The House on the Canal

In the middle of Amsterdam, by the canal, stands a tall, narrow building. Over the years, this house has been used for many purposes and seen many residents, including those hiding from persecution. Today, it is known as the Anne Frank Haus.

‘The House on the Canal’ is a powerful gem of a book which charts the changing fortunes of a house over about 400 years. The diversity of its occupants and uses over the years is fascinating in itself, but this is also the house which sheltered Anne Frank, her family and others whilst they hid from persecution. Anne and her family are not named- ‘a tall man in a fine suit’ rented the house and his daughter was ‘a young girl with a sweet smile’- although notes at the beginning and end of the book make it clear that this is their story as much as that of the house.

The illustrations perfectly breathe life into the changing face of the house and its inhabitants as the text tells of its fortunes and their lives. Ethereal and atmospheric, they greatly contribute to the poignancy of the house’s history and give a sense of the layers and mysteries of history. Dates are given, allowing the reader to follow the chronology of events and further details are given at the end of the book, adding to the information given in the story.

The book obviously is an excellent addition to any collection supporting learning about Anne Frank and her family as well as introducing them to the Anne Frank House, perhaps inspiring a desire to visit this very special place. However, it also offers the opportunity to look at buildings in the locality and perhaps trace their history and that of those who pass through their doors. ‘The House on the Canal’ is a very moving, beautifully presented celebration of one house’s history, ‘the old house on the canal’ visited today by so many people from all over the world.

The House on the Canal: The story of the house that hid Anne Frank

Thomas Harding, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Walker Books ISBN:978-1529520323

Rise and Fall: Great Empires that Shaped the World

‘Rise and Fall’ looks at nine fascinating civilisations which rose to power and influence. The real joy of this book is that most of these empires sit outside those commonly taught in the primary curriculum, enriching children’s knowledge and understanding of the world. For teachers, the book is an invaluable resource for adding some breadth to their pupils’ learning, enabling them to draw parallels, note similarities and differences and make them familiar with civilisations possibly unknown to them. For individuals, it offers a fascinating read which may well inspire further investigation!

The civilisations are presented in chronological order, starting with the Minoans, named after the mythical King Minos, who was believed to have ruled Crete and the surrounding area. Lively illustrations, captions and text over four double pages follow the fortunes of the empire from its origins to its decline. The lives of the people, their customs and culture, religion, art and architecture are all explored. Having visited that area, I found the information about the Mali Empire particularly interesting and enjoyed the section on the Kamakura Shogunate for the same reason. The pages on the Kingdom of Ayutthaya were fascinating- this really is a book to be enjoyed.

Personally, the font used for the captions which adopts the use of capital ‘R’ throughout is really annoying. I am sure this was chosen for some aesthetic purpose which eludes me, but it is not helpful. I would also have liked to see maps included, highlighting the location of each civilisation. However, there is more to recommend this book than not! I really enjoyed it.

Rise and Fall: Great Empires that Shaped the World

Peter Allen

Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660489

Hunt for the Golden Scarab

Sim’s mum works as a cleaner at Sir John Soane’s Museum where the two live in the attic flat. They never stay anywhere for long but, for the first time, Sim is attending the local school instead of being homeschooled. When some sinister strangers appear at the museum one night, Sim is left with even more unanswered questions about who his mum is- and what she is hiding from. Learning that she has the power to open doors in time, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime to locate the golden heart scarab of Nefertiti before the mysterious Council of Keys lay their hands on it- and him.

Combining all the classic elements of exciting adventure story with time travel, ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’ is a fast-moving, action-packed romp of a read, rich in historical and locational details which will leave readers desperate for more. It is also one of those books which is so hard to review without spoiling for others!

Sim’s adventure starts in London before taking him to Egypt – ancient and modern. With his school friend, Nelson, supporting him at home and his newly found cousin, Jeopardy, accompanying him on his travels, well developed characters are a real strength of this story, including the adults. Sim’s mother, Callidora, has brought her son up on her own and is portrayed as strong (physically and mentally), capable and resourceful, facilitating her son’s development and taking an active part in the story rather than being killed off, kidnapped or somehow lost along the way. Similarly, her brother, Emmett, who she warns Sim is untrustworthy, is far more nuanced than many adults in children’s stories, enriching the plot and promising more in future books.

Locations are also well developed and engaging, sure to spark curiosity and interest. Sir John Soane’s Museum is a fascinating place, crammed with treasures, well worth visiting and yet, perhaps, one of London’s less well-known attractions. Details about Sir John and other historic places and events mentioned in the story are offered in Nelson’s ‘Time Traveller’s Diary’, included at the end of the book. Tutankhamun’s tomb and places in Egypt are also carefully described and there is a ‘Key’s Guide to Ancient Egypt’ which helps to explain some of the key figures and events relating to that part of the action.

A love of music and a fascination with history permeate the story, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment of this epic adventure!

Time Keys: Hunt for the Golden Scarab

M G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035005963

Publication date: 30th January 2025

You can read my review of The Arctic Railway Assassin here and Sabotage on the Solar Express here.

NNFN2024: Flight: From a Balloon to the Moon – and Beyond

I apologise for the absence of pictures from this post. Squarespace is useless and keeps changing things. It currently will not allow me to add images, although yesterday, there was no problem with this.

From the story of Brother Elmer, a flying monk, to looking towards a greener future for the aviation industry, ‘Flight’ offers a completely absorbing look at the history of flying through the stories of the men and women whose achievements helped its development.

Each story is attractively presented, starting with a full-page illustration by Terri Po and the date and location of each is given under the title. The courage, creativity and passion of these pioneers is celebrated as their adventures are recounted and the author includes information about other developments in each field and other pioneers who achieved them.

Whether you are someone interested in aviation or not, ‘Flight’ is a fascinating read. Names like the Wright Brothers, Louis Blériot and Queen Bess are probably familiar to many, but the book also includes the stories of people like a nameless ten-year-old boy, persuaded by George Cayley to fly the glider he had designed, who is thought to be the first person to fly a plane anywhere in the world! Another less familiar name is that of Katherine Stinson, who became the first female pilot authorised by the American government to carry mail by air and went on to stunt-flying.

‘Flight’ takes the reader through history up to the most recent developments in flying experience. The book closes with the development of SpaceShipOne and challenges the reader to reflect on the environmental impact of flight and rocket launches, finishing with a section on the possibilities of ‘greener’ flight.

Perfect for enriching the primary curriculum, developing an interest in aviation or for discovering more about key players in this field, ‘Flight’ make an excellent addition to any library or bookshelf.

Flight: From a Balloon to the Moon – and Beyond

David Long, illustrated by Terri Po

Faber    ISBN: 978-0571374793

NNFN2023: The Magnificent Book of Treasures Ancient Rome

This stunning book is a treasure trove of information about life in Roman times. Each spread focuses on an historical artefact , offering a wealth of details including a fact file giving the current location of the object, where it was discovered, its size and the materials its made from.

The main body of the text is presented as bullet points, making it easy to pause and refer to the picture between reading each one and fully absorb the information. A wonderful range of objects covers all aspects of Roman life from the army to emperors from goddesses to music. A map at the end of the book shows not only the location of each artefact, but the extent of the Roman Empire at the height of its power.

An excellent addition to any topic box or bookshelf for those learning about the ancient Romans, this book is also fascinating in its own right. The careful drawings are sure to inspire further research and encourage readers to look for photographs of the objects and perhaps encourage visits to see them in real life- for example, the terracotta theatre mask or the bronze rattle which are now in the British Museum. A magnificent book!

The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome

Stella Cadwell, illustrated by Eugenia Nobati

Weldon Owen ISBN: 978-1915588135

History Factopia!

The Factopia! series is excellent fun, connecting a whole host of facts in fantastic- and often unexpected- ways! By following ‘ye olde trail of 400 facts’, readers will discover so many things about the history of the world.

There are so many ways to enjoy the book, making it incredibly accessible and readable. Some will be tempted to read it from cover to cover, fascinated by the bright illustrations and snippets of information. Others will follow the trails laid from one page to another, unearthing the link between a louchaun and Fasil Ghebbi or a cat-sith and the oldest known ghost story.

Light-hearted in tone, these books are perfect for sharing and children are sure to enjoy fact swapping as they discover the weird and wonderful, trivial and tantalising, gross and gripping facts about history they never knew they needed to know!

History Factopia!

Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica ISBN: 978-1804660409

You can read my review of Animal Factopia! here and Gross Factopia! here

Lessons from our Ancestors

Every object tells a story.

This is a fascinating book which seeks to offer a fresh perspective on people from the past. From the introduction to the ‘Ask an Archaeologist’ section at the end, the author’s enthusiasm for her subject is both evident and inspiring, making the book an enjoyable and informative read.

It also seeks to give readers a different perspective, ‘casting a spotlight on forgotten histories and misrepresented stories’. The story of each of the civilisations included here are considered in the light of the evidence yielded by the objects that have been discovered there. In the ancient city of Çatalhöyük, men and women held equal status indicated by evidence about their diet and lifestyles whilst Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, was a sustainable city, constructed on a grid plan, with an underground sewage system. There is so much to learn and explore here!

The book also addresses how racist and sexist views have affected how the past has been both presented and viewed, challenging stereotypes and encouraging readers to ask their own questions about the past. Each spread is fully illustrated, complementing the text and supporting comprehension, as well as making it a very attractive book. This is sure to inspire future generations of archaeologists, igniting interest in past civilisations and people beyond those explored in the school curriculum. Essential reading!

Lessons from our Ancestors:

Equality, Inclusivity and Sustainability in the Ancient World

Raksha Dave, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520946

Windrush Day: 75th anniversary

The 22nd June is National Windrush Day and today marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush arrived in the UK, bringing 1027 passengers (and two stowaways) to London in 1948. Accessible quality texts offering first hand accounts of the experiences of those who came on the Windrush, those following in their footsteps and the significant contribution they made, and continue to make, to this country have been sadly lacking, but this is starting to change.

‘The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation’ offers an excellent starting point for learning more about this very significant event. Published in association with the Black Cultural Archives, it contains twelve short stories reflecting the experiences of men and women from the Caribbean who arrived in Britain, tempted by promises of work and a warm welcome in the ‘Mother Country’. Inspired by real people, each story depicts the hardships, heartache and hostility faced, but also shows the courage, resilience and determination shown.

The stories are interspersed with ‘Fact Files’, adding context and detail and starting before the arrival of the Windrush. Photographs of real people and events are also included and each author has written a short piece at the end of the book, reflecting their connection to the Windrush generation. Although they carry some similar themes, each story is as unique as the individual it is written about.

This book would make an excellent addition to libraries and classrooms, but also has huge potential for using as a guided reading text. The foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin is as inspiring and warm as the lady herself and each story is beautifully written, offering plenty to discuss. I am sure that the true experiences of many were far worse than those recorded here, but the style and content make them perfect for younger readers.

The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation

Stories by K N Chimbiri, E L Norry, Judy Hepburn, Katy Massey, Salena Godden, Jermain Jackman, Quincy the Comedian, Kevin George, Kirsty Latoya and Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin Cover illustration by Joelle Avelino

Scholastic in association with Black Cultural Archives

ISBN: 978-0702307904

‘The Story of Windrush’ by K N Chimbiri offers a concise summary of the key information, putting the Windrush’s journey into context. Against this background, readers are introduced to various people such as Sam King, Alford Gardner and Mona Baptiste who were part of the Windrush generation and Peter Dielhenn who was a member of the crew. These authentic voices are skilfully combined with historical facts, illuminating the history of real people.

There is a useful glossary, defining words found in bold type throughout the text, and a comprehensive index, making this a useful tool for research. The author has also illustrated the book and there are plenty of colour pictures accompanying the text, but there are also photographs, fascinating primary source evidence of the period, capturing moments in time. This very accessible read makes an important addition to any library.

The Story of Windrush K N Chimbiri

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702307133

You can read my review of ‘We Sang Across the Sea The Empire Windrush and Me’ here and my review of ‘Coming to England here.

Fablehouse

I heard Emma Norry speak about ‘Fablehouse’ at this year’s FCBG Conference as part of the ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel. She -and fellow panelists, Anna Goodall and Nicki Thornton- talked about the inspiration for their writing, settings and characters in a fascinating session. I was particularly interested in the setting Emma chose for ‘Fablehouse’ as I have stayed in a National Trust cottage on the Holnicote Estate just round the corner from the main house, but was completely unaware of its having been requisitioned in 1943 by Somerset County Council and used to house mixed-race GI babies.

Heather has just arrived at Fablehouse, an orphanage hidden in Somerset, home for the forgotten ‘Brown Babies’ of post-war Britain. Whilst exploring the surrounding countryside, Heather finds a mysterious cairn which draws her. Here she meets Palamedies, the Black Knight from Arthurian tales, who has been guarding the doorway between worlds. But when Fablehouse children start acting strangely, Heather and her new friends, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene, must battle to save their new home.

‘Fablehouse’ draws on the legends of King Arthur, folklore and history to create a captivating read. I finished it in one sitting, unwilling to leave the fiercely loyal, brave band of children on their quest. The inclusion of Palamedes may well introduce readers to a new thread of the Arthurian legends which are not a widely known as the stories including Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad or Tristan.

The story is beautifully told on many levels. Emma has skilfully intertwined historical facts with legend and folklore to create a compelling tale of identity, finding your place in the world. love, friendship, hope and acceptance. The ‘hidden history’ of the children represented in the book by Heather and her friends is deeply poignant, and the book is an important step towards recognising and sharing their story. Nat’s reaction to meeting Pal (Palamedes) is as heart-breaking as the knight’s response is heart-warming- I shed more than a few tears at this point. I am sure the story will resonate with many as the longing to belong, to be accepted, to be seen is universal and captured so sensitively in these pages.

I am delighted to discover that a Fablehouse 2 is promised as the Roamers- Heather, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene- are such wonderful characters that it was hard to leave them behind when the story ended. ‘Fablehouse’ would make an excellent class story or guided reading text with plenty to enjoy, discuss and explore. Don’t miss it!

Fablehouse E L Norry

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526649539

Out on the 8th June 2023

The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods

This book is an absolute stunner! Told through the eyes of Spartan princess, Gorgo, it is an epic re-telling of the Persian Wars and I loved it so much I almost don’t know where to start.

The writing is completely compelling, offering a rich blend of mythology, history and narrative. Gorgo, one of the few female figures named by the historian, Herodotus, was a real Spartan princess and makes a spirited, engaging guide through the events. The telling is well paced, with each of the two parts-A Spartan Childhood and The Great War, broken into achievable chapters. It is an intense story, full of the blood of battles and the dark deeds of gods and mortals- unputdownable (is that a word?!) and absorbing.

And then there is the artwork! From the ships on the endpapers, white against a blood red background, to the gallery of gods, Greeks and Persians, from the maps to the double page spreads, the story is vividly brought to life by the wealth of fabulous illustrations. The artwork is as magical and evocative as the tale it illuminates.

This is a bit on the pricey side yet for the right reader, it’s worth every penny. I loved it!

The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods: a tale of the Persian Wars

Tom Holland, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406394740

Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain

Publishing for the 75th anniversary of the partition of India (15th August 1947), ‘Lands of Belonging’ is a unique and balanced exploration of the complex history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain. This is a much needed addition to school bookshelves for many reasons.

The book starts by exploring some fundamental questions about what it means to belong, what makes you, you and how you define where you are from, challenging the reader to pause and think before reading, using one of the author’s personal history as a relatable example. It challenges historical recording, bias and viewpoint, reminding the reader to consider what has been written about the past in the light of who it was written by.

Beautifully illustrated pages explore the history and inventions of ancient India (the book explains that when referring to India before 1947 it means the lands of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh), its multi-faith society and the empires it was divided into. It is a fascinating read, full of interesting details, building a picture of a vibrant, thriving land.

The book then recounts the rise of the East India Company, its role in the slave trade, its eventual rule of India and the ‘Time of the British Raj’. The succinct text explains the role of significant historical figures of this time as well as giving an overview of events through the World Wars, India’s independence and Radcliffe’s partition. This very complex and significant period of history is clearly explained, including the devastating human cost of these events.

It continues by relating the history of migration from South Asia from the 16th-century through to the present day, with accounts of the achievements and cultural contributions to Britain of these migrants as well as considering the racism they faced and the uprisings- not ‘rebellions’ or ‘riots’- against this treatment.

The book concludes with a section celebrating the culture, customs, language and famous peoples of South Asia. For someone brought up at a time when R J Unstead’s Anglo-centric text books were still widely used in schools, this is the type of history book I always longed for and am now proud to be able to add to the school library. Attractive and informative, it is sure to inspire children to discover more about this period, perhaps by reading some of the excellent fiction available, for example, ‘Never Forget You’ by Jamila Gavin, based on the life of Noor Inayat Khan or ‘When Secrets Set Sail’ by Sita Brahmachari which draws on the experiences of cruelly abandoned ayahs.

Essential reading.

Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain

Donna and Vikesh Amey Bhatt, illustrated by Salini Perera

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944680

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Blog Tour: Secrets of the Dead and The Curse of the Tomb Robbers

I am delighted to be taking part in this Blog Tour. Both of these books are published in collaboration with the British Museum, one of my favourite places to visit and somewhere I have spent many happy hours!

It is home to the Rosetta Stone, a large stelle inscribed with three translations of a single passage, written in two Egyptian language scripts (hieroglyphic and Demotic) and in classical Greek. Named after the town on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt in which it was found, the Rosetta Sone was deciphered largely through the efforts of Thomas Young of England and Jean-François Champollion of France. Champollion made a crucial step in understanding ancient Egyptian writing when he identified the hieroglyphs that were used to write names, deciphering ‘Ptolemy’ and ‘Cleopatra’. He finally announced his discovery on the 27th September, 1822- two hundred years ago today which makes it the perfect day for reviewing these two book!

In ‘The Curse of the Tomb Robbers’, Andy Seed mixes story with problem solving to engage children with learning more about life in Ancient Egypt. Nub and his friend, Iteti, are introduced to the reader at the beginning of the book, along with information on how to use the codebreaker. Full of details of life at this time, the story is not only engaging, but a mine of information about this period of Egyptian history.

The puzzles encourage children to use hieroglyphs, learning in which direction they should be read, how to identify royal names and how to use the number system. Other puzzles are also included and all the solutions are given at the end of the story with explanation when necessary.

The illustrations are wonderful. Sure to instigate conversation about Egyptian life and offering plenty of opportunity for children to practise identifying hieroglyphs, they would be perfect for using as starting points for children to develop their own stories about Nub and Iteti, other figures shown in the pictures or characters of their own invention. Whether being used in class or at home, ‘The Curse of the Tomb Robbers’ is a welcome addition for those interested in or learning about the Egyptians.

‘Secrets of the Dead’ looks at human remains from around the world. Starting in Africa, the book focuses on Egypt and the mummification processes the Ancient Egyptians used to preserve their dead. Starting with the formal burials of Tutankhamun and Rameses the Great, the book also looks at the natural mummification of Gebelein Man and explores what can be learned in each case. Having taught the Egyptians many times, I can vouch for the fact that this is an area which fascinates children and the text is both accessible and interesting.

The book then continues with examples from the other continents showing how the dead have been preserved, offering specific examples such as the Ice Maiden of the Altai mountains and the bodies displayed in the Capuchin Catacombs beneath Palermo in Sicily (somewhere I did not visit when there!)

The book concludes with drawing attention to the amazing secrets of the past which have been uncovered by studying the bodies of those from the past as well as all the things that remain unknown. A map of the world shows the location of each discovery and a comprehensive glossary helps to explain many of the terms used. The History curriculum at KS2 says that pupils should learn about ‘the achievements of the earliest civilizations – an overview of where and when the first civilizations appeared and a depth study of one of the following: Ancient Sumer; The Indus Valley; Ancient Egypt; The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China’. ‘Secrets of the Dead’ allows for comparisons to be made between death customs and discoveries in various locations around the world, encouraging children to make comparisons between different civilisations.

The Curse of the Tomb Robbers

Andy Seed, illustrated by James Weston Lewis

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788009652

Secrets of the Dead

Matt Ralphs, illustrated by Gordy Wright

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788009003

Two excellent books to support the history curriculum or to develop a passion for the past! Many thanks to Catherine Ward for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour.

Make sure you look at the next posts!