The Queen's Token: A Bloomsbury Reader: Brown Book Band

By Pamela Oldfield and James de la Rue

Book Band: Brown - Ideal for ages 7+

A historical adventure set in Tudor times, perfect for fans of Terry Deary and Philip Ardagh's The Secret Diary series.

Hal has a dream: to work as a gardener in King Henry's palace in Whitehall. But they say the king has a terrible temper and when Hal stumbles upon a royal party, he'll have to find a way to prove to the king that he's not a spy. And if he doesn't, well, let's just say that Hal may never live to see his dream come true...

This historical tale set in Tudor times, from well-loved author Pamela Oldfield, has inviting black-and-white illustrations by James de la Rue and is perfect for children who are developing as readers.

The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.

'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed … Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781472967909

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A GIFT FROM MILLICENT

Cheerfully, Hal Dibden swallowed his last crust of bread and few crumbs of cheese.

You can’t beat a bit of cheese, he told the cat.

Very tasty!

The cat meowed hopefully.

Go catch a mouse! said Hal.

We’ve got nothing to spare.

He glanced at his grandfather, who had fallen into a doze.

Five years earlier, Hal’s parents had died, and he now lived with the old man.

Granfer worked as a gardener for a rich family near the New Forest.

Hal often helped him because he was strong, and could push the wooden wheelbarrow.

Sometimes, Hal worked in the stables, raking out the dirty straw.

Or he would exercise Dandy, the pony who belonged to Millicent, the rich man’s daughter. Then she would reward him with a few small coins.