Castle: Medieval Days and Knights

by Kyle Olmon, Tracy Sabin, Matthew Reinhart

National bestselling pop-up artists and engineers Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart present a new stunning pop-up book all about castles. Over fifteen intricate pop-ups accompany Kyle Olmon's fascinating text, which guides readers through the different aspects of life in a medieval castle. Readers will learn about knighting ceremonies, battles, and feasts. The true majesty of castles is fully realized when this book is opened to reveal a stunning 3-dimensional medieval world. Illustrations by Tracy Sabin

Genres: Childrens, History, Nonfiction, Medieval History

Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pop-up or paper engineered book is beautifully done and very completely done as well. It begins when the reader open the book and a castle pops out to greet her/him. All parts of a castle are covered including the dudgeon and the garderobe (the toilet) even an Oubliette is discussed. Oubliette comes from a French word "to forget", and basically, a prisoner was placed in an Oubliette and forgotten -forgotten to be fed, to be let out, to receive any kind of care at all. These were truly horrific places. I saw one in England, and I just could not believe how small it was. I could not figure out how an adult would fit in this hole even if people were smaller during The Middle Ages. The people who lived in a castle are mentioned, and a description of what these people would do is included. Towards the end Knights are brought into the story. "The Knight's Stuff" mentions the siege machines used in warfare such as a catapault. The book also talks about the Sappers. The Sappers did the tunneling underneath a castle very often being successful in collapsing a part of the castle so soldiers could get inside. It is told how being a Knight was expensive, and eventually, the king would change Knights for professional soldiers or mercenaries. Finally, Knights seemed to "disappear along with chivalry. " This book covers a great deal of what took place during The Middle Ages. In addition to the art work included in the book, this pop-up book on the Castle is superbly done, and it is a great way and a fun way to learn about the Castle and the role it played in The Middle Ages.

[Lori Shriver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to find the 'Castle: Medieval Days and Knights' pop up book while shopping this week. This is one of those children's book that adults can enjoy too. The engineering is amazing and the detailing is overwhelming.

Imagine opening the first page and you are at the entrance to a three dimensional castle surrounded by a moat. There is already a peddler on the path who has been stopped by a gatehouse guard.

This pop up most certainly brings life to this creatively written text on the life in Medieval times. In addition to the pop ups there are illustrations of interactive occupations such as spinning wool, knights jousting, an atillator making a crossbow, hammering by worker, etc. And, I expect everyone would think the shiny knight popping up is cool.

This book is a great learning tool for Medieval times as well as much fun.

FTC purchased book at store

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, a children's book, but this is by far the BEST EVER pop-up book I've seen. Starting from the first page where an 8-inch high castle pops up, complete with drawbridge, the scenes are wonderfully constructed with great detail (the castle chapel has a plastic stained glass window) and meticulous engineering to get everything to collapse and expand just right every time. Many pages have side panels that also open to reveal more pop-ups and interesting information on castle life, including the medieval version of the bathroom (which is always of major concern to children). The illustrations are beautiful, the writing is thorough without being laborious for younger grades, and with a pop-up catapult that fires small paper wads, who wouldn't be impressed. We especialy like the page which presents a jousting tournament, where a lever can be pulled to knock a knight off his horse. Really, I can't say enough about this book. The best money I ever spent on a school book order purchase, and I just bought two more as gifts.

[Frenje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I'm cheating, I haven't actually read all the text in this book. But come on. It POPS UP! As far as pop ups go, I think other Sabuda/Reinhart productions could be more impressive, but I also just have this thing for castles. I recall reading this Usborne book which showed you the cross-section of a castle and I loved that there was just so much going on in the different parts of the building. Just makes it that much better that there's so much to look at on each page. Cos not only is it pretty, it's actually pretty educational too.

[Ken Martin]

The book Castle was an awesome informational fun book. The book has everything any younger child would want. Every page has so much detail in it and is also so much fun. While being a fun eye grabbing book it is also very informational book. The book teaches information on castles in the middle ages and the culture surrounding them in a way that children will understand. This book would be great for any history lesson on medieval times.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves this book and we have to read it every night before bed. Not that we really read it, we just talk about the pop-up pictures. On the first page she always says "Mommy cackle, baby cackle". But it's actually a pretty cool book and can be enjoyed by those over age 2. Everyone loves pop-up books.

[foo4luv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good pop-up book, and this one is elaborate enough to impress me. If you like it, check out Robert Sabuda's work, too.

Warning: there is...poop. But it's not completely gratuitous. You'll see what I mean.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nice pop-up book. There was really good kid friendly information provided. The pop ups and all the interactions were amazing. Very fun book!

[Sam W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pop-up book about castles and medieval life.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very engaging. It is a Castle pop-up book. The information provided is good too.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son really enjoys this book.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

a cute breakdown of information about castles for children