Knights' Tales: The Knight of Spurs and Spirits (Terry Deary's Historical Tales)
Terry Deary'S Historical Tales Series
What’s inside...
From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories, named 'the outstanding children's non-fiction author of the 20th century' by Books For Keeps. England, 1609. Sir Robert Hylton is the last knight of the grand Hylton Castle, and by far the worst. His servants live in fear of his violent and cruel temper, terrified of doing anything that might displease their master. And when absent-minded stable boy Roger Skelton makes a fateful mistake, they learn just how cruel Hylton's last knight really is. A strange and exciting tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. 'Bubbling with wit, language play and robust dialogue....just the right mix of ingredients to trigger young readers' interest in all things historical.' Books For Keeps
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good knight? Why?
How did the characters in the story show bravery or kindness?
What do you think the ghost in the story represents?
How do you think the knight felt when faced with challenges?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones when discussing different characters to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story’s setting, ask them what they see, hear, and smell.
Discuss the historical context of knights and how they compare to modern-day heroes.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the story.
Highlight the moral lessons from the book and relate them to real-life situations your child may encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces daunting challenges yet persists with bravery, showing that courage can help overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bravery when facing their own challenges, whether in school or during social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of integrity
Explanation: The knight consistently chooses to act with honor and honesty, even when it's not the easiest path.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to uphold truth and fairness in their dealings at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The Knight of Spurs and Spirits learns to understand and empathize with those different from himself, promoting inclusivity and compassion.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate diverse perspectives and treat peers with kindness, fostering a socially inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The knight makes mistakes throughout his journey, but uses them as learning opportunities which lead to personal growth and better decisions in the future.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that errors are a part of learning and that they should use their mistakes as stepping stones for improvement.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite various obstacles, the knight remains determined and perseveres, ultimately achieving his goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in their educational pursuits and personal goals, even when faced with difficulties.