King Alfred and the Ice Coffin
Kevin Crossley-Holland author Chris Riddell illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Walker Books Ltd
Published:3rd Oct '24
£14.99
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.
Step into the Anglo-Saxon world of King Alfred the Great in a lyrical retelling from a Carnegie Medal-winning author and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning former Children's Laureate.
Alfred the Great is one of the most iconic rulers in British history and the only one to be known as "Great". Not only did he mount a fierce resistance against Viking invaders, he was also a keen scholar and collector of stories. He welcomed travellers with a tale to his court, which brings in the intrepid sailor Wulfstan. Wulfstan dazzles Alfred's court with a story of shipwrecks, horse-racing and a ruler buried in ice.
Kevin Crossley-Holland has translated Wulfstan's thrilling tale from the Anglo-Saxon into a rhythmic prose poem with lavish artwork by Chris Riddell.
This mighty medal winning duo have produced a truly magical book. Crossley-Holland’s prose is both lyrical, descriptive and yet accessible. Once again he has shown his mastery in retelling tales from the original Anglo-Saxon. Riddell’s characteristically detailed pencil sketches are to be pored over. * English 4-11 *
a fascinating glimpse into the world of the time, told in Kevin Crossley-Holland’s trademark lyrical, limpid prose. And the illustrations are simply sublime […] Terrific design and production from the publisher too. One not to be missed. * Books for Keeps *
incredible tale […] the perfect read for any budding historians or adventurers. * WRD Magazine *
Exciting, thought-provoking. . . I would recommend this book to other pupils because it is a great way to learn more about the Vikings while enjoying a good adventure. There was nothing I didn’t like about the book, I enjoyed all of it! * Student Reviewer, Historical Association *
A fun tale with historic detail. . . It was a unique way to teach about King Alfred’s by incorporating a story within a story. * Student Reviewer, Historical Association *
- Short-listed for Young Quills Historical Fiction Awards 2025 (UK)
ISBN: 9781529503333
Dimensions: 248mm x 174mm x 16mm
Weight: 480g
88 pages