Everyone loves a party, and what’s worthy of a bigger celebration than the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta on June 15? Eileen Cameron’s surprisingly suspenseful historical fiction tale, “Rupert’s Parchment: Story of Magna Carta,” makes it easy to talk with kids (ages 6-11) about why the charter is “great.”
Written from the perspective of the 12-year-old title character, the book relates why King John of England was persuaded to proclaim the rights of free men in 1215.
This hardcover picture book is beautifully illustrated by Doris Ettlinger, with some pages’ lavish embellishments inspired by illuminated manuscripts.
“Rupert’s Parchment” also compares passages of England’s Magna Carta to our Bill of Rights — just in time for another important celebration on July 4th.
“Rupert’s Parchment: Story of Magna Carta” book by Eileen Cameron, $15.35, www.barne
