One of Shakespeare’s most robust comedies, The Taming of the Shrew, is about Katherine, the ill-tempered daughter of a wealthy merchant in Padua. Katherine is so petulant that her father always believed no man would ever want her as his wife. However, Petruchio, a rich and arrogant young man, comes into Katherine’s life and together they begin to realise the error of their ways.

The play is focused around Lear, the aging King of Britain, and his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. When Lear wants to step down from the throne, he decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters and asks each daughter how much she loves him. Goneril and Regan, greedy for their share, give him flattering answers, while Cordelia remains silent, which enrages Lear and forces him to disown her. The play tells of Lear s fate once he has given up his kingdom and destroyed his relationship with his daughters.

This short narrative version of the play has been suitably adapted to help introduce the play to young readers.
It can be read by children or read to them by parents who wish to introduce them to the play. It can also be used by teachersas a classroom
resource.
The easy-to-read narration and comic-style illustrations are sure to captivate children s interest and develop their reading skills

It is set in Sicily, and revolves around the main character, King Leontes, who is consumed by doubts about his wife s loyalty. Jealousy drives him to plot his best friend s murder, imprison his wife and disown their unborn child.

The play stretches over a period of sixteen long years during which Leontes realises his mistakes, and he is finally reunited with his estranged wife and daughter. This short narrative version of the play has been suitably adapted to help introduce the play to young readers.
It can be read by children or read to them by parents who wish to introduce them to the play. It can also be used by teachers as a classroom resource.

Set in Rome in AD51, this is the story of Deri, a Celt who faces execution for criticizing Rome. Deri’s cellmate is a British chief, and he believes there is a way to save both their skins.

England, June 1865. A train speeds along the railway line. Its passengers include the great writer Charles Dickens. But up ahead, the track over the bridge has been taken up for repairs. Can young workman Tommy stop the train in time – or is it already too late?

The future of England is uncertain, the king’s allies might really be his enemies, and poor young George is stuck in the crossfire. Held hostage by King Richard III, all George wants to do is become a noble knight. Can he and his servant Robin survive in the cut-throat world of medieval battles, betrayals and suspicious kings?

A strange and exciting tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary’s dark humour and dry wit.

“Acheron is the best liar in Troy. In his stories, he can make King Paris and the Trojan heroes sound like gods. But when a stranger arrives in the city with news that the Greek enemy army has left without a fight, Acheron is suspicious. But when he finds out the truth, will anyone believe his latest story?”

Jenny and her grandfather are toshers. They survive by finding things in the sewer – anything they can sell, and they can sell almost anything. It’s a horrible life, but they are managing. Until the building of the London Underground Railway destroys huge parts of the slums and takes away even their meagre home. Fascinating story of the human cost of the Underground.

When King Alfred is left to wander the English countryside looking little better than a beggar, it seems there is no hope left – the Vikings will conquer the country and they will all become slaves. Ethelbert is still young, but he wishes he could fight to protect his country. And soon he is called upon to do just that. But when faced with such fearsome warriors, it is only through cunning and mystery that they will get the upper hand…A Viking story blending Norse mythology with historical fact and Terry Deary’s vividly imagined characters.

The conquering Vikings are delighted to reach North America. The land is green and fertile – it’s the perfect place to establish a new home. But first they must learn to get on with the natives. Terry Deary’s Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings.

Cristina is a serving girl at the palace of Valencia, and she has a reputation for being cowardly. El Cid, King Alfonso’s greatest knight, is a master of terror. Tomorrow he marches on the blood thirsty Berbers at the city gates, and Cristina must lead him into battle under very strange circumstances. can she find the courage to take the reins and save the day?
An unusual tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary’s dark humour and dry wit.

Henri Giffard has devoted all his free time and money to inventing the first steam-driven hot air balloon. He’s determined to make mankind’s first ever-powered flight, and so in 1852 he sets off for Paris with just an urchin girl to help him. Thousands of people gather to watch the flight. Will the machine work when the weather changes – or will Henri’s dream of flying become his downfall?

The Great Pyramid is a lively place to work. The only irritation is Antef, the fussy, bullying supervisor who makes everyone feel more like slaves than free workers. So, when Antef disappears, the workers are blamed. The only witness is yong Dafia. Can she decides to come up with a plan to clear the men’s names?

Terry Deary’s Egyptian Tales explore the world of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Egyptian settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

The day Queen Mary Tudor came to town was the most terrifying day of young Meg’s life. The Queen is also known as ‘Bloody Mary’ because she has anyone who doesn’t go to church burned. Everyone wants to impress her, and what better way than by burning a witch. But the “witch” in question, Old Nan, is more clever and cunning than the townspeople who hunt her…

Terry Deary’s Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Life in the monastery is simple for Edwin and Luke, two young boys who are training to be monks. It seems that nothing will disrupt the peace and order. Then news arrives that the Vikings have invaded, and they are forced to run for their lives. If the Vikings catch them, they will be taken away and become slaves. But with the elders in danger, will they turn back to help them?

A Viking story blending Norse mythology with historical fact and Terry Deary’s vividly imagined characters.