When it comes to books for junior readers there is plenty of choice, but historical adventures have their own special kind of charm. They open a doorway into worlds readers have never seen, blending real events, cultures and people with the excitement of adventure. Not only do they provide some great storytelling, young page turners are able to follow characters their own age, face challenges that feel real, but best of all, they absorb knowledge almost without noticing. From ancient civilisations, medieval monasteries or Viking invasions, these stories help young readers build empathy, understand different perspectives and develop a sense of how the past shapes the present. Which brings me to Saviour Pirotta, an author of mainly children’s historical fiction, fantasy and retellings of myths and legends. From The Stone Age (The Wolfsong Series) to Ancient Egypt (The Nile Adventures) he has long been a reliable voice in this genre. His latest title, The Book of Songs is another excellent example of how historical fiction can both educate and enthral, taking readers back to the Anglo-Saxon era.
The Book of Songs is a junior historical adventure rooted in the world of early medieval Britain, circa 865 AD, just as the Danes first landed in Whitby during the Viking invasion of England. It is set between Streoneshalch (now known as Whitby Abbey and Holy Island (which today we call Lindisfarne), two real monastic communities that were central to scholarship and religious life at the time. It follows Edmund and his journey to save a sacred text filled with poetry and songs.
The story starts with Edmund the Bard, the poet and storyteller, talking to some children. When one little boy asks about him meeting the fearsome Ivar the Boneless, what follows is his tale of how he met the fearsome Dane and the transportation of a rare and precious manuscript!
Overall, The Book of Songs is an adventurous tale which lots of rich historical detail. The story is very well balanced with fiction, fast-paced storytelling, history and facts (and it never feels dry or boring).
The story is one of pulsating adventure. When it is rumoured that the Danes are about to raid Engla land (England), young Edmund and his friend Col (who people at the time see as strange because he has a curvature of the spine) are tasked with a very important job, a matter of substantial consequence – they need to deliver the monastery’s most valuable asset, The Book of Songs, to Holy Island and not let it fall into the hands of the Viking Ivar the Boneless and his forces that loom on the horizon.
As young readers follow the dangerous journey of Edmund, they will also learn more about what life was like inside a monastery – the routines, the responsibilities, the quiet discipline etc. as well as the marauding Danes, and all without overwhelming the readers with long lists of facts, instead weaving them neatly into the story.
The characters are excellent, Edmund and Col are engaging and relatable. While their mission is dangerous it is also a journey of self-discovery – one that examines loyalty, courage, responsibility and the importance of preserving knowledge. As for the villain of the piece, Ivar the Boneless, he is fearsome (and he has a disability that doesn’t stop him from doing anything).
While the book is only 108 pages, a nice length for junior readers, the writing style is warm, accessible and atmospheric. Landscapes and historical settings are beautifully described, vivid and alive, but never heavy. With rugged landscapes, the isolated beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the looming Viking ships are all brought expertly to life.
The Book of Songs is a great story, a work of fiction, that gently introduces children to the very real world of early medieval history with monastery life and the Viking Age. It’s the kind of story that hopefully will encourage further exploration of the Vikings/Danes and places like Lindisfarne.
As readers work their way through the story they will find some wonderful monochrome illustrations, by Elena Dall’Aglio, that help bring an already vivid story further to life – they do an excellent job of helping readers visualise the events.
As a story, it is both exciting and meaningful. As for the educational aspects, it is rich in factual detail that are blended into the story – and where old language and terms are used there is a handy glossary at the back to look up terms such as Æfensang (Evensong), Engle (English) or Eoforwic (The Anglo-Saxon word for the City of York) and other unfamiliar words.
An enthralling adventurous Anglo-Saxon adventure that will grip readers age 7+ while deepening their understanding of the past.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99
For more information, visit saviourpirotta.com or maverickbooks.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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