Five books starring Queen Elizabeth II
By all accounts, Queen Elizabeth II had a wonderful sense of humour. During her reign, authors and illustrators depicted her with deep affection in their children’s books. Here’s a small selection of such stories.
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The BFG
Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7+The BFG stands for Big Friendly Giant, who unexpectedly spirits a little girl named Sophie out of bed, and into the land of the child-eating giants.
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Me, the Queen and Christopher
Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Orchard Books
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+A warm, touching and funny tale of an unusual meeting with the Queen
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The Queen & Mr Brown: A Day for Dinosaurs
Author: James Francis Wilkins
Publisher: The Natural History Museum
This picture book will make younger readers chuckle as the Queen and her corgi take a trip to London's Natural History Museum and ponder about what really made the dinosaurs die out.
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The Queen’s Wardrobe: The Story of Queen Elizabeth II and her Clothes
Author: Julia Golding Illustrator: Kate Hindley
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+This is a gorgeous book that chronicles the Queen’s life in a fascinating and unusual way – through her clothes. A fascinating read for 6-9s interested in fashion and the Royal Family, or indeed anyone who wants to learn more about one woman’s extraordinary life.
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Two Weeks with the Queen
Author: Morris Gleitzman
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 10+When his brother becomes seriously ill with leukaemia, Colin is sent to stay with relatives in England. Determined to get the best help possible, he decides to approach the Queen.
