Aljoscha Blau, Rediscovering Gouache: A New Approach to a Versatile Technique for Contemporary Artists and Illustrators (Hoaki, 2021).
A pleasant, practical book that introduces gouache with clear demonstrations. One feels, as in a quiet studio, that the medium's surprises and textures are revealed step by step — useful for any young artist curious about colour and technique.
Hal Borland (ed), Our Natural World (J.B. Lippincott Company, 1969).
An editorially arranged collection of observations on the countryside and wildlife. It reads like a gentle stroll: informative, occasionally lyrical, and handy for anyone beginning to care about nature and how it is written about.
Rachel Carson, Silent Spring (Gardners Books, 2000).
A landmark voice on the dangers of pesticides, written with clarity and gentle urgency. Even for a young reader, the book's quiet moral concern invites careful thought about our relationship with the living world.
Nicolas Cauchy, Perceval Le Gallois (Gautier Languereau, 2008).
A retelling of the Perceval tale, charmingly illustrated and simply told. It keeps the mood of old romance while being easy to follow — an excellent first meeting with Arthurian wonder.
Nicolas Cauchy and Aurélia Fronty, Lancelot Du Lac (Gautier Languereau, 2007).
Here is Lancelot, depicted with warmth and bold pictures. The pairing of text and image makes the knight's trials feel immediate but not frightening — good for exploring themes of loyalty and bravery.
Nicolas Cauchy and Aurélia Fronty, Le Roi Arthur (Hachette, 2007).
A royal introduction to King Arthur and his court, told with a storyteller’s patience. It is brief, inviting, and perfect for teasing out the main threads of the legend before reading longer versions.
Seymour Chwast, Dante’s Divine Comedy (Bloomsbury UK, 2010).
A visual and interpretive take on a very old poem — modern illustrations meet medieval imagination. For a young reader, it acts as a helpful companion: not the original epic, but a map to its moods and strange scenes.
Olivier Courtin-Clarins, Docteur, Je Veux Être La plus Belle ! (2014).
A witty comment on beauty and temptation, told with a touch of humour. It gently nudges the reader to consider appearances and choices, in a tone that is more amused than severe.
Natalie Zemon Davis, The Return of Martin Guerre (1985).
A fascinating historical investigation into identity and village life in 16th‑century France. The book reads like a detective story and is splendid for teaching how historians piece together lives from documents.
David Day, Tolkien’s Ring (Pavilion, 2011).
A readable guide to one of modern fantasy’s central symbols. It explains ideas and echoes in Tolkien's work in a way that will delight a young enthusiast of myths and maps.
Antoine de Saint‑Exupéry, Vol de Nuit (2017).
A novel about duty and daring in the skies, written with poetic economy. It speaks quietly about courage — a small book with a deep, contemplative heart.
DK, History of Britain and Ireland: The Definitive Visual Guide (National Geographic Books, 2019).
A richly illustrated visual guide that lays out centuries at a glance. Very handy for school projects: maps, timelines and images that make events easier to remember.
Randall Faber, Hanon‑Faber: The New Virtuoso Pianist: Selections from Parts 1 and 2 (Faber Piano Adventures, 2017).
A modern collection of technical exercises for young pianists. Clear, practical, and encouraging — much like a kindly teacher who wants your technique to improve with pleasure.
Alan Garner, The Owl Service (HarperCollins UK, 2002).
A tense, atmospheric tale where myth returns to ordinary life. The mood is quietly unsettling in the best way, ideal for puzzled evenings when legends feel oddly near.
Nicki Greenberg, Hamlet (2010).
A graphic retelling that makes Shakespeare’s tangled moods and motives more accessible. It is brisk, inventive, and helpful for readers meeting the tragedy for the first time.
Lady Charlotte Guest (transl), The Mabinogion (HarperCollins Publishers, 2000).
A classic translation of Welsh tales, presented so that the old magic still breathes. For the curious youngster, these stories are a door into a landscape where gods and mortals cross paths.
Hella S. Haasse, In a Dark Wood Wandering: A Novel of the Middle Ages (Bloomsbury UK, 2025).
A richly drawn historical novel that recreates medieval life with care. It offers atmosphere and detail — a slow, absorbing read for someone who enjoys a finely observed past.
Eleanor Janega, The Middle Ages: A Graphic History (Icon Books, 2021).
A lively, illustrated tour through medieval Europe, full of facts and charming drawings. Great for a 13‑year‑old: clear, amusing, and full of surprising nuggets.
Paul Johnson, The Offshore Islanders (Orion Books Ltd., 1995).
An exploration of island life and culture. Johnson’s observations are neat and thoughtful, useful when you wish to compare small communities and their peculiar charms.
Le Dictionnaire Larousse Du Collège, (Larousse, 2025).
A compact school dictionary from a trusted house — concise definitions and helpful examples. A reliable companion for French homework and curious minds alike.
Alan Lee and David Day, Castles (Bantam, 1984).
Illustrations and text combine to show how castles were built and lived in. Much like peering over a model battlement, the book gives a strong sense of place and daily life in stone.
Janet Lewis, The Wife of Martin Guerre (1996).
A literary retelling of the famous case — delicate, human, and quietly dramatic. It brings emotional colour to the historical facts, which helps the reader imagine the persons involved.
Marie de France and Naomi Lewis, Proud Knight, Fair Lady: The Twelve Lays of Marie de France (Arrow, 1989).
A selection of medieval lays translated for modern readers. Each tale is brief and evocative — as if a storyteller sat by the fire, offering single shines of romance and wit.
Caitlín Matthews, King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land: The Divine Feminine in the Mabinogion (Inner Traditions, 2002).
An interpretive study that links Arthurian legend to older goddess themes. It is thoughtful and a little scholarly, but rewarding for readers curious about mythic patterns beneath the stories.
William J. Puette, Tale of Genji: A Reader’s Guide (Tuttle Publishing, 2009).
A friendly guide to a long and intricate Japanese classic. It helps a young reader keep track of characters and themes, and gently suggests how to approach the novel’s subtler touches.
Richard Rusczyk, Introduction to Geometry (Aops Incorporated, 2007).
A precise and playful introduction to geometry problems and thinking. Designed for problem solvers, it trains the mind to see shapes and reasons — like learning to follow a clever trail of clues.
Richard Rusczyk, David Patrick and Ravi Bopu Boppana, Prealgebra (2011).
A clear workbook for strengthening number sense before algebra. It offers exercises and explanations in a friendly voice — excellent for steady practice and building confidence.
Joseph Tusiani, Dante’s Divine Comedy: As Told for Young People (Legas / Gaetano Cipolla, 2001).
A simplified retelling that preserves Dante’s journey without the most complex theology. It serves as a warm introduction for young readers who wish to know the broad outline of the adventure.
Mark Twain and Michele Israel Harper, Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc: And Other Tributes to the Maid of Orléans (Wordfire Press, 2022).
Twain’s affectionate, slightly ironic voice here gives Joan a human, heroic presence. The book reads like respectful portraiture, useful for young readers wanting an American writer’s take on a French heroine.
Voltaire, Micromégas; Le Monde Comme Il va; Jeannot et Colin: Contes Philosophiques (Petits Classiques Larousse Tex, 2007).
A selection of Voltaire’s short philosophical tales — witty, sharp, and often amusingly critical of human foibles. They are short, clever pieces that invite thought and a smile.
Nicole B. Wallack, Crafting Presence: The American Essay and the Future of Writing Studies (University Press of Colorado, 2017).
A thoughtful examination of essays and how they teach writing. For a young student, the book signals that essays can be both personal and persuasive — a good reminder that your voice matters on the page.
David Macaulay, 'Castle' (PBS television presentation, 1983) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfomD93uglo>.
A classic visual study of how castles were made and used, shown on film. Watching it is like taking a small guided tour through history — very helpful before tackling a project on medieval life or fortifications.