Even a monarch needs a best friend and Queen Elizabeth II found one in a corgi pup she named Susan. From princesshood to queendom the pair forged an unbreakable bond, with Susan even participating in Elizabeth’s wedding day and joining her on honeymoon with Prince Philip. Over the course of her remarkable seventy-year reign the Queen had more than thirty corgi companions, and almost all were direct descendants of her cherished Susan. 6-9 years
Little Elizabeth: The Young Princess Who Became Queen
By Valerie Wilding, Illustrated by Pauline Reeves
The incredible true story of a young and brilliant Princess who grew up to become our Queen. Once, a very long time ago, there was a little Princess called Elizabeth (or Lilibet as her family liked to call her) who loved to play and have fun with her horses, dogs and little sister, Margaret. But when she was ten years old, her life changed forever.
From growing up during the Second World War and training as an army mechanic, to celebrating VE day with the people of Britain and marrying Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh – the man she truly loved – this is the amazing true story of a little girl who became Queen Elizabeth II. 6-8 years
Queen Elizabeth II: A Little Golden Book Biography
By Jen Arena, Illustrated by Monique Dong
Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about Queen Elizabeth II! The perfect introduction to nonfiction for preschoolers! This Little Golden Book about Queen Elizabeth II who sat on the throne for more than 70 years and was the longest ruling monarch of the United Kingdom is an inspiring read-aloud for young girls and boys. 4 years+
Queen Elizabeth: The Queen Who Chose to Serve
By Alison Mitchell, Illustrated by Emma Randall
Princess Elizabeth never expected to be Queen. But when she was ten, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated and everything changed… Her father took over as King, but after 15 years on the throne, he died. So when she was just 25 years old, Elizabeth was crowned Queen and became the longest-serving monarch in British history.
This children’s biography of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) chronicles key moments in her life. It also highlights her Christian faith, in particular what she has said in her Christmas Day speeches. 4-7 years
The Queen’s Wardrobe: The Story of Queen Elizabeth’s Clothes
By Julie Golding, Illustrated by Kate Hindley
The story of Queen Elizabeth II, who famously said ‘if I wore beige, no one would know who I was’, told through her clothes and jewelry. The Queen’s Wardrobe is a gorgeous gift to treasure, celebrating a long life devoted to service.
This book tells the story of a young princess who grew into one of the world’s best-loved and longest-serving royals, touching on wartime truck-fixing, ration-book wedding dress making, splendid gowns, the Crown Jewels, and her trusty wellies. 7-11 years
Our Queen Elizabeth: Her Extraordinary Life from the Crown to the Corgis
By Kate Williams
Discover everything there is to know about the life and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II in this illustrated book. Readers will learn all about Elizabeth II’s youth growing up during the Second World War, how she came to the throne and what it really means to be the Queen. Along the way, they’ll see her sparkling crown jewels and magnificent palaces. They will meet her beloved corgis, horses and of course, her very famous family. Plus they’ll discover lots of amazing facts – such as why she has two birthdays, always wears bright clothing, and is a world record breaker! 6-8 years
Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II
By David Chung, Illustrated by Farimah Khavarinezhad
Explore the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch – an introduction for children. In this picture book, you’ll find full-page color illustrations sharing some of the key moments in Queen Elizabeth’s life. Readers will learn about her family and her ascension to the crown as well as her love for corgis. The book also includes fun facts about the queen to share with young readers. 3-6 years
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II
By Megan Stine, Illustrated by Laurie A. Conley
In 1936, the life of ten-year-old Princess Elizabeth of York changed forever. Although she was a member of the British Royal Family, she never expected to become queen. But when her uncle Edward gave up the throne, suddenly her father was the new king, which meant young Elizabeth was next in line!
Queen Elizabeth reigned for seventy years, and while there were palaces galore, the crown jewels, and trips around the world, her life was one of strict discipline and duty. 8-12 years
Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration
By DK Publishing
In honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee 2022, this book for kids tells the story of a young princess who grew up to become our longest reigning monarch, and celebrates the achievements, people and places that have become part of her remarkable legacy.
There is a treasure box hidden away in Great Granny Joyce’s home, bursting with all kinds of things… A photo of a young woman wearing a crown, a map of the world, newspaper clippings, and so much more that reveal the great wonders of the last 70 years. Little Isabella doesn’t even know where to begin! Did you know that Princess Elizabeth was only 27 when she became Queen? Or that she made an appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2010 London Olympics alongside James Bond? And that the most astonishing inventions like the World Wide Web, as well as historic milestones like the first female Prime Minister of the UK happened under our Queen’s watch? 5-9 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Everyone knows Beatrix Potter as the creator of the Peter Rabbit stories. But before that, she was a girl of science. As a child, Beatrix collected nature specimens; as a young adult, she was an amateur mycologist presenting her research on mushrooms and other fungi to England’s foremost experts. Like many women of her time, she remained unacknowledged by the scientific community, but her keen eye for observation led her to an acclaimed career as an artist and storyteller. A beloved author is cast in a new light in this picture book story. 4-8 years
Beatrix Potter and the Unfortunate Tale of a Borrowed Guinea Pig
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Charlotte Voake
This story stars a young Beatrix Potter, creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit and many other classic children’s books. Deborah Hopkinson takes readers back to Victorian England and the home of the budding young artist and animal lover Beatrix Potter.
When Beatrix brings home her neighbor’s pet guinea pig, so that she can practice painting it, well . . . dies! Now what? Written in the form of a “picture letter,” this mostly true tale is a wonderful introduction to a beloved author/illustrator. An author’s note includes photographs and more information about Beatrix Potter’s life and work. 6-8 years
Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati
Growing up in London, Beatrix Potter felt the restraints of Victorian times. Girls didn’t go to school and weren’t expected to work. But she longed to do something important, something that truly mattered.
As Beatrix spent her summers in the country and found inspiration in nature, it was through this passion that her creativity flourished.There, she crafted The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
She would eventually move to the countryside full-time, but developers sought to change the land. To save it, Beatrix used the money from the success of her books and bought acres and acres of land and farms to prevent the development of the countryside that both she and Peter Rabbit cherished. Because of her efforts, it’s been preserved just as she left it. This picture book shines a light on Beatrix Potter’s lesser-known history and her desire to do something for the greater good. 4-8 years
Little Naturalists: Beatrix Potter Wrote (Board Book)
By Kate Coombs
Beatrix Potter had a love for animals from an early age, and she grew up drawing and painting them with amazing detail and accuracy. She was best known for her children’s book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
She lived in London for many years but used income from her children’s books to buy Hill Top Farm in England. While living there and in Scotland, she developed a love of landscape and flora, which she included in her artwork. In all, Beatrix wrote twenty-three children’s tales, inspiring people to follow their dreams and care for plants and animals.
Kate Coombs’s narrative and Seth Lucas’s art teach young readers about this inspiring children’s author and artist, encouraging little naturalists to Be Kind and Be Adventurous. Baby to 3 years
Who Was Beatrix Potter
By Sarah Fabiny, Illustrated by Mike Lacey
Born into wealth in 1860’s London, Beatrix Potter always had a vivid imagination. Her early interests included natural history and archaeology, and Potter delighted in sketching fossils and fungi. After briefly illustrating Christmas cards with her brother, Bertram, Potter wrote and illustrated her well-known book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
The book was rejected by several publishes until Frederick Warne eventually took a risk and published the story in 1902 – a risk that paid off. Peter Rabbit was a huge success and readers loved hearing about Peter’s mischievious adventures in the lush English countryside.
As she got older, Beatrix Potter became a proud conservationist, working hard to defend the landscape she loved so well against industrialization and logging. Now over one hundred years old, Peter Rabbit and his animal friends have become cultural touchstones and continue to delight readers of all ages. 8-12 years
The Tale of Beatrix Potter
By Sara Schonfeld
Born to a wealthy family in Victorian London, Beatrix Potter never had many playmates. When she got lonely, she turned to the animals in her playroom: rabbits, mice, frogs, hedgehogs… even a snake! From an early age, she was a talented painter, and she published her art as a young woman. Her dream of becoming a children’s book author, though, didn’t come true until she was in her mid-thirties. After writing a letter about four little bunnies to a friend’s son, Beatrix created The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The story was turned down several times but was finally picked up by Frederick Warne & Co. Beatrix spent the rest of her life in the countryside, painting, drawing, farming, and protecting the land she loved so much. 6-8 years
Beatrix Potter and Her Paint Box
By David McPhail
All her life, Beatrix Potter loved to paint. From a young age, she painted the bunnies, mice, and other pets who populated her family home. These characters later populated her stories, which are beloved the whole world over. With beautiful scenes rich in detail, David McPhail transports us to the charming English countryside and the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter. 4-8 years
Becoming Beatrix Potter: The Life of Beatrix Potter and the World of Peter Rabbit
By Amy M. O’Quinn
Beatrix Potter forged her own creative path to independence, fame, and financial success. Peter Rabbit, Hunca Munca, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle-Duck—many readers are familiar with these animal characters created by British author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.
But Beatrix was so much more than a painter of watercolor bunnies in little blue jackets or naive ducks waddling about in bonnets and shawls. She was a natural scientist, mycologist, environmentalist, conservationist, preservationist, farmer, and expert sheep breeder.
Beatrix was a woman ahead of her time, making her own decisions and handling her own business affairs, despite living in a Victorian society that was unaccustomed to unmarried women doing so. Becoming Beatrix: The Life of Beatrix Potter and the World of Peter Rabbit covers Potter’s early life and influences, artistic work, fascination with animals and the natural sciences, and interest and research with fungi, as well as her writing and illustration journey and her later years as a wife, farmer, businesswoman, environmentalist, and conservationist. 8-12 years
A Celebration of Beatrix Potter
Art and Letters by more than 30 of Today’s Favorite Children’s Book Illustrators
With illustrious tales of characters like Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, and Jemima Puddle-Duck, Beatrix Potter established herself as one of the most cherished and influential author/illustrators of children’s literature. To mark her milestone birthday, this collection features illustrations of Potter’s characters, as interpreted by well-known illustrators. Each illustration is accompanied by text from the artist explaining what that character means to them, making this a true celebration of Beatrix Potter. All ages
Beatrix Potter
By Charlotte Guillian
Introduce students to Beatrix Potter, the author of children’s favorites like Peter Rabbit. This biography uses simple text structures and clear images to help readers learn about this amazing writer. 6-8 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publisher.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Book Author
“It’s not fair.” Susan B. Anthony was very concerned about fairness and equality for women and girls in America. She knew it wasn’t fair to pay a woman less than a man for the same job. She knew it wasn’t fair not to allow women to vote in elections. In fact, it was illegal for women to vote. But she felt so strongly, she voted in an election–and was arrested–anyway.
Young readers will learn about young Susan B. Anthony and how she grew up to become a suffragette–a fighter for women’s equality. She joined forces with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others and gave speeches around the country to gain support for women’s right to vote. She fought her whole life, and believed that “failure is impossible.” She was right; her work made the 19th Amendment to the Constitution possible!
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics–for children who are ready to read on their own. 4-6 years.
Susan B. Anthony
By Alexandra Wallner
During Susan B. Anthony’s life, women and men were not considered equal. Women could not own property or vote; nor could they receive good educations. But Susan envisioned a time when women would be treated fairly and so she became a voice for change.
Her speeches and articles about women’s suffrage made her unpopular–people threw rotten eggs at her and even threatened her life–yet she did not give up. In clear and simple words and jewel-like paintings, here is the essential story of the woman whose passion for justice led to the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. 6-9 years
Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes For President
By Ann Malaspina, Illustrated by Steve James
On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony made history–and broke the law–when she voted in the U.S. presidential election, a privilege that had been reserved for men. She was arrested, tried, and found guilty: “The greatest outrage History every witnessed,” she wrote in her journal. It wasn’t until 1920 that women were granted the right to vote, but the civil rights victory would not have been possible without Susan B. Anthony’s leadership and passion to stand up for what was right. 4-8 years
Who Was Susan B. Anthony?
By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, Illustrated by Mike Lacey
Susan B. Anthony may be an international icon but her campaign for women’s rights had personal roots. Working as a school teacher in New York, Anthony refused to settle for less pay than her male colleagues which ignited her lifelong devotion to women’s equality. Anthony toured the United States and Europe giving speeches and publishing articles as one of the most important advocates of women’s rights. Learn more about the woman behind the movement.8-12 years
Susan B. Anthony: Fighter for Women’s Rights
By Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Amy June Bates
Unlike most girls of her time, Susan B. Anthony received an education. And besides reading and writing, her schooling taught her that women should have the same rights as men, above all the right to vote. So from the time she was a young woman until the day she died, Susan worked very hard to change America and make her dream reality. 6-8 years
I Am Susan B. Anthony
By Nancy Parent
Brad feels left out when Xavier and Yadina take a vote without him. Thanks to Susan B. Anthony, they learn that everyone should have a vote! This episode-based 8×8 will focus on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. 3-5 years
Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Some people had rights, while others had none.
Why shouldn’t they have them, too?
Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea. 4-8 years
Why Couldn’t Susan B. Anthony Vote?
And Other Questions About Women’s Suffrage
By Mary Kay Carson
Who was Susan B. Anthony—what did she stand for, why was she arrested, and how did she fight for women’s right to vote? And did she ever see her dream of woman’s suffrage come true? From the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls, New York, to the enactment of the 19th Amendment, this lively chronicle introduces Anthony and the American suffragist movement. 7 and up
Susan B. Anthony: Champion for Voting Rights
By Mark Shulman, Illustrated by Kelly Tindall
This is a biography of the woman who was at the forefront of the women’s suffrage movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Along with other social reformers such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass, Anthony not only paved the way for women seeking the right to vote but also spoke out against the institution of slavery, at great personal risk. Full-color illustrations and historically accurate text make this biography an entertaining, educational, and inspiring read for those who enjoy history and graphic novels. 8-12 years
Marching With Aunt Susan
By Claire Rudolf Murphy, Illustrated by Stacy Schuett
This is the inspiring story of the fight for women’s suffrage, based on the experiences of a real girl. All Bessie wants is to go hiking with her father and brothers. But it’s 1896, and girls don’t get to hike. They can’t vote either, which Bessie discovers when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to help lead the campaign for women’s suffrage. Stirred to action, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes―and maybe even big ones.
Inspired by the diary of the real Bessie Keith Pond, a ten-year-old girl who lived in California during the suffrage campaign, this story offers a thought-provoking introduction to the fight for women’s rights. A story of hope and determination, Marching with Aunt Susan reminds readers that society cannot evolve unless people―even young people―dare to take a stand. 6-10 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
