Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England

This is exactly the type of book I was looking for for my granddaughter. She is only 6 but is an advanced reader and very interested in history (thanks to me). It is beautifully illustrated and historically accurate (I fancy myself an expert on Elizabeth I). I didn't want an "adult" book on Queen Elizabeth I, I wanted something a young reader will enjoy that wasn't too childish, but portray real historical information. This book goes from when Elizabeth was young until she died.

Like all the Diane Stanley books that we have my children and I loved this one. The illustrations are colorful and very fitting for the time. I have always been interested in history and have searched for books that my girls can relate to. The story of Queen Elizabeth is something all children should be familiar with. I think Ms. Stanley has a wonderful way of making history interesting for young readers.

I first read this book when I was in third grade and I must have checked it out from the library 100 more times. I was fascinated by the beautiful illustrations and by the true story of Elizabeth I. It really got me into history. Now I read 800+ page books about Tudor history and I can't help but think back to the days when i used to recreate the illusrations using my own crayons and muse over every sentence in the book. Starts a lifetime love of history, and for me, an obession with the Tudors. The illustrations are perfect and the content isn't too dumbed down, but it isn't too hard. Recommended for any child who ever wanted to be a princess or ever showed any interest in history.

Many texts used in the Children's Literature classes I have been taking refer to this book. I had to borrow it from my professor because I couldn't even get it from the library. It is a wonderful book and I want to add it to my library. Queen Elizabeth I is made very real for young readers in Diane Stanley's work. I hope to see it on the list of reprints soon.