Medieval History is a fascinating topic to study in for any homeschool. From eastern European castles and kingdoms to western Asian dynasties and everything in between, there is so much to learn from this era of war, conquest and expansion. I’ve rounded up the best picture books about Medieval History so that you can easily get great titles all in one place!
The Story of the Hundred Years War by Christine & Ethan Zell
The Story of the 100 Years War is a picture book written by Christine Zell — founder of Rabbit Trails Homeschool — and illustrated by her son, Ethan. Take your kids on a journey through this European war by reading this short and sweet story, all written in rhyme. The pictures are all replicas of Medieval art and there is a gallery with more information on the original pieces in the back. There is also a glossary filled with vocabulary from the book.
A Medieval Feast by Aliki
A Medieval Feast is a fascinating look at Middle Ages nobility as the lord and lady of a manor prepare for a visit from the king. Over the course of weeks, servants prepare rooms, set up tents, hunt, hawk, churn, brew and bake for the lavish feast.
Stone Giant by Jane Sutcliffe & John Shelley
Stone Giant is the story of how a masterful Italian sculptor saw beauty in a neglected, discarded hulk of stone, later to be revered as one of the greatest works of art of all time. It is also a story about following through with one’s vision, of seeing oneself reflected in their work, and of literally chipping away at monumental tasks one bit at a time.
The Hawk of the Castle by Danna Smith & Bagram Ibatoulline
Learn about medieval falconry while following a day in the life of a castle falconer and his daughter. With vivid detail and poetic storytelling, readers will follow along as they prepare and train this magnificent hawk in the sport of hunting.
The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola
Award-winning children’s book author Tomie dePaola offers a creative look at a knight and dragon researching one another for their impending battle. Themes of avoiding assumptions, recognizing similarities, friendship and avoiding conflict run throughout the story in a lighthearted, entertaining way.
The Sad Night: The Story of an Aztec Victory & A Spanish Loss by Sally Schofer Mathews
This historical picture book sensitively retells the story of La Noche Triste (The Sad Night) when the Azetecs defeated Spanish invaders threatening to overtake their city. Influenced by Aztec codices, the illustrations are a vibrant representation of this ancient culture that established what today is known as Mexico City.
The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks by Katherine Paterson and Leo & Diane Dillon
When a greedy lord captures and mandarin duck for his own entertainment, separating him from his mate, two servants make the ultimate sacrifice to free him. A Japanese fable of compassion, The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks is a story of doing what is right regardless of the cost.
Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D’Agnese & John O’Brieny Anne Rockwell
Written about one of the most brilliant mathematicians to ever live, Blockhead is a historical biography about Italian-born Leonardo Fibonacci who lived during the medieval period and discovered the mathematical relationship that exists in nature now referred to as The Fibonacci Code. Blending history with math and science, this book also gives an inspiring account of a misunderstood, daydreaming boy who instead of giving up on his curiosity, uses that passion to eventually uncover one of the greatest evidences of a creatively designed, orderly universe.
Marguerite Makes a Book by Bruce Robertson & Kathryn Hewitt
Set in Paris during the 1400s and inspired by an illuminated manuscript at the Getty Museum, this beautifully-illustrated book follows the story of a young girl following in her father’s footsteps as a book painter. With detailed descriptions of the materials and process, students will learn about the painstaking efforts to produce books before the invention of the printing press.
Leif the Lucky by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
Leif the Lucky is a biographical tale of Erik the Red and his 9-year-old son, the famous Viking whose explorations led to the discovery of Greenland and later landed them in America. Written and illustrated with stunning detail, the d’Aulaires’ magnificent storytelling of these Scandinavian heroes will captivate young readers.
Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything by Kathleen Krull & Robert Byrd
This portrait of Kubla Khan, grandson of the great Mongolian warlord Ghengis Khan, paints a vibrant story of the first emperor of the Yuan dynasty who built the Imperial city now known as Beijing and reigned over one of the greatest medieval empires of the East. Kubla Khan would meet Marco Polo in his later years, sparking the great European age of exploration.
The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane by C.M. Millen & Andrea Wisnewski
Set in a medieval Irish monastery and inspired by illuminated letters like the Book of Kells, The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane celebrates the curiosity and innovation of a devout monk who found a way to make vibrant inks from nature. The entire story is written in verse and includes poems written by Irish monks, an explanation of the illumination process, instructions for making a writing quill and details on extracting color from plants and leaves.
Beowulf: A Hero’s Tale by James Rumford
Using only Anglo-Saxon vocabulary still used today, James Rumford expertly retells the story of Beowulf in a way that is simpler and yet true to its original language and style. Detailed pen and ink artwork sets the appropriate mood for this classic tale of a hero who never gave up, “no matter how difficult the struggle, no matter how deep and dark the night.”
Get even more picture books about Medieval History inside of Rabbit Trails through History!
Rabbit Trails through History is a literature-based history curriculum for all elementary age children. It’s filled with these wonderful books and SO many more, plus hands-on activities, artist studies, poetry, copywork, and more. If you want the very best history curriculum for your kids, with the best picture books about Medieval History, Rabbit Trails has you covered!
What books would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments or in my online homescool community!