hands-on activities

A captivating picture of the medieval period in British history beginning with the arrival of the Normans led by William the Conqueror and continuing through the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries by focusing on the objects of everyday life, all of which in this period were crafted by hand. Through engaging text and striking illustrations we become familiar with all the objects of everyday life: the clothes they wore, the agricultural crops they grew, the food they ate and its manner of preparation, as well as the structures they lived in, and the pastimes they enjoyed. We witness the development of castles, houses, and monasteries, and come to understand the influence of the crusades and impact of the plague. A fine book to round out the picture given by history books that focus primarily on political events and the people involved. For each century a timeline is provided listing famous men, great events, and principal buildings that helps the reader connect the things of a century with the people and events of that era. A book that is enjoyed as much by youth as it is by adults.

Shirley Hughes is one of the best known and most popular creators of children's books, and her keen observation of family life have earned her a special place in the hearts of children and adults. This unique collection brings together some of her very best work and celebrates her amazing achievements over the years. There's a wealth of treasure for children of all ages to enjoy, beginning with a selection of simple rhymes and stories and moving on to some of Shirley's classic picture books featuring such well-loved characters as Dogger, Alfie and Annie Rose. There's also a selection of stories for older readers including The Lion and the Unicorn and Enchantment in the Garden, which combine satisfyingly longer texts with marvellously expansive pictures. Shirley Hughes' warmth and versatility shine from every page of this stunning collection which will captivate readers of all ages and take pride of place on the family bookshelf.

The Ninth Legion marched into the mists of Northern Britain―and they were never seen again. Four thousand men disappeared and their eagle standard was lost. It's a mystery that's never been solved, until now . . . Marcus Aquila has to find out what happened to his father, who led the legion. So he sets out into the unknown, on a quest so dangerous that nobody expects him to return.

Ballet Shoes Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are sisters - with a difference. All three were adopted as babies by Great Uncle Matthew, an eccentric and rich explorer who then disappeared, leaving them in the care of his niece Sylvia. The girls grow up in comfort until their money begins to run out and nobody can find Great Uncle Matthew. Theatre Shoes Every family has its secrets, but it was a huge surprise to the three young Forbeses, fresh from a country vicarage, to discover that their grandmother was a famous actress. Sent to live with her in bombed-out, wartime London, they soon discovered that they were expected to follow in the family footsteps - to the footlights -! White Boots "If you pass your inter-silver, I'll tell Aunt Claudia that I don't want to work with you any more." Harriet is told that she must take up ice-skating in order to improve her health. She isn't much good at it, until she meets Lalla Moore, a young skating star.

Written at the very start of the Second World War, this book tells the story of one summer holiday in the life of the four Chandler children, who have been shipped off to stay with their Uncle Murdoch in his grand seaside home - Tregon Hall.Initial excitement about their adventure quickly wears off as John, Sorrel, Wish and Edward arrive in Cornwall by train, only to discover that their Uncle is particularly unfriendly, the servants are behaving strangely, and they have effectively become prisoners in their uncle's home...

On the banks of the Folly Brook, inside an old oak tree, live the last three gnomes in Britain: Sneezewort, Baldmoney, and Dodder. Before their fourth brother, Cloudberry, disappeared upstream seeking adventure, they lived happily and peacefully among their woodland friends. But now spring has come and the brothers start thinking about spending the summer traveling upstream to find Cloudberry. Before long they’ve built a boat and set off for unknown lands, where they find themselves involved in all kinds of adventures with new friends (wood mice, water voles, badgers) as well as with enemies (two-legged giants). A classic of British literature, B.B.’s The Little Grey Men has much in common with Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, though as B.B. acknowledges in his introduction, the talking gnomes are only part of the story. The true plot, which B.B., an unparalleled naturalist, brings thrillingly to life is the magic of the woods and streams, the beauty of unspoiled nature and of the great diversity of living things.

Friendship, resourcefulness, adventures!
Here’s the classic tale of two families of children who band together against a common foe: an uncle who claims he’s too busy for his nieces.The Walker children (John, Susan, Titty and Roger) are on school holiday in the Lake District and are sailing a borrowed catboat named “Swallow,” when they meet the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy), who sail the boat, “Amazon.” The children camp together on Wild Cat Island where a plot is hatched against the Blackett’s Uncle Jim who is too busy writing his memoirs to be disturbed. Fireworks ― literally―ensue along with a dangerous contest, a run-in with houseboat burglars, and the theft of Uncle Jim’s manuscript. How all this is resolved makes for an exciting and very satisfying story. Uncle Jim ends up apologizing for missing his nieces’ adventures all summer―thankfully, readers won’t miss a thing.

Beauty is the ideal horse: obedient, well-bred, and hard-working. After his humble beginnings alongside his mother in an idyllic English farm, Beauty becomes a coach horse for Squire Gordon at Birtwick Park. His new friends, the gentle Ginger and the wise Merrylegs love to exchange stories and enjoy the comforts of their loving home. But Beauty’s about to find out that nothing lasts forever…

Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat. Cavalier and Roundhead battle it out in the turbulent setting of the English Civil war and provide the background for this classic tale of four orphans as they face adversity, survival in the forest, reconciliation and eventual forgiveness. This is the first enduring historical novel for children, which conjures up as much magic today as it did on first publication. The freedom from adult constraint allied with the necessary disciplines to survive in a hostile world make for a gripping read.

Children have always found a delightful friend in James Herriot. His award-winning stories for young readers bring the farmyard world of Herriot's Yorkshire to vibrant life. Featuring a host of adorable animals and colorful townsfolk, each of the stories is narrated by the country vet himself, with all of the warmth, caring, and good humor that have made James Herriot beloved the world over.