Teaching Resources
Our children’s books span all subject areas, from art to animals, maths to making, science to stories, and everything in between. Download these free teaching resources and discover how to use our books in the classroom, at afterschool clubs, or at home.
Black Artists Shaping the World
About the book:
Through 14 stories, this picture book edition of the multi-award-winning Black Artists Shaping the World makes the work and lives of Black artists accessible to a younger generation.
About the resource:
- KS2 teaching lessons to facilitate a deep reading of the book paired with reflective conversation on addressing prejudices and celebrating Black artists around the world.
- Expertly written by the teachers at the CLPE.
- Contains discussion points, activities and resources relating to specific artworks and artists featured in the book.
Age range: 5+
So you want to be a Roman Soldier?
About the book:
This humorous and handy guide contains all the information aspiring legionaries need to know about life in the Roman army. Expert tips include: how to care for your Roman sandals; how to operate a catapult; what to wear and not to wear on campaign; how to sack a city; and how to avoid getting a javelin through your skull.
About the resource:
- Four KS2 teaching lessons to develop research skills and writing techniques.
- Activities designed to immerse yourself in history and learn about Roman careers.
- Includes a template to make your own Roman sword!
Age range: 7-8+
So you want to be a Viking?
About the book:
This humorous and handy guide contains all the information aspiring Vikings need to know about life as a Norse warrior. Expert tips include: how to plunder a monastery; how to keep your lunch in stormy seas; what to wear and what not to wear if you want to look like a boss; and how to avoid getting a battleaxe through your chest.
About the resource:
- Four KS2 teaching lessons that cover all things Viking: maths, boat figureheads, swords and insult poetry performance.
- Understand more about Viking life through discussion, research and creative activities.
- Includes a guide to write your own magical phrase in Viking Runes!
Age range: 7-8+
King Tut Tells All
About the book:
A humorous and irreverent introduction to King Tutankhamun written by Egyptologist and TV presenter Dr Chris Naunton. Readers hear first-hand from King Tutankhamun how he became the ruler of ancient Egypt at the tender age of nine, and what it was like to be rudely awakened from the afterlife by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922.
About the resource:
- Four KS2 teaching lessons to develop research, critical thinking and debate skills.
- Learn about archaeology and colonialism in Egypt.
- Run an investigation on how King Tutankhamun died and write up a report with your theories!
Age range: 7-8+
Cleopatra Tells All
About the book:
In this hilarious and revealing tell-all, the politically savvy, multilingual, cosmopolitan ruler of Alexandria, Cleopatra, reveals herself to be the world’s first influencer. Finally able to tell her own version of events, she will have readers reeling at the remarkable skill with which she raised an army of mercenaries to counter her bullying brother and secure the support of two of the world’s most powerful men – Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
About the resource:
- Four KS2 teaching lessons interpreting history through different points of view based on a range of supplied historical sources and activities.
- Learn the history and significance of Queen Cleopatra’s life, how she built her image, her qualities as a leader and the impact she had on the wider world.
- Includes a debate outline with helpful tips, phrases and structural guide.
Age range: 7-8+
What is a Dot
About the book:
Explore the joy of mark-making in this lively book, where a dot can be anything you want it to be. Award-winning author Johanna Bell’s bright and rhythmic story is accompanied by Amelia Luscombe’s vibrant pencil illustrations that follow a continuous line throughout – the pencil doesn’t leave the page from start to finish.
About the resource:
- KS1–KS2 teaching lessons on poetic devices and the book’s corresponding visual representation.
- Contains suggested further reading and links to resources, including a focus on First Nations artworks, Yayoi Kusama, Roy Lichtenstein and more.
- Illustrate your own version of a page from What is a dot?
Age range: 0-5+
Wanted: The Cutest Baby in the World
About the book:
A funny, irreverent picture book about the reality of life with a baby, from a bestselling and award-winning author and a talented new illustrator.
About the resource :
- KS1–KS2 teaching lessons to develop reading comprehension skills, creative writing and empathy through understanding family and change.
- Look closely at language and illustration choices and how they work together.
- Create your own detective hunt, complete with a case file and wanted poster. Turn it into a role play or writing inspiration for your own mystery!
Age range: 0-5+
Quarks, Sparks and Quantum Mysteries
About the book:
A fun and fascinating introduction to quantum physics and the mysteries of our universe from astrophysicist and STEM ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.
About the resource:
- KS2 teaching lessons to develop a further understanding of quantum physics by relating it to the world around us.
- Covers everything from atoms to gravity, matter, antimatter, relativity, black holes, worm holes and more!
- Become a scientist and conduct your own experiment using the template sheet to record your results and conclusion.
Age range: 0-5+
Once I was a Giant
About the book:
A meteoric work from award-winning author-illustrator Zeno Sworder about hope for the future, the power of small beings and the special friendship of trees.
About the resource:
- KS2 teaching lessons that encourage a deep analysis of the story and its visual literacy, including use of colour, symbolism, absence of text and perspective.
- Covers important concepts such as interconnectedness, cycles of life, resilience, nature’s voice and empathy towards living things.
- Contains extensive discussion points and creative tasks.