Royal Animals: A gorgeously illustrated history
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
A beautifully illustrated history of royal animals in Britain from 1066 to the present day, with a foreword by Sir Michael Morpurgo. This book dives into intriguing questions like why the three lions on the British crest resemble leopards, the historical arrival of the first elephant on British soil, and tales of a polar bear who fished in the river Thames. It covers a variety of royal animals including giraffes, elephants, spaniels, parrots, ravens, pelicans, and Queen Elizabeth II's corgis. The book is illustrated by Emily Sutton, known for her work on Everyone Sang and the Castle Mice series. Authored by Julia Golding, it presents an engaging exploration of a millennium of royal animals.
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What animal from 'Royal Animals' did you find most interesting and why?
How do you think the lives of these royal animals compare to regular pets?
Why do you think certain animals were chosen to be part of a royal family?
If you could pick any animal to be a royal, which one would you choose and what would make it special?
How do you think the care and treatment of royal animals impacted their behavior and well-being?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think a 'royal animal' might be and why they believe some animals were chosen by royalty.
While discussing the book, use expressive gestures and vocal inflections to bring the historical contexts and stories of these royal animals to life.
Encourage your child to compare the attributes of royal animals with those of their own pets or favorite animals.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to help deepen their understanding and critical thinking about historical and cultural differences.
Highlight the illustrations in the book and discuss with your child how these visual elements enhance their understanding of the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Through stories of royal animals facing challenges, the book showcases examples of courage. For instance, a lion in the story stands up to protect his kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and stand up for what is right, whether it's speaking out against bullying or trying something new despite feeling scared.
Example Lesson: Loyalty
Explanation: Various animals in the book display fierce loyalty to their royal companions, highlighting the importance of being dependable and trustworthy.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of being reliable friends and sticking by their loved ones during tough times.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The royal animals are tasked with important roles and duties within the narrative, demonstrating the significance of taking responsibility seriously.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking charge of their own tasks, such as completing homework on time or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book features a variety of animals from different habitats and backgrounds, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and embrace differences in their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: History and Culture
Explanation: By setting the stories in different historical and cultural contexts, the book provides educational content in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an interest in history and cultural studies, possibly exploring more about the times and places they read about.