Elizabeth I, the People's Queen: Her Life and Times: 21 Activities, Paperback

One of England's most fascinating monarchs is brought to life in this hands-on study for young minds. Combining projects, pictures, and sidebars with an authoritative biography, children will develop an understanding of the Reformation, Shakespearean England, and how Elizabeth's 45-year reign set the stage for the English Renaissance and marshaled her country into a chief military power. Providing 21 activities, from singing a madrigal and growing a knot garden to creating a period costume--complete with a neck ruff and a cloak for the queen's court--readers will experience a sliver of life in the Elizabethan age. For those who wish to delve deeper, a time line, online resources, and a reading list are included to aid in further study.

Kerrie Logan Hollihan is the author of "Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids" and "Theodore Roosevelt for Kids," and has written for "Boy's Life" magazine and "Bird Watcher's Digest."