Most Popular Books by Fiona MacDonald

Looks at the clothes worn around the world through history, telling how they were made, what they were made of, and the purposes for which they were designed.

Describes the fashions and fabrics that signified high fashion or were worn for special occasions in societies around the world throughout the ages.

Stories of shipwrecks are intriguing, often somber, reminders of the power the sea wields. Its waters destroy even the most invincible vessels. Ships on the seafloor also preserve historic relics. Even today, people can find treasures aboard ships that sunk hundreds of years ago! This in-depth book takes readers under the surface and into the fascinating realm of shipwrecks. Through 100 facts, a variety of topics are explored, including how wrecks are found and some tales of the most famous and mysterious wrecks of all. Additional fact boxes, activities, and diagrams aid in comprehension and contribute to this absorbing subject.

Describes daily life in feudal-era Japan and explains the skills and duties of a samurai warrior.

This book lists some of the most dangerous mythical creatures.

Learn about World War II, the draft, and how people in Allied countries contributed to the war effort.

How would you cope if there were no toilets? Where would you go? How would you keep yourself and your house clean? This book tells the fascinating story of a piece of technology that most of us take for granted. Find out why toilets are so important, how they improved over the years, and how they might develop in the future. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Toilets! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

One authors thoughts on being a crusader are played out in this visually appealing book.

This volume examines ten of history''s most notorious pirates.

Describes the job requirements, training, physical demands, compensation, and daily life of a knight in the Middle Ages.

With fact boxes and sidebars offering additional information, this book introduces killer animals, from the mosquito to the great white shark.

This brand-new series puts readers in the shoes of famous historical figures during their childhoods, with an emphasis on the gruesome and ghastly bits. A lively and varied mix of types of information – including thrilling prose, stunning comic strips, fact boxes and timelines – bring their stories to life in a way that feels fresh and fun for reluctant readers. Kids in History: Mary Queen of Scots gives a fast-paced and fascinating account of the important events from Mary’s childhood, including her dangerous escape from Scotland, marriage into the French royal family and a young adulthood beset with disasters and deaths.

With the echo of regal church bells still ringing in the ears of royalists and well-wishers worldwide, Fiona Macdonald take a look at the quirky, odd and downright bizarre circumstances surrounding the weddings of the kings, queens, princes and princesses of Britain. One must leave one''s sense of decorum at the palace gates as the author tells the wacky stories surrounding the preparations, dresses, ceremonies and national moods that went with the excitement of a royal wedding, from England''s resident marriage addict Henry VIII, through Anne Hyde, the ''commoner'' who birthed two queens, right up to Prince Charles, Princess Diana and their son and daughter-in-law to be. Featuring facts, figures and family trees, Royal Weddings, A Very Peculiar History is sure to keep one in the spirit of things, even after the last fleck of confetti has touched the ground.

Marrying Henry VIII was not an easy option. This book provides tips such as: Think carefully before accepting his proposal and give birth to a son. It also describes Henry VIII and his wives, as well as information on key figures and events of the time.

Myths and legends reveal much about a culture, including its most prized values and significant beliefs. Fables may feature animal characters, but they offer morals for real life. This fascinating book is bursting with 100 facts about the stories that have been handed down by different cultures around the world as well as accompanying images, quizzes, and activities, including crafts. Not only is each bite-sized topic interesting in itself, but readers will find connections to modern life, such as the origin of Valentineu0092s Day. These myths and legends offer unique opportunities for a truly entertaining and educational reading experience.

The Celts lived thousands of years ago, but their myths are filled with characters, creatures, and stories that have fascinated people ever since. This book mixes dramatic retellings and non-fiction information to give a full picture of Celtic myths, exploring the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Celtic myths and legends so compelling.

Taking a unique look at one of the most acclaimed and best-loved English writers of the nineteenth century, ''Charles Dickens, A Very Peculiar History'' asks why, what, where, how and who the Dickens was Charles Dickens? Why did he keep a pet raven that pecked at his children''s shins? Why did he have a tunnel built under the road in front of his country house? Was his dying corpse really carried from his mistress''s house where he collapsed to his family home, so that he could die ''respectably''? Find out the answers to these questions and even more bizarre ones throughout the book, which features quirky stories and fascinating trivia about this singularly complex man and consummate artist.

Looks at the styles, fashions, and purposes of footwear through the ages.

The first volume of this spellbinding anthology features some of the most gripping, fantastical and entrancing tales from Roman mythology, including the adventures of Aeneas after his escape from Troy and the story of how Romulus and Remus were raised by a wolf to become the first rulers of Rome. The tales are beautifully illustrated and retold in a manner that will engage very young readers and instil in them a love for storytelling, the power of imagination and the past. Perfect for bedtime reading! Includes the following 8 stories: The Adventures of Aeneas Part One and Two, Aeneas in the Underworld, Romulus and Remus, The Golden Chair, Pomona and Vertumnus, Hercules and the Giant Who Spat Fire, Arethusa – The Girl Who Gave Water

It''s not all longing looks across the dining room from that high-class gentleman! Life as a Victorian servant was tough, tough, tough! Discover the bizarre and oh-so-strict rules one had to keep to when serving the dignitaries in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''. Rise up through the ranks from washerwoman to housemaid to ladies'' maid and beyond, but mind you don''t keep any ''followers'', as boyfriends are immoral and are strictly not allowed! While you wait on hand and foot from 5.30 am to 11 pm you won''t even have time to rest your own. The chamber pots are certainly not to be sniffed at, and remember if the bell rings once, you are wanted. It''s hard work but it''s better than the alternative: begging, returning home penniless or heading to the workhouse. You''ll discover stories of suffering and household tips galore in ''Victorian Servants: A Very Peculiar History''!