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Julius Zebra #2

Юлий Зебра: На бунт с британците!

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Той е Красавец. Той е Любимецът на народа сред всички римски гладиатори!

Той отива на Весела ваканция с приятелите си…

Император Адриан има една последна задача за Юлий, преди да му дари свободата.

Тя включва пътуване до странната далечна земя, наречена Британия!

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

30 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Gary Northfield

32 books63 followers

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5 stars
152 (46%)
4 stars
112 (34%)
3 stars
48 (14%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
3,117 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2017
Gladiator superstar, Julius Zebra, was the most famous and fearsome warrior in Rome, after defeating numerous opponents.

His battles hadn’t gone unnoticed by Emperor Hadrian, who offered him a deal, battle and win one more fight, and he would grant Julius his freedom. However, after winning the battle, Hadrian was nowhere to be seen.

News soon arrived that Hadrian was impressed with Julius, and as a result, he was sending him, and his friends, on a little trip to Britannia.

Unfortunately, their idea of a little ‘holibob’ was cut short when they realised exactly what Emperor Hadrian had in store for them.

Julius Zebra Bundle with the Britains!, is the second book in the ‘Julius Zebra’ series, but can most certainly be read as a stand alone.

Gary Northfield has managed to write a children’s book that blends history with a damn good story. The characters are well developed, and at times you do forget that they are actually a Zebra, Warthog, Crocodile, Antelope, lion, etc.

The book is funny, laugh out loud funny, from beginning to end. It is silly, wacky and a little bit daft, but it is also engrossing, and will have children hooked right from the start. It certainly is attention grabbing.

There are numerous black and white illustrations throughout, some are full pages too, these add to the enjoyment of the story, and help to visualise exactly what is happening.

One of the funniest, cleverly executed books that I have read for a long time, (and I’m just a few years over the target market!!).

Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Profile Image for J..
335 reviews30 followers
August 3, 2021
Julius Zebra (not Julianne) is famous. He is a superstar. He walks the streets of Rome as if he owns the place, has hordes of fans and gives muddy (dung dropping) footprints as autographs. Still not smarter. 😕


‘’A hammock? What is that’’ asked Julius.
‘’What does it look like?’’ said Milus, lounging back comfortably. ‘’It is a BED!’’
‘’A BED!’’ cried Julius, befuddled. ‘’How EXCITING!’’ he pulled the net off his friends and smoothed it out with his hooves. ‘’Anything’s got to be better than those sleeping cells back in Rome!’’ He laughed as he leaped into the air, expecting to flop onto his strange new bed. But instead he fell right through the threadbare net straight into the big puddle on the floor.
‘’Actually, I take that back’’

In order to finally be given their freedom, they must travel to Britannia and take part in the local tournament. However, in fact, they were sent there by a mendacious emperor Hadrian (who, among other, hates wars) to impress so-called barbarians in Britannia and show-off the strength of Roman Empire.
This is definitely NOT a vacation.
They boarded the ship in the company of the ever-nervous sadist Septimus, who I hate, must add 🤬🤬🤬. After this trip, I hope he would be forced into early retirement. In the dungeons. On the other side of the lock.
Will Julius and his gladiator crew save their hairy bottoms and win over the Britain people? Feel free to find out. 😉
ROMANS GO HOME!!! I couldn’t agree more!!



.. The only GIZA this rock has seen is the sneaky geezer who sold you this worthless junk… (Cornelius on Felix spending his life savings on a piece of priceless piece of – AS HE THOUGHT - Pyramid of Giza).

Felix likes rocks. He is my favorite.
And the wannabe groupie snakes 😃

Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.2k reviews457 followers
November 8, 2016
4.5 stars. Whenever I had time I read a bit of this one today, and it was just fabulous.

I spotted this one at Library #3 and just had to have it, it just screamed at me to read it. :P

Though I definitely need to find book 1 as well, as I want to know more about Julius and how he got to be a gladiator. Yep, I never read the first book, and while I feel it isn't needed that much, as I could get the gist of the story within a few pages, I still want to check out the first book. Hopefully we will find out more about Julius, about his family. About how he made all these friends.

The book starts off in Rome, but we quickly head to England. Of course our band of idiots has no clue what is going on. Maybe one or two have an idea of what will happen, but most just think it will be a fun vacation. With fancy hotels and all that stuff. Yes, no clue why they would think that, as they are slaves, and that is not how slaves are treated.

I loved the depiction of England, how dreary, wet, cold, and gloomy it is. Which it is. But still it looked oh so funny to see people from Rome (warm, sunny) in England. And how they complained.

Of course the vacation isn't that, they have to represent the Empire and show those Britons what they are made off. You might guess how it ends, I won't spoil anything, but I think just from looking at the cover you can see it.

Julius was a great, brave character, though dear Lord, he was also a huge bonehead. At times I truly wondered if he ever thought about stuff. :P His ego was at least completely 100% there at all times. He was quite a funny character, and I was rooting for him to get his freedom back. He definitely deserved that.

Also I really loved his name. Just say the name out loud and you will see what I mean.

From his merry band of friends I have to say I liked Lucia the most. The mouse (sorry, lost his name) and the lion (also lost his name) the most annoying. Then again, not the first time a mouse character is enormously annoying.

Of course it isn't all happiness and sunshine. Our group are still slaves, and are still getting shouted at, still have to do chores, workouts and much more. Plus the whole battle to death thing.

What happens later in the book? I loved it, and it really sets a great start for the next book in this series. I am quite curious to see how everything will end.

The book is peppered with illustrations, making a bit of graphic novel. I loved how, just like another book I read, it switches between letting the story talk, or the illustrations. The art style, well it fits perfect with the random, hilarious, silly stuff that is happening.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I do hope I can find book 1 someday. I would recommend this one to everyone.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Iris.
165 reviews24 followers
December 8, 2021
Julius, Julius!!!! Hou van die Zebra.
Profile Image for Moonkiszt.
3,064 reviews333 followers
February 27, 2021
Featured in grandma reads chapterbook sessions.

Ah! Julius Zebra is at it again! #2 of the series, he and his kidnapped-from-Africa friends have been whisked off at this particular time in history to Rome to fight as beastie gladiators (a real thing). They became so famous that they get sent off to Briton to fight the indigenous peoples who were trying to push the Romans out. Julius has happy reunions and is able to make his way out of the clutches of the Romans. Much of the who of the story is fictional. . .what is fun, though, is that there are real roman words and persons inserted here and there.

Other non-fictional bits that help a reader pick up new knowledge is a section on Roman numerals - all pages are done with Roman numerals - a spattering of Roman words and phrases, section on what Rome during its time in the land that would eventually become the UK brought to that land - the Hadrian Wall, Bathing Pools (in Bath), aquaducts, and other long abandoned features.

My listeners were happy for this second book on Julius, and I think we are queuing up for the third!
Profile Image for Well of Lost Books.
171 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2026
Julius Zebra: Bundle with the Britons is laugh-out-loud funny, fast, and packed with ridiculous adventures.

The audiobook is hilarious, but the physical book is next-level because the pictures make everything even funnier! 😂🦓
5 reviews
January 1, 2022
Ook echt heel leuk en suuuuuuuuuuuuuper grappig!
Profile Image for Ilona de Koning.
22 reviews
September 28, 2018
Leuk kinderboek voor de middenbouw.
Romeinse weetjes, omgetoverd in kindertaal.
Veel stripjes en plaatjes tussendoor, leest fijn afwisselend.
18 reviews
August 15, 2020
When I read all of this I was annoyed that it ended on a cliffhanger I now want to read rumble with the romans
Profile Image for Cat Strawberry.
839 reviews23 followers
April 17, 2018
'We're off on our holibobs!' Why on earth that phrase makes me smile I don't know but it does and I love, LOVE this book! 'Julius Zebra: Bundle with the Britons' is the second book in the Julius Zebra series and I just can't wait to read more!

The story is about Julius, a zebra who is a champion gladiator of Rome. Julius is a bit of a celebrity and the book quickly introduces us to his other animal friends, Felix an antelope, Cornelius a warthog and Lucia a crocodile, to name a few. The story is very funny and Julius and his friends mistakenly think Emperor Hadrian has sent them off on their holibobs (holidays) to the strange land of Britannia but they soon learn the truth about what they are really doing there.

The story is daft and silly but also very, very funny. I wasn't sure I was going to get into this book at first, given the strange setting of a few animals walking and talking among the people of Rome but it quickly because an engaging read and the more I read the more I laughed. The book has lots of funny images, in black and white, among the text and for some reason I'm really drawn to the silliness of them. Julius and his friends are quite daft and the whole look of the illustrations just lends to this daft humour.

The story has a satisfying ending but leaves you with an epilogue that sets up the next book in the series which will be 'Julius Zebra: Entangled with the Egyptians' which I can't wait to read. The back of the book has some interesting facts which I really enjoyed and it made me like this book even more. The author explains some of the things that the Romans brought to Britain, not all of them I knew about, but it's done in a funny way that makes you laugh.
There is also an explanation of how roman numerals work is educational but done in a very fun way with characters from the story explaining how it works. It's included because this book has the fun added extra of every page number being written in roman numerals instead of the usual digits we use today.
My favourite extra at the end of the book though is Felix's rock collection. Some of the rocks and their names really made me laugh.

This book will really appeal to kids and older who like something silly but funny. It's not a complicated story but I really enjoyed reading this and after the recent disappointment of another funny book aimed at kids, which wasn't, I'm glad to say that this book has just the right sense of humour to really put a smile on my face. I can't wait for the next instalment in the series and am now going to buy the first book 'Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans' too!
-Thanks to Walker books for a free copy.
Profile Image for Gigli.
294 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2024
»»» A compra:
Adorei o primeiro volume, editado em Portugal, mas não teve seguimento, por isso tive que seguir com compra da versão inglesa. Comprado em segunda mão na wob.com.

»»» A aventura:
Julius e o seus amigos gladiadores são enviados para a longínqua e inóspita Britania, aquele local onde os selvagens só dão dores de cabeça aos romanos. A missão é ganhar nos jogos de gladiadores para honrar o imperador no seu aniversário e mostrar a grandeza de Roma aos locais.
Julius e companhia julgam que vão para um sítio fantástico, mas quando chegam é só lama e frio e quando entram na arena os adversários são tenebrosos.
A fuga começa a parecer uma boa opção e ao se cruzarem com uma velha bruxa, mal sabem que vão ser envolvidos na rebelião liderada por Boudicca.

»»» Sentimento final:
Fantástico.
Divertido e ao mesmo tempo ilustrativo do tempo dos romanos é impossível resistir a este grupo de gladiadores relutantes.
Venham mais volumes.

»»» Nota final (capa):
--- [Capa] – Boa capa e mais um título fantástico a brincar com as palavras.
--- [Ilustrações] – Desenhos tipo cartoon bem adequados ao tom humorístico da história. São um excelente complemento e em muitos casos o que nos dá umas gargalhadas. Os gladiadores da Britania são demais, tipo uma versão maior e mais feia dos nossos amados gladiadores romanos.

»»» Uma espreitadela:








Profile Image for Luna's Little Library.
1,492 reviews207 followers
October 25, 2016
3.5 Stars

Julius is the star gladiator and can almost taste his freedom, when Emperor Hadrian turns the tables and sends Julius and his friends to Britain as a show of strength for the Roman Empire. Julius is supposed to defeat the British Animal Gladiators, only that doesn’t quite work out. When does anything ever go right for Julius?

I rather enjoy reading Julius misadventures as they are guaranteed to make me laugh. A large part of the first half of Bundle with the Britons is about Julius and his friend’s journey to Britain and their interesting attempt and fleeing when they realise this trip is not a ‘holibob’. Once they reach their destination training brings rain, bad map reading and family reunions.

The illustrations and test continue to work together brilliantly to tell the story. There is no way to read the story without both. Also why would you want to? None of gladiator’s (Julius’s friends) from the first book have been left behind, which is good news as they provide just as much entertainment at Julius. And you can be rest assured that Bundle with the Britons is just as ridiculous as its predecessor.
Profile Image for Madi Kudlacz.
Author 2 books13 followers
April 17, 2019
After reading Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans! and enjoying it, I wanted more of Julius and his gladiator friends' adventures, and when I got this book, I read it up in one sitting, and it was great! The character were thought out, the humor was cool, the fight scenes were action-packed, and I was surprised to see Julius's brother, Brutus make a comeback! I also read Julius Zebra: Entangled with the Egyptians! to see Julius and friends have more adventures, and I can't wait to read the other books!
Profile Image for Lasha.
17 reviews
September 29, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Julius Zebra: Bundle with the Britons is another delightful and action-packed adventure! This time, Julius and his friends are taken to ancient Britain, where the chaos and comedy continue in full force. The new setting adds fresh elements to the story, with plenty of absurd situations and clever jokes. The illustrations, as always, are fantastic and really bring the story to life.

I loved seeing how Julius and the gang navigate this new culture. It's an incredibly fun read that had me smiling the whole way through. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll love this continuation of the series!
Profile Image for Danley.
8 reviews
January 31, 2019
Het boek gaat over Julius Zebra. hij is gevangen genomen door de Romeinen en moet vechten als gladiator. er zijn meerdere dierengladiatoren, maar Julius is de beste. hij is de held van het rijk. Hadrianus de keizer wilt Brittania veroveren. hij stuurt Julius en zijn andere dierengladiatoren naar Brittania toe. hij belooft hen dat als zij de gevechten winnen dat ze hun vrijheid terug krijgen, maar dit blijkt toch heel anders te gaan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for fer_reads.
399 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2019
My second grader and I are really enjoying Julius Zebra's adventures! In this second book of this series, Julius Zebra (the famous gladiator from Rome) needs to help the Romans conquer the Britons, in order to obtain freedom for himself and his friends. It is cute and funny like the first book, however, it has a couple of surprising twists and a cliffhanger ending! We're excited to move on to the third book! 👁❤🦓
Profile Image for Jonathan Davenport.
14 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2023
So you’ve a 12 year old who will only read graphic novels, likes horrible histories, and is easily distracted? Great! This book is perfect for them.

Pictures, humour and history sorted. A fun story that is easy to read but that you also learn from
3 reviews
August 5, 2022
"Leuke, grappige boek", zegt mijn 10-jarige dochter.
Profile Image for JoniAusten.
50 reviews
June 9, 2024
Eigenlijk is dit boek een cadeau voor mijn neefje maar ik heb er ook goed luidop mee kunnen lachen
Profile Image for Erik.
578 reviews17 followers
October 5, 2025
Weer geweldig gelachen! Aanrader!
Profile Image for Bookrapt (Est. 1983).
385 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2017
This is the second book in the Julius Zebra series. In Rumble with the Romans!, Julius was kidnapped and ended up as a gladiator in the Roman arena. He became very popular with the Romans, and made friends with a number of other captured animal gladiators.

In Bundle with the Britons, Julius is about to fight another fight, and Emperor Hadrian has promised the animals their freedom if Julius wins. Needless to say, things don’t go according to plan, and the animals end up being sent to Britannia.

Gary Northfield is a comic strip artist and this madcap book contains plenty of his zany drawings - in fact they form an integral part of the story. Gary also manages to weave nuggets of historical information into the general hilarity - the children will be laughing so much that they won’t notice they are learning something. Those who love Horrible Histories will particularly appreciate the sections at the back on Roman numerals and general Roman facts.

This book is sturdily and attractively bound and would be suitable for ages 7 years and up. It will probably appeal especially to boys who are ready to move on from first chapter books.

Reviewed by Penny Guy (Bookrapt)
Profile Image for Just_me.
528 reviews
May 20, 2016
My daughter absolutly loved this book. She found it lol funny. Probably her favourite book of the year so far.

Thanks Toppsta and the publisher for issuing us with a free copy to read and review.
6 reviews
September 7, 2016
Ah! At last! I was waiting of the sequel for the previous book for AGES! Very satisfying! But now, I'm waiting for the sequel of this one :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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