Books with author Rupert Matthews

World War II was a time of daring and bravery that changed the lives of both WWII soldiers and ordinary people around the world — even those who didn't fight on the battlefield. Now children can learn more about World War II through an interesting book that teaches World War II facts through story. They may not even realize they're learning at all! DK Adventures books combine story and visual elements to appeal to both avid readers and visual learners. In DK Adventures: Battle in the Air, Zoe and Zak discover a battered old metal box that belonged to their grandfather when he was in the Navy. As they look through the box, Granddad tells stories about the Battle of Britain and life during World War II. Through this compelling story, your child will learn about the experiences of WWII Navy pilots, women's anti-aircraft gun crews, and how schoolchildren of the 1940s dealt with World War II. DK Adventures is a book series that reluctant readers can enjoy as much as bookworms do! This series combines captivating, fictional stories with nonfiction facts to encourage learning and engagement in your child. The stories keep children interested, and the facts teach critical skills and knowledge — the fiction and nonfiction elements work together to keep each child's interest high, to build knowledge, and to enrich the narrative reading experience with fascinating background information. These books are filled with information, but the stories make them incredibly readable. DK Adventures are available in a range of kid-friendly topics, including dinosaurs, cars, and the human body, and each book supports Common Core State Standards and literacy skills.

100 facts GLADIATORS is a non fiction book for kids aged 7+, bursting with detailed historical images, great activities and exactly 100 gladiator facts for kids. Children will learn everything they need to know about these ancient Roman warriors. Kids learn more easily with bite-sized information. Photographs and artworks aid children who learn through visual prompts. Activities allow children to put what they have learned into practice. 100 Facts Gladiators covers key topics about the ancient spectator sport of fighting to the death in straightforward numbered facts. Each fact is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and photographs, which add visual meaning to the information for kids. Essential topics covered in 100 Facts Gladiators: The origins of the gladiators and the first fights Famous gladiators such as Spartacus and the day in the life of a typical gladiator The changing purpose of the arena for entertainment, politics and a place for punishment Examples of 'I don't believe it' fascinating facts: Gladiator helmets were very heavy. They weighed about 7 kilograms twice as much as an army helmet! The Romans loved watching animals that had been trained to perform tricks. One animal trainer put on shows in which an ape drove a chariot pulled by camels. In 165 BC, a play was interrupted when the entire audience left the theatre to watch a gladiatorial show. The actors were left alone in the theatre! Activities to make learning accessible and interactive include: Make a shield with cardboard, string, colored pencils and scissors Quiz question: What name was given to men who trained gladiators? Recreate the combat of the Andabatae with a game. You will need a blindfold and four or more players

Uncover the deadliest of Dinosaurs in this action-packed book and poster pack. You’ll come across astounding dinosaur facts and fascinating details of archaeological digs. Inside you’ll learn: why the biggest dinosaurs had the smallest mouths; who faked a dinosaur discovery? Exactly how big was a Triceratops?; and, which dinosaurs were the biggest, fastest, and most ferocious?Children can discover the answers and more amazing facts about dinosaurs in this fascinating book.Dinopedia also includes an amazing giant poster of a T-Rex!

100 FACTS - ARMS & ARMOUR is bursting with exactly 100 amazing facts, fascinating images and fun activities to help children aged 7+ years learn everything they need to know about the history of combat. Covers arms and armor from ancient times to modern-day warfare. Quizzes throughout help your child to recall facts they've learned. Fascinating facts add amazement and humor to learning for kids. 100 Facts Arms and Armour covers key topics about the art of attack and defence with exciting numbered facts for young learners. Each fact is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and photographs, which add visual meaning to the information for kids aged 7+ years. Topics covered in 100 Facts Arms and Armour: Changes through the ages in the function of armor and materials for arms. The difference in appearance of knights and warriors from around the world. Modern developments on the battlefield such as chemical weapons. 'I don't believe it' fascinating facts: The oldest signs of warfare come from Krapina, Croatia. Human bones over 120,000 years old have been found there that show marks caused by stone spearheads. At the Battle of Agincourt in France in 1415, the English killed 10,000 Frenchmen, but only about 100 Englishmen lost their lives. In the Fiji Islands, warriors would often use a wooden club shaped like a pineapple to attack their victims! Activities to make learning accessible and interactive: Make Zulu puppets using card, ice-lolly sticks and crayons. Quiz question: How was leather armor treated to make it tough? Create Sashimono flags using just paper and string.

Blasting history out of the dusty realm of textbooks, Weapons of War is a bloody and fascinating journey into the past. This fact-packed volume looks at 13 legendary weapon categories, from the earliest spears, swords, and bows right up to the first guns and cannons. It explains how each weapon developed, who used it, and the battles that were won with it. Packed with illustrations, Weapons of War immerses young readers in the reality of long-ago warfare, while six special items provide an interactive experience that will keep them glued to the book for hours.

Full-color photos. Here is a stunning visual examination of the history of exploration, covering not only the earliest voyages around the Mediterranean and the mapping of the New World but also the latest discoveries under the sea and out in space. "A most helpful book for introducing readers of any age, especially young readers, to the topic of human exploration throughout human history."--(starred) Science Books and Films.

100 FACTS - PREHISTORIC LIFE is bursting with mind-blowing images, fun activities and exactly 100 awesome facts for kids aged 7+. Children will learn everything they need to know about the ancient world of animals. Kids learn more easily with bite-sized information. Photographs and artworks aid children who learn through visual prompts. Activities allow children to put what they have learned into practice. 100 Facts Prehistoric Life covers key topics about creatures that lived millions of years ago in interesting numbered facts. Information is surrounded by amazing illustrations and photographs that put unbelievable facts into context for children. Our amazing dinosaur books for children are perfect for learning more after visiting museums or watching prehistoric-themed films. Essential topics covered in 100 Facts Prehistoric Life: The dawn of time and the evolution of Earth's landscape Extinction phases and life beginnings such as the first appearance of humans Prehistoric giants and what their fossils can tell scientists Examples of 'I don't believe it' fascinating facts: The tusks of Anancus were over 4 meters long almost as long as the animal itself. Mastodonsaurus may have had tusks sticking out of its nose two front teeth poking through holes at the end of its snout! The first fossils of the giant ape Gigantopithecus to be studied by scientists came from a second-hand shop in Hong Kong, over 70 years ago. Activities to make learning accessible and interactive include: Make edible reptiles using dried milk, smooth peanut butter, honey, currants and food coloring Quiz question: Did the first crocodiles like water? Copy a Hyracotherium from this book onto some card, cut it out and hang it on a line of string. Flick it along while a friend does the same with another and see who gets to the end first!

How did the earliest sailors navigate? Who crossed the Australian continent first? What did the Egyptians find in the "Land of the Gods"? DK Eyewitness Books: Explorer takes a look at the worlds of Amelia Earhart, Jacques Cousteau, Marco Polo and other famous explorers, sharing real-life photographs of their equipment and personal possessions, as well as objects they found. Readers will see arrows shot into Livingstone's boat, Spanish conquistadors gold, and insect specimens brought back by naturalist explorers and gain an understanding of the extraordinary explorations that helped shape our world today. The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. The story of exploration — from early expeditions to high-tech trips into space — is presented in vivid visual detail in this intriguing guide.

Weapons and armor have been used to hunt and wage war since the first humans walked the planet. The earliest spears date back 400,000 years! As civilizations and technologies advanced, so did weapons and armor. Through this unique lens, readers delve into some exciting periods of history in many different cultures. Egyptian shields, Greek helmets, Roman gladiatorial garb, and more are examined in this wide-ranging book. In addition, Chinese armor, African clubs, Middle Eastern weaponry, and Samurai swords are discussed as well as modern arms. The high-interest text and colorful images are a perfect complement to any social studies and history collection.