History, it’s all in the past, so what’s the point in learning about it? Well, learning about our history tells the story of how we got to where we are today and helps us understand the present day – for example, four clauses from the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 are still used in law today, one of which being trial by jury.
The word history comes from the Ancient Greek word historia, meaning inquiry or knowledge from inquiry. Looking back at history can be fun as well as insightful.
The problem with history is that it can sometimes to delivered in a dry and boring way which puts people off, especially children. That can make it difficult to take an interest and learn about our past. Miles Kelly, an independent children’s publishing company, are excellent at producing books that children find engaging, entertaining and informative and I have been taking a look at their Wild About British History book (part of a larger Wild About series), suitable for children aged 7-11 (Key Stage 2). I love the book as it gives hundreds of facts and figures from different eras throughout British history. It doesn’t just stick to one subject but covers a wide breadth of subjects.
Young readers picking up this book will learn small snippets of information throughout its 160 pages about the Roman Conquest, the Victorians and the rise of industry, as well as knights and castles, kings and queens (including Queen Elizabeth II), the plague, the Great Fire of London and lots more – and all the facts have been checked by experts.
Overall, Wild About British History is a fun and informative encyclopaedia that children will love to dip in and out of – whether that is just to learn about certain subjects for schoolwork, homework or just reading for fun to increase their knowledge. The numbered facts don’t go into masses of details, they just deliver the basics to keep the attention of young readers. As readers make their way through the book the facts are accompanied by excellent photos, illustrations and wonderful diagrams as well as plenty of quizzes, projects and fun facts along the way to reinforce understanding of what they are reading.
The book is very well laid out, split up into four sections: British History, Roman Britain, Victorian Britain, Kings and Queens. As well as a contents page it also has an index so that readers can easily jump to anything that they want to read about. It covers British History from stone and bronze to the modern age, Roman Britain from the Enemies of Rome to Last of the legions, Victorian Britain from Meet the Royals to End of an Era and Kings and Queens from the first English Kings to Queen Elizabeth II (although it isn’t new enough to cover her death).
I love this book; it is an excellent introductory taster into the richness of British history. It is well laid out with easy to read information supplemented with colourful visuals and small but fun quizzes and even a recipe to make ice cream!
Children will love looking at and reading through this book. Packed with 352 numbered facts and information, as well as the I Don’t Believe It! snippets scattered throughout the pages, it makes for fun and interesting reading. Children can easily expand their knowledge, complete homework and school projects and wow their family and teachers with their knowledge.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £17.99 (Hardback)
For more information, visit www.mileskelly.net. Available to buy from Amazon here.
