Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess

The Diary Series

by Richard Platt, Chris Riddell (Illustrator)

"Not many, if any, children’s books on the Middle Ages and castles contain the wealth of information found in this fresh, appealing offering." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

What was it really like to live in a castle? Step back to the Middle Ages with Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess.

Eleven-year-old Toby’s vivid diary entries offer an insider’s view of day-to-day castle life, including tips on etiquette (where do you spit at a feast?) and exciting descriptions of hunting, jousting, and harvesting.

Complete with glossary, index, and detailed endnotes, this is a rich look at medieval life that informs as much as it entertains.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, School, Medieval, Historical

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

(1953–)

Richard Platt is the author of more than sixty informative books for young readers, and he also writes for innovative multimedia projects. Some of his most popular works have been collaborations with illustrator Stephen Biesty on the "Cross-Sections" series. After a failed attempt to forge a career as a photographer, Platt discovered that he had a knack for writing. "I started writing about photography: first magazine articles, then books," he explained on the Walker Books Web site. "I got a job editing children's books, then went on to write them."

In the 1990s, Platt teamed up with popular juvenile illustrator Biesty for several books, beginning with Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections Book, published in 1992. The following year, a second volume in the series, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War, proved equally interesting for late-elementary-age readers, especially those enchanted by seventeenth-century battleships. Alongside Biesty's cutaway illustrations, Platt provides explanatory text that indicates the purpose and activities in each section of the ship. The hardships of life aboard such vessels for their often 800-member crews are not overlooked, either, and the drawings depict food rations crawling with maggots and a doctor's pail containing severed limbs. Ellen Mandel, writing for Booklist, asserted that Platt's "intriguing text" serves to make "this meticulously presented book a treasure of factual content and visual imagery."

For Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything, Platt provides informative paragraphs to accompany the illustrations for many everyday products, such as athletic shoes and compact discs. Much of the text revolves around the manufacturing process. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body is a lesson in human anatomy, with sections on each of the body's systems and several major organs; the digestive system alone takes up four pages. Platt has also worked with the illustrator on Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle and Stephen Biesty's Incredible Explosions.

Working with publisher Dorling Kindersley, Platt has authored several titles in their "Eyewitness" series, some of which have appeared in the United States under the Knopf/Borzoi imprint. Pirate details the world of corsairs, privateers, and crime on the high seas throughout history. A reviewer for Science Books and Films, Richard B. Woodbury, praised the work as "a veritable miniencyclopedia or minimuseum" and "a pleasure to look at." Spy chronicles the history of espionage and the decisive role intelligence-gathering triumphs have played in history. Of particular emphasis are the code-breaking endeavors by Allied intelligence networks during World War II. Shipwreck, also part of the "Eyewitness" series, investigates famous sea disasters and rescues. Like the other books in the popular series, Shipwreck is lavishly illustrated. Chris Stephenson, writing in School Librarian, called it "an excellent source of historical evidence and nautical information."

Platt has also written several books about inventions. His The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions, which appeared in 1994, won praise from reviewers for its comprehensiveness. Platt divides the development of technology throughout the ages into five sections, including agriculture, conquest, and communication. The timeline begins at 600,000 BCE, around the time humans likely began using fire, and includes predictions for innovations that may occur in the near future. Cathryn A. Camper, reviewing The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions for School Library Journal, praised Platt's skilled use of illustration and text, which the critic felt "teaches a sophisticated form of literacy similar to" that provided with multimedia learning tools—an area in which Platt already had a great deal of writing experience. "Readers will delight in the colorful pictures and the text, which gives just enough information to satisfy curiosity," opined Voice of Youth Advo

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening in January of 1285, this work of picture-book historical fiction chronicles one year in the life of Tobias Burgess, a knight's son who sets out for his uncle's castle, there to become a page. Presented as a diary, the story here follows Toby as he learns what life in a castle is like, and becomes accustomed to his new duties, from waiting upon his aunt, Lady Elizabeth, to studying Latin with the Chaplain. There are adventures as well, as he goes on his first hunt, sees his first jousting tournament, befriends a poacher, and participates in a great feast for a visiting earl. When Christmas comes, he learns that his father is coming to take him home for a visit. The book closes with a detailed afterword giving more information about Toby's time...

British author Richard Platt has penned four of these historical diaries, one of which, Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht , so impressed me that I decided to seek out the others. Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page was every bit as informative and entertaining as that other volume, and appears to be the first of the four titles published. It pairs an engrossing story of a young boy who finds himself in a new situation, and must struggle to find his feet, with detailed and immensely entertaining illustrations from artist Chris Riddell, whose many illustrative projects include Paul Stewart's middle-grade fantasy series, The Edge Chronicles . I liked the mix of fictional and non-fictional elements here, with enough of a story to make this entertainment, and enough information to make it educational. I'd recommend it to middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction, or are interested in medieval castles and knights. It would make an excellent additional text in a study unit on the medieval period in European history.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

You would not believe the commotion caused in my 7th grade class due to this book using the word ass for donkey.

[Arie · Rating 4 out of 5]

During Christmas at the family bach, I had the chance to re-read some old favourites, of which this is one. This book is the perfect blend of fact and fiction, being both informative and quirky. The writing is interesting, it is easy to read well still being evocative of the time, the illustrations are perfect (though I may be biased, in my eyes Chris Riddell can do no wrong) and overall it's great. I may have to invest in my own copy rather than waiting for the next bach trip.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not have enjoyed this except for Riddell's art; the characters came alive. Otherwise, I guess I'm too jaded, have read too much, to feel like I need to learn more about this time. But it was an LFL find, so I tried it. Now I see that there are companion stories... I'll check if any of those cover a setting that I'm more interested in.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is pretty clever to create a fictional journal to teach about Medieval life. I will have to find ways to make this more entertaining for my students, however.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vuosi on 1285. Yksitoistavuotias Tobias Burgess lähtee kotoaan palvellakseen vuoden setänsä Strandboroughin paronin linnassa tullakseen hovipojaksi - ja kenties jonakin päivänä ihan oikeaksi ritariksi! Tobiaksen äiti pyytää poikaansa kirjoittamaan päiväkirjaa kokemuksistaan, ja niinpä hän tekeekin työtä käskettyä.

Richard Plattin "Linnan poika" (Tammi, 2000) kertoo keskiajan elämästä lapsen näkökulmasta, ja tekee sen oikein hyvin. Tekijät hyödyntävät oivallisesti niin kuvakirjan, historiallisen romaanin kuin tietokirjan keinoja. Vaikka aikakauden kaikkia hirvityksiä ei tuodakaan esille, ei sitä myöskään kaunistella: ritari murtaa selkänsä pudottuaan hevosen selästä ja kuolee, koulussa käytetään ruumiillista kurinpitoa rangaistusmenetelmänä, sairauksia hoidetaan iskemällä suonta ja vuodattamalla pahaa verta pois, paska haisee kesäkuumalla ja salametsästäjää uhataan hirttotuomiolla.

Chris Riddell ei lukeudu suosikkikuvittajiini, mutta "Linnan pojassa" homma toimii oikein mukavasti: ilmeikkäitä hahmoja ja mukavia yksityiskohtia piisaa. Teoksen loppupuolelta löytyy vielä tietopaketti, joka tarjoaa lisää informaatiota muun muassa piiritysaseista ja haarniskoista.

Tietokirjoja ei ole vinkkauspaketissa koskaan liikaa, joten tämä otetaan mukaan kun seuraavan kerran kirjastoon saapuu alakoululaisten ryhmä.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't like books written in "first person" because the author was not there--just pretending.

That said, there are so many details and good information in the back. The book includes very nice pictures and great layout. I couldn't have done it better; therefore, I consider it a GOOD READ. ★★★★★

[Megan Lougheed · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a friday evening, I received this christmas present early from Jeroen (my husband). I was at my parents house, no one, except us, were home and I felt a bit bored. Luckily this present was at their home and I began my journey in Tobias’ diary.

I enjoyed Reading this book. I am a big fan of Chris Riddell his drawings and this book was a great way to learn more about 1285, the time of castles and how it ended. Especially the last chapter “changing times” made an impact on me. I do hope Toby lived a colorful life.

Fun fact, on the 7th of november, we got a dog and we named her Bailey. Little did I know this was something more than just a name.

(P100) “... an open space which could be used to protect local people and their livestock in times of war”

I do like to think Bailey is protecting us in hard times.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it's smart and the illustrations are beautiful. I read it to my little cousins and they did not believe that the word villeins is actually pronounced villains; some people pronounce it incorrectly, please listen to correct pronunciation in google. I know it's hard to accept that villeins is just the medieval villains but in those time if you were a villein in the feudal system, then you were the lowest in the caste system.

[Sanja_Sanjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent illustrations, infornative and interesting story and afterword. I know a bit more about castles and different roles at that time. Excellent ffir history beginners.

[Ammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We started reading this aloud and then ended up finishing it independently. It was way too choppy to read aloud.

[Brittany Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this to supplement our History curriculum. It follows a year in the life of a boy page at his uncle’s castle. Well done, accurate portrayal of the Medieval time period, and an engaging story. The kids and I all enjoyed it.

[Tonya Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book recommendation from my seven year old nephew.

[Catarina Cardones]

The first book I'll be teaching!!

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short book written in the style of a diary of a fictional character who spends a year living as a page in a fictional castle during the Middle Ages. It initially caught my eye because my son's name is Tobias so I thought he'd enjoy reading this someday, but it's also quite useful as a way for children to learn about how Medieval castles were run, from food to jousting to questionable medical practices.

Update: We enjoyed reading this as part of 2nd grade history, in conjunction with Usborne Time Traveler and The Usborne Book of World History. I liked how it included so much information about castle life without feeling contrived, and Toby was a fairly likable character too.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year-in-the-life of a medieval boy training to be a page. Good introduction for younger readers about what medieval castle life would have been like.

[Gloria Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting approach on medieval times....

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book to go along with our studies of the Middle Ages in homeschool. It was funny and accessible—maybe even too juvenile for my 8- and 10-year-olds. But it provided some interesting historical perspective on what life was like for a page living in a castle.

I also enjoyed the book's back matter, which provided a factual overview of different aspects of castle life, such as the road to knighthood, the feudal hierarchy, knights' armor and weapons, and castle battle tactics. This gave the book more oomph.

In terms of the story, well, it's about Toby, a young nobleman's son who is sent to his uncle's castle to be a page. His uncle is a baron, which is pretty high on the feudal ladder. Toby goes about his days, learning how to serve people at table, studying with the chaplain, and mastering some basic archery.

The thing that held this back, for me personally, was that the plot had no driving through-line. It read like a diary of random days and weeks, and that's all it aimed to be. There wasn't a larger story goal for young Toby. He was simply trying to survive and succeed at daily life. A few episodes spanned weeks or months (ex: the hunting party, the jousting tournament, Toby's illness, and David's imprisonment) but there was no real narrative drive.

[Matthew Cranick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Castle Diary is a fiction novel by Richard Platt. Castle Diary is about a boy named Tobias Burgess who goes to his uncle's castle to become a page and learn skills. At the castle, he makes new friends and learns new skills. These skills are skills a wealthy person would have to face in everyday life. The book Castle Diary is Tobias's (Toby's) journal telling us the date of every event he encounters. Tobias does all kinds of new things, like attending a great banquet, shooting a bow and arrow, and even attending a big jousting match. Eventually, Toby is just like everyone else in the castle. However, what makes him different is that he still likes to do some things that a normal page would not choose to do, like help the peasants in the fields (because Toby used to be a peasant, he still wants to help them). I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because it is very adventurous. But I do wish they explained somethings a bit more in detail, like describing some of the tools they used back then.

If you like the book Pirate Diary by Richard Platt you also may like the book Castle Diary by Richard Platt.

[Macy Ripoll]

The book Castle Diaries is a historical fiction book from the point of view of Tobias Burgess, written by Richard Platt. Castle Diaries is about 11-year-old page, Tobias Burgess, and his adventures at his noble uncle's castle. When Tobias turns 11 his parents reluctantly have to hand him over to his Uncle's kingdom to learn to become a page and soon to be a squire. During his serving at the castle, he spends most of his days at school, farming, or serving his aunt. One clement day, whilst Tobias and the other pages and peasants of the castle were out farming wheat, a man who goes by the title of "David the Poacher" crept onto the castle grounds and began to steal fish from their pond. When he was seen by Toby, he scared him into keeping his crimes secret. But things go down from here. I would rate this book a 2/5 because it didn't have many exciting parts to it, but it wasn't completely bad. If you like books about history and fiction books, I would recommend reading the book Castle Diaries.

[Emmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun short read that followed a boy as he learned to be a page in a Knight's castle. It is his diary from his first year in this position. Because it is written in diary form you only see glimpses which leaves some feeling of incompleteness, but because it is a year long there is a little bit of a circle.

This book does allow you to see the class dispute but on a much milder level than "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!" did. It's also interesting to see it from a young man's perspective. The historical information was interesting and my boys enjoyed learning about knights and warfare. We compared what we were reading about to battles from "Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" which made it even more fun and helped them to understand what was being talked about in the book.

I'd personally give this book three stars but my boys really enjoyed it so they would likely give it four or five.

[Catia Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Castle Diary by Richard Platt was an absolute delight! 🏰📖
As someone who’s obsessed with all things medieval and a die-hard Kingdom Come: Deliverance fan, this book felt like a hidden gem. Even though it’s a middle grade read (technically not my age group!), I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.

The diary format makes it super engaging, and the illustrations? Stunning! 🎨✨ Each drawing comes with a caption that helps you learn even more about medieval life – I actually discovered a few things I didn’t know!

If you're into knights, castles, and getting a real feel for the Middle Ages (with a touch of humor!), this one’s for you. 🏇📜
Don’t let the target age fool you — it’s totally worth it.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book's structure (the boy has daily, very short journal entries) made it a bit annoying to read aloud. The daily journal format broke up the flow, and the constant dates and days of the week didn't really add much except to give a sense of the time passing. In all the journal chronicles one year of a young boy's time working as a page in his uncle's castle.

There were many interesting details related to the time period, and certainly many educational bits. However, it was less interesting to read as a story, as there was little development in the story. It read basically like anyone's journal would---touching on various aspects of life as the time passes.

[Braden Marsh]

In this book, there is a 13 year old boy named Tobias burgess and he was sent to be a page in his uncle's castle. while there he keeps a detailed journal of everything that happened from boar hunts and tournament to baking bread and cleaning toilets. all tho he and his friends do go to school but get in trouble a lot and they get beat. meanwhile, he was at a river and saw a man poaching and the man said don't tell anyone about this and he does and the poacher gets in trouble but after when he is getting in trouble Tobias told them to stop and not to go to jail but he still does and that's what happened.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an adult reading a children's book:

I enjoyed Toby's tale, told through diary entries as he spends his first year as a page in his uncle's castle. He is eleven, actually a bit older than most boys who became pages. At the end of the diary entries is Toby's World, a section on life during the 1200s.

Be sure to pay attention to the illustrations - they add so much to the story -- including some laughs.

This is a short, quick read that I would recommend for pre-teens and teens interested in history and those who enjoy books like Magic Tree House.

[Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

In seventh grade, we had to read castle diaries for ELA as part of the curriculum. At the start I though it was going to be a very good book. However, as I started to read it more and more, it became more and more boring. I personally thought the illustrations were very good, but the writing was clumsy, they made an effort of talking in medieval language, but it wasn’t really medieval, it just seemed like poor grammar. I would recommend this only to a scholar that is really passionate about this particular time period.

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this for one of our homeschool Middle Ages history reading. Though it is an historical fiction it does a great job of showing the daily life of a page boy in a castle and explaining each stage before knighthood. Though I’m a history buff and knew many of the old terms used it seemed as if you were supposed to have some knowledge of these things since there were little to no explanations at times. Not sure what keeps me from giving it 5 stars but I would still recommend it for a nice history supplement.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in diary format, Castle Diary tells the story of one year (1285) in the life of a young boy sent to be a page at his aunt and uncle’s castle. He begins learning things he will eventually need to know to become a knight. The end is a section of information about castles, the fuedal system, and knights. This is an excellent book for elementary school age kids interested in or studying castles, knights, and medieval times.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to get students excited about the Middle Ages. The diary entry format is engaging and the language is just medieval enough to feel authentic to middle school readers, but not unintelligible. The best part isn’t the narrative, however, but the wealth of informational text in the back. It’s almost worth assigning just for that. Overall, a great tool for introducing life in medieval society.

[Kim Mearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

We started another Middle Ages book before this one and it was dry and blah and icky. Then this one made us happy. The language was a bit Middle Ages heavy for the boys but they enjoyed the humor and the young boys view point. The pictures were really great and informative too! The Middle Ages came alive ! ( well this book- and building a siege tower- charge!!!!!)