Marguerite Makes a Book

This beautifully produced picture book, inspired by a group of Parisian manuscripts in the Getty Museum's collection, shows how a story can be a powerful device to impart historical information. The exceptionally fine illustrations recreate the background to the tale: the buildings, clothes, artefacts and lifestyle of the people of Medieval Paris. Young Marguerite is determined to complete the illuminated prayer book begun by her old, ailing father for a wealthy patron. The text describes the materials and procedures and some splendid pull-out pages show each stage of production in great detail. Features of medieval books - distinctive chapter headings, illuminated letters and colourful gold embellished borders of animals, fruits and flowers - add to the charm of the book. Some of my students planning teaching practice thought most primary age children would enjoy the story but considered that 9-11 year olds would particularly appreciate the meticulous treatment of the subject. The skilful use of direct speech energises the narrative and could be used to inspire children's script writing. Teachers could use this book to link work in history with the literacy hour: there is much potential for looking at how pictures and text work together and how an author chooses words and images to make a story interesting and coherent. Above all children will respond to a touching tale and warm to Marguerite's courage and resource-fulness.