BRILLIANT BRITS series:

"The combination of direct text and extra cartoon-strip action provides a perfect vehicle for the high-quality information that is packed within the pages of these attractive and unpretentious books. The humour is never overdone, intrusive or gratuitous (as it sometimes seems for this age-group, both in fiction and non fiction), and all the elements of art, design and text combine effortlessly to provide an accessible and memorable introduction to these important people from our history, simultaneously providing a rich social context. Brassey makes learning fun, while retaining the integrity of the information."
Guardian

BRILLIANT BRITS: BOUDICA

Paperback 24 pages (April 20, 2006)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552341

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: GUY FAWKES

Paperback - 32 pages (October 20, 2005)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552317

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: NELSON

"Richard Brassey features Nelson as strip-cartoon hero, telescope to blind eye; but beneath the humour there are plenty of facts".
London Evening Standard

Paperback - 24 pages (July 21, 2005)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 184255235X

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: ELIZABETH I

Paperback 24 pages (April 7, 2005)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552333

ORDER NOW

STORY OF LONDON

"It’s amazing how much is packed into this book, which presents London’s history and its landmarks in a series of colourful light-hearted illustrations. It’s full of fascinating facts I hadn’t realised, for instance that marble Arch was intended to go in front of Buckingham palace - until they found the State Coach couldn’t fit through it. A perfect introduction to the capital." The Mail on Sunday
"Comic Strip history sometimes just does not work. Richard Brassey, however, a master of the genre does seduce even the most camudgeonly of reviewers into enjoying his racy stories. It is strangely satisfying for us to know that football hooligans were sent to gaol in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and perhaps an even more satisfying nugget, that only one in twenty of London’s inhabitants in the middle of the eighteenth century was actually born there. Economic migrants definitely ruled. He is successful in imparting a sense of the ebb and flow that marked London’s phenomenal growth and we learn that dreadful and catastrophic events such as fire, pestilence and invasion only seem to bring about further growth rather than curb it. The story of London is a stimulating and accessible history for the younger reader." School Librarian
"Richard Brassey continues his series of pictorial histories with The Story of London, from Roman Londinium to the London Eye, packed with facts about history and kings, monuments and landmarks, with colourful details and anecdotes." The Children’s Bookseller

Paperback - 40 pages (June 3, 2004)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552228

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: DAVID BECKHAM

"I think David Beckham is the coolest person on the planet. This book is all about his footballing career and his life. It’s full of funny illustrations and the pictures of Beck’s different haircuts made me laugh. My mum says it’s really good to read in the loo!" Martha, from Stockport - Mizz
"All things Beckham are viewed with enthusiasm by my five-year-old son, and he was delighted with this little gem about the England skipper. Nicely illustrated and not over-wordy, the book is part of the successful Brilliant Brits series and certainly doesn’t disappoint. Pocket money priced, colourful and easy to read, it hit the spot like a Beckham free kick .... A must for most young Beckham fans." Shoot
"Now’s your chance to learn all about Becks in this picture-packed book, which follows his rise to fame from skinny child footballer to international sporting superstar, heart-throb and fashion icon. Find out where Beckham kicked a ball about before fulfilling his ambition to play for manchester United, how he met his wife Victoria and how many tattoos, cars and haircuts he has had." Rochdale Observer

Paperback 24 pages (October 8, 2004)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552309

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: SHAKESPEARE

Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2004

"Who said you can’t please all of the people all of the time? These are highly visual and very readable books, fact-packed yet fun. The information is clearly presented and extensive, interspersed with cartoon-strip detail. The writing style is light-hearted while almost always managing to avoid trivialising the material. Illustrations are exceptionally clear, detailed and informative, adding a wealth of historical information, such as architecture and costume. All in all, this series is full of value." The Guardian
"Wonderfully illustrated book about the bard’s life and works and the period he lived in." Sunday Express
"Richard Brassey covers a lot of ground with the lightest touch - readers learn what the Bard’s kids were called, who his friends were, see classic scenes from plays and snippets of dialogue." Theatregoer
"Brassey charts the life of Britain’s most famous writer, from his humble beginnings as the son of a glove maker in a small market town, to being a fashionable actor and playwright in the sprawling city of London ... Using colourful illustration and humourous cations, Shakespeare throws in lots of anecdotes and explores popular myths about the playwright and poet - including whether he really wrote the plays for which he is credited and what might have happened to him during ‘the Lost Years’ of his youth, about which very little is known. As well as these enlightening biographical insights, depictions of classic scenes and snippets of dialogue also accompany brief synopses of the most famous plays." What’s on in London

Paperback 24 pages (August 21, 2003)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552287

ORDER NOW

BRILLIANT BRITS: HENRY VIII  

*Publishing News - Starred Choice

"Everyone knows that Henry VIII had six wives, two of whom were beheaded, but did you know that he also loved foot massages and jelly? Pitched at younger readers, and part of the collectible Brilliant Brits series, this is a miniature masterpiece, rich with facts, sweetened with cartoon-style pictures. Trace henry’s rise from studious and athletic schoolboy to food lover and beheader. Find out why he had so many wives, and who made him laugh." Independent
"Henry VIII had six wives, 70 palaces, at least 13 courses for every meal, and eight mattresses on his bed. An entertaining and educational biography bursting with facts and delightful cartoon-style illustrations which presents this historical character in a fun and practical way." Family Interest Magazine

Paperback - 32 pages (20 March, 2003)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552163

BRILLIANT BRITS: THE BEATLES 

"The supporting caricature-style illusrations and witty captions enhance Brassey’s colourful and quirky biography about the life of the Beatles. It covers the lives of the famous four from their humble beginnings in wartime Liverpool to fully-fledged Beatlemania. The reader will also discover that life beyond the band did exist. Beatles fans as well as Beatle novices will find this book and series a gripping read and discovery."
Music Teacher
"This should be made obligatory reading for all children - new parents should receive a copy for their offspring. ... This brilliantly illustrated and great fun book will fill your children in on all they need to know about the most influential band of the last century and hopefully save the future of British music as we know it."
Chester Chronicle
"Discover everything you need to know about the fab four in Richard Brassey’s colourful and quirky biography, with affectionate caricature-style illustrations and witty captions. Follow their path from humble beginnings in wartime Liverpool to full on Beatlemania and life beyond the band. There’ plenty to delight avid fans and young Beatles-novices alike."
BBC - Liverpool
"Told through strip cartoon and artwork, speech bubbles, picture captions and a brief running text, this introduction neatly depicts the life and times of the Fab Four. It might only be a little book but it tells a notable chapter in Britain’s popular culture in great style. It’s Brassey’s illustrations that win the day, some based on familiar photos, others imagined - the montage of Liverpool sites that lent themselves to the songs works particularly well."
Manchester Evening news
"The Beatles are legendary within the history of pop music and this little book provides a splendid introduction to what all the fuss is about. Jolly cartoon pictures and a simple text full of anecdotes follow the Fab Four from and unpromising childhood to their discovery by manager Brian Epstein, then the phenomenal explosion of Beatlemania and the groups stunning creative development culminating in the iconoclastic Sgt Pepper album, their spiritual adventures with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and their final split. Youngsters aspiring to fame and fortune will find it fascinating to see how their careers developed."
Northern Echo 

Paperback - 32 pages (20 March, 2003)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842552295

GEORGE AND THE DRAGON
And Other Saintly Stories

"Richard Brassey’s George and the Dragon and other Saintly Stories is Tybalt’s absolute favourite. he chuckles away at the fish poking their heads out of the water to listen to St Anthony. understanding it on a level I cannot fathom."
Alice Douglas - The Guardian
"The kind of book a child would want to keep for many years. Packed with witty and informative detail ... Brassey very wisely does not attempt to interpret the stories. Their strangeness and mystery remain in the mind, and may form a foundation for future reading."
Romford Recorder
“ ‘Were the saints bonkers?’ asks Richard Brassey. Certainly, their legends have evolved over the centuries to become both fantastical and, at times downright funny. This book unravels these extraordinary stories, presenting them in graphic form and mixing clarity with humour. Did you know that St Ives sailed the seas on a giant leaf? That St Benedict had X-ray vision? Or that St Kevin was so still and silent that a blackbird nested in his hand? An intriguing read, packed with marvels and illustrated with gusto.” Junior Education
“ ... saintly stories retold by Richard Brassey in his lively pictorial format” The Bookseller
“ Brassey has a sure talent for converting pious miracles into a very entertaining strip cartoon form” The Northern Echo
“ This book is very funny and is fun to read ... My favourite story is about St Margaret and the Exploding Dragon ...The colours of the book are bright and attractive, making it even more fun to read” Flora Pearson (age 10), The Irish Times
" Seventeen stories of saints are told in this colorful and funny book." Books for Keeps

Paperback - 32 pages new edition (15 May, 2003)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842550829

Hardcover - 32 pages (16 May, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842550195

NESSIE, THE LOCH NESS MONSTER

“Delightful” The Scotsman.

Paperback - 24 pages Reissue (27 May, 1996)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858813093

GREYFRIARS BOBBY

“Brassey’s illustrations and text have an instant and lasting appeal.” Aberdeen Press and Journal

Paperback - 24 pages Reissue (6 April, 2000)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858817544

HOW TO SPEAK CHIMPANZEE

“A lovely idea” Publishing News
“An unusual title which could really take off ... expressive paintings ... very humorous text” The Bookseller
“Sounds bananas? It is!” “It is fascinating, insidiously educational and works wonders.” The Times
“Richard Brassey’s indispensable phrase book” “An informative book disguised as pure comedy” The Financial Times
“Take my word for it - How To Speak Chimpanzee is the phrase book no human should be without” The Daily Telegraph
“I can imagine the book launching a new craze in the classroom, a more practical one than most” Sunday Telegraph
“Funny but with a serious purpose” Mail On Sunday
“This has terrific illustrations ... It should keep any back seat amused for hours” Sunday Express
“A colourful phrase book of youthful chimpanzee; the discourse is far from alien. There are four pages about the art of cooling down, a vocabulary small humans need as well” Scientific American
“Endless hours of fun can be had with How To Speak Chimpanzee” FHM
“A remarkably original book” Books For Keeps
“Everybody should buy this book” Chris Evans - Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 1

As featured on:
BBC “Blue Peter” and voted most popular item by viewers.
CBBC - Children’s BBC Sunday Morning Show
Channel 4 “Big Breakfast”
Granada Breeze
Local TV and many radio shows, local and national, including John Peel’s Home Truths
No. 4 in Amazon.co.uk’s choice of best ten books (5-8’s) for 2000

Paperback - 40 pages (6 July, 2000)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818427

LOOK INTO THEIR EYES

“The book is stunning to look at, good to read out loud and informative” Child Education.

Paperback - 25 pages new edition (10 August, 1998)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858816114

Hardcover - 24 pages (22 September, 1997)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858814111

THE STORE DETECTIVE  

A Novelty Pop-up book

Hardcover - 5 pages (27 July, 1998)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 185881278X

THE FAMOUS LION
[Jonathan Cape]

Hardcover - 32 pages (19 June, 1980)
Jonathan Cape Children's Books; ISBN: 0224016881

Written by Richard Brassey and Stewart Ross

Illustrated by Richard Brassey

THE STORY OF SCOTLAND [1999]

“History books don’t come much better than this. This fast funny guide is written like a comic strip, so it’s fun to delve into” The Daily Telegraph
“Terrifically endearing” The Scotsman
“Lively, humorous and visually appealing” TES Scotland

Paperback - 40 pages (4 February, 1999)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858815495

THE STORY OF IRELAND [2001]

“A model of brevity, intelligence and good design ... deserves another prize” The Scotsman
“A thorough delight” Mary Arrigan
'... colourful, playful and informative ... all in all, a very considerable achievement.'
Books for Keeps.
'... this book is great fun and there is no better way to learn.'
School Librarian.
'... this has to be the most painless and entertaining way to take on huge quantities of historic information without the benefit of a time capsule.'
Child Education.
'For anyone who's planning a visit to Ireland, and who wants an easy-going children's book that presents information cleverly and clearly, start here.' Manchester Evening News.
“It must be the best book ever written about Ireland” Martin Corcoran (age 10), The Irish Post

Paperback - 40 pages (15 March, 2001)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818494

Hardcover - 32 pages (15 March, 2001)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818486

Written by Geraldine McCaughrean

and illustrated by Richard Brassey

BRITANNIA, 100 GREAT STORIES FROM BRITISH HISTORY [1999]
“Brassey’s illustrations are a joy. Never without humour, in a style that has echoes of Michael Foreman and Chichester Clark, he moves easily, with colour and panache, from the intimate to the epic” Books For Keeps
Top 5 Christmas choice 1999 "... this lively gallop through British History” The Sunday Times
“Richard Brassey strikes the right note in his clever, funny illustrations” The Daily Telegraph
“The design and illustrations are superb, making this an impressive book” The Good Book Guide
“Richard Brassey’s colour illustrations are a perfect complement to the text” TES
“Beautifully illustrated by Richard Brassey” Publishing News
“This treasure trove of stories given life and colour by Richard Brassey” Bookseller
“Beautifully illustrated by Richard Brassey” Books Magazine

Hardcover - 264 pages (4 November, 1999)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858816807

Paperback - 264 pages Reissue (21 November, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818761

STORIES FROM BRITISH HISTORY

Series shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2002

The Blue Peter Book Awards

KNIGHTS KINGS AND CONQUERORS
20 Stories from British History

Paperback - 115 pages (17 May, 2001)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818516

REBELS AND ROYALS
20 Stories from British History

Paperback - 128 pages (19 July, 2001)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818524

DAREDEVILS AND DESPERADOES
20 Stories from British History

Paperback - 119 pages (21 March, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842550594

GHOSTS, ROGUES AND HIGHWAYMEN
20 Stories from British History

Paperback - 112 pages (18 July, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 185881894X

MOVERS, SHAKERS AND RECORD BREAKERS
20 Stories from British History

Paperback - 128 pages (21 November, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858818958

BRITANNIA ON STAGE
25 Plays from British History

Paperback - 224 pages (3 August, 2000)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858817994

THE GREEKS ON STAGE
25 Plays from Greek Myths

"This is a book that many groups of children will have a lot of fun using" Books for Keeps

"Twenty five of the best known Greek myths are here presented as short, easily staged plays ... It is a brilliant idea, brilliantly executed ... One word of warning - if you buy a single copy you will wish you had bought more."
The School Librarian

Paperback - 330 pages (20 June, 2002)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1842550349

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: STORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED (QUIDS FOR KIDS) 

Wendy Cooling (Editor)

A collection of stories of the unexpected including
"The Gingerbread House", by Adele Geras;
"The Magic Fruit Machine", by Hazel Townson;
"Babblish", by Richard Brassey;
"Unlucky For Some", by Helen McCann;
"Paradise Loft", by Alison Leonard;
"Clownface", by John Gatehouse.

Paperback - 80 pages (24 February, 1997)
Orion Children's; ISBN: 1858814464