This gripping account of the perils of the French Revolution is based on the true story of Grace Elliott, a Scotswoman who lived through the terrors and survived to tell the tale. As the revolution breaks out in France, angry peasants roam the countryside, burning castles and killing aristocrats. If the mob don't get you, the guillotine will. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourages readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what life would have been like in the French Revolution. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title and ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers. This title fits into Key Stage 2 History and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5-14.

As if the plague wasn't bad enough, here comes the fiery antidote! As famous diary-keeper Samuel Pepys, you'll witness four days and four nights of fire and live to tell the tale. Find out how people lived in the London of 1666, how they coped in the aftermath and all importantly, whodunnit! - or at least who we think dunnit! "The Danger Zone" is a constantly-growing library of over 50 exciting titles which transport the reader to the grisliest times and places in history. The first-person narrative approach puts the reader in the shoes (or sandals or army boots or cloth sacks) of some of the most unfortunate people ever to have lived - from pyramid builders to viking explorers, from medieval knights to the crew of the Titanic. Humourous cartoon-style illustrations and speech bubbles bring the characters to life, while informative captions explain processes or chronological events. Each spread comes complete with a Handy Hint box, offering a clever tip on how to survive whatever ghastly situation you've found yourself in.

Avoid Being a Salem Witch!

by Jim Pipe

Published 1 April 2009
It's 1692 and you're about to face the trial of your life as a suspected Salem witch! This is the harrowing story of the famous Salem witch trials and the frenzied witch hunt that gripped 17th Century America, told through the eyes of real-life accused 'witch' Priscilla Bishop. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what suspect witches had to endure during witch trials. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

You are a farmer living in Ireland in the 1840s. It's hard work feeding your family and paying rent, but Ireland is a peaceful place and you live in a beautiful part of the world. Then in 1845, everything changes when a disease wipes out your potato crop. To escape the horrors of the Famine, you must start a new life in America. To survive the crossing, you must battle storms, a vicious crew, rotten food, and worse. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what life would have been like sailing on a Irish famine ship. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

Avoid Being Cleopatra

by Jim Pipe

Published 24 October 2006
Born in 69 BC, this is the story of your life as one of the most famous women in the world. Your childhood is spent in exile after your sister leads a rebellion against your father. Your siblings will all become your enemies; you will throw the most expensive dinner party ever and be part of one of the most famous couples in history. Never able to relax, your life is filled with political intrigue and betrayal as you attempt to protect Egypt from the growing might of the Roman Empire. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourages readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of what life would have been like to have this famous boy-king whose death is so much more famous than his achievements in life. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title and ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers. It fits into Key Stage 2 History and helps achieve the goals of the Scottish Standard Curriculum 5 -14.