadicea. Includes a simple map of Britain at the time of the revolt and an illustration of Boudica based on Dio's description.

Review: Nigel Cross 25/02/08

This fictional story centres on a Celtic girl called Cuda and her interaction with a Roman boy called Marcus during the time of Boudicca's Revolt. The story is well worked to include lots of information about the interaction of Celts and Romans in Britain — both the initial conflict and later assimilation of their cultures.

History book review: 28/07/08