RAR #108: Favorite Picture Books for Ancient History
If you’re looking to read books for ancient history studies with your kids this year, this booklist is for you. It’s a short list of delightful picture book read-alouds for the whole family.
Why only picture books?
Well… because picture books are worthwhile for everyone. Your high schooler is likely to enjoy these books every bit as much as your first grader. And I bet you’ll learn a thing or two, as you’re reading along. ;)
If you happen to be short on time (am I the only one raising my hand here?), committing to reading aloud from a picture book is a whole lot easier than sitting down to read a novel or even a chapter book.
You’ll notice in the descriptions below that I’ve noted the general geographic location (or origin) of the story. I hope that helps you choose your read-alouds based on where you are in your studies.
Whether you’re learning about ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, or Egypt… we’ve collected our favorite picture books for you right here.
Click the play button below:
Listener Guide
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:
- 1:36 Get the printable
- 3:03 A short, delightful list
- 5:12 Fables from Demi
- 7:01 Ancient Greece
- 10:00 Ancient Egypt
- 13:14 Ancient Rome and Mesopotamia
- 14:42 Tomie dePaola Bible stories and more
- 15:34 Less is more
- 16:29 Let the kids speak
Quotes to remember:
“Picture books can be especially informative, helpful, and beautiful. They reach us in a different place. They add an element of beauty. And really, the text in a picture book is only half of what you get. The illustrations lend the other half.”
“Let this be a way that you can dip into an enjoyable, historical read-aloud with your child, and connect with them.”
“We tried to choose what will have a really wide appeal in your home, a good chance for delight and connection, offer a good opportunity for conversations in your family, and appeal to a broad range of ages. I think all of the books on this list will do all of those things.”
Books from this episode:
(All links are affiliate links.)
Get the printable booklist right here.
We loved The Egyptian Cinderella!!
May I humbly recommend this books as well? It was perfect!
https://g.co/kgs/eW4jho
Do you have a book list for later time periods?
Hi, my little ones love Mummy Cat….just wanted to share ….they love cats and mummies…perfect combination.
Mummy Cat
by Marcus Ewert et al.
Link: http://a.co/d/2tuSNB2
Thank you
So strange. When I click on “Of Number and Stars” it says $65+ From amazon and other sellers 😱😫
I know! I’m so disappointed. It looks wonderful, and my daughter is always begging for stories with girls!
Thank you for this resource! We (loosely) follow the classical cycles and are doing Ancient History this year. It will be great to have this list to help us get through!
We are doing this very time period in history right now in our co-op! 4,000 B.C. and onward…Sumerians, Egypt, Mesopotamia! Thank you SO very much for this list, and would love to see more ‘time period’ focused ones in the future (for us homeschoolers it’s a win win! ;-)
Love this idea!
I look forward to more lists like this!