When it comes to books, they can be very educational as well as fun reads. And when it comes to educational books, learning about history can be one of the greatest gifts we give young readers. When children discover the past through stories, vivid illustrations and imaginative “what if you were there” scenarios, history stops feeling like a list of dates and dusty facts. It becomes a living, breathing world they can step into. That’s why at Young Page Turners we are always excited to find books that transforms learning into an adventure – those books that invite children to explore, question and imagine themselves in another time. If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England by Carole P. Roman does exactly that, offering a wonderfully engaging doorway into one of the most fascinating eras in British history.
If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England is the eighth book in the An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time series by award-winning author Carole P. Roman. This fun history book for children takes us back to the 16th century when Queen Elizabeth I ruled a rapidly changing England. Welcome to a world filled with exploration, social hierarchies, religious tension and artistic growth. Young readers will encounter the rise of England as a global power, the bustle of Tudor towns and even the early career of a now world-famous playwright. It’s a period brimming with drama and discovery, all captured with clarity and enthusiasm.
In If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England, young page turners are transported back over 400 years to a time when Queen Elizabeth I (the only surviving child of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn) sat on the throne (from 1558 to her death in 1603 – the Elizabethan era), ruling the country with strength and vision. It was a period where England was expanding its empire and influence across the globe, discovering and exploring new lands with explorers (and privateers) such as Sir Francis Drake and reaping the benefits from Trans-Atlantic trade. The arts and literature flourished, especially under the genius of William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon. This 50 page history book paints a vivid picture of daily life during this time where the country was changing, often referred to as the “golden age” of English history. It explores topics such as social hierarchy, religious practices, clothing, housing, wealth and yes, even the waste disposal habits of the time (you had to be careful walking past open windows!), the details that are often overlooked but ones that add interesting realism to this historical narrative.
Overall, If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England is a history book for children that is packed with a wealth of information and its picture book format doesn’t overload young readers. Along with the all the information about the era, each page is beautifully illustrated by Paula Tabor, helping to bring the information presented to life with her expressive full page artwork. Her illustrations not only enhance the storytelling but also serve as visual anchors for children who may be encountering these historical concepts for the first time. It is an excellent look at history, an educational book that not only delivers the facts but delivers them in an easy to read, understandable fashion and with humour.
The writing is clear, engaging and quite often humorous. It takes what can be complex topics (that children may consider as boring) and turns them into easily digestible and enjoyable snippets of information for its young readers, especially as it told through the eyes of a child. To make the information more accessible, there is a glossary at the back of the book with handy pronunciation guides that helps young readers navigate unfamiliar terms, while the pages dedicated to notable figures of the time provide context and inspiration.
If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England is so more than just a history book that just delivers facts and figures, it’s an invitation for readers to step back in time, time travelling into another world. It encourages children to imagine themselves in a different time, helping to foster curiosity and a love for learning. Whether it is a book that is used at home or in the classroom, it is a fantastic introduction into ancient civilisations that children will learn a lot from. Young Page Turners will find it enlightening, educational and entertaining, and it’s sure to spark many questions and conversations about the past. A great read for all those budding historians and curious minds.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £14.99 (Paperback) / £6.65 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
DISCLOSURE: All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you decide to purchase through the Amazon link (it helps with the running costs of the website).
If You Were Me and Lived In… Elizabethan England by Carole P. Roman is book #8 of 10 in the An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time series / It is also part of Carole P. Roman’s If You Were Me and Lived In… series.