1066 - A Big Story for Little Historians

"Wow, what a great story", Oliver, 9

A story book for children who prefer facts

Getting children reading, and reading well, is a key task for home and school. Yet some children do not enjoy "made-up" stories as much as ones that are more fact-based.

As children start to express their preferences, they explore what interests them. Their imaginations are fired, as long as there are books that suit them.

History, or should we say Hi-story, involves and excites every child. Fact-minded readers find the real events they want. Story lovers get a familiar form that links verbal and visual imagination.

Tarquin's Big Stories for Little Historians series combines the stories of history, simply and elegantly told, with larger-than-life illustrations. One example shows William the Conqueror landing at Pevensey Bay.

Vikings, Saxons and Normans in battle for England

1066, the year of the Battle of Hastings, belongs to a different time: almost a different world, even though the story is set in England. Children read about the Vikings, the Saxons and the Normans fighting for the future of England.

Young readers can study the soldiers, the rival kings and the different ways of life. In practice, the question "whose side would you be on?" gets every child talking.

The battle between the Norman French, the Saxon Britons and the Danes for the land of England makes a gripping tale. King Harold beats the Vikings at Stamford Bridge, then marches south to face William. Sarah Davies and Chris Ruth take you there in words and pictures.

What the book includes

• A 48-page picture book
• For early readers aged 5–11, and for parents and teachers to read with their children
• Figures to cut out and make: included in the book and also downloadable for those who want them

The Teacher's Book is also available: see more here. Picture your class cutting out the rival armies and acting out 1066 on the table.