Brilliant British history books for ages 5-7 beyond the Usborne series
Usborne First Reading is a beloved series for early readers, covering myths, fairy tales, and some historical topics. But if you're specifically looking for British history content for KS1 children (ages 5-7), there are excellent alternatives that dive deeper into our heritage.
This guide compares 5 alternatives to Usborne First Reading, focusing on books that teach British history, heritage, and values — whether you're a parent looking for bedtime reading or a teacher planning KS1 lessons.
Age range: 5-7 (KS1) | Format: Picture books with original stories
What it is: New picture book series where each story is inspired by a real British historical figure or event. Not retellings — original narratives where modern British children face challenges and learn values from real heroes.
Examples:
Best for: Parents and teachers wanting British heritage stories that are inspired by real history but presented as engaging modern narratives. Perfect for KS1 British Values curriculum.
Age range: 4-8 | Format: Illustrated biographies
What it is: Popular series of short biographies about famous people. Includes some British figures (Churchill, Vivienne Westwood, David Attenborough) but mostly international icons.
Best for: Families wanting diverse role models from around the world. Less suitable if you specifically want British heritage content.
Age range: 5-7 | Format: Non-fiction history books
What it is: Ladybird's history series covering British topics like castles, Romans, Vikings, and famous monarchs. Informational rather than narrative-driven.
Best for: Teachers needing curriculum-aligned non-fiction resources. Less ideal for parents wanting engaging bedtime stories.
Age range: 5-7 | Format: Short chapter books with historical settings
What it is: Fiction stories set in historical periods (Victorian era, WW2, etc). Characters are fictional but settings are historically accurate.
Best for: KS1 reading practice with a historical flavour. Good for schools needing affordable class sets.
Age range: 6-8 | Format: Short biographies with photos
What it is: Usborne's biography series covering famous historical figures. More text-heavy than picture books.
Best for: Confident readers in Year 2 who can handle longer text. Not ideal for younger KS1 or picture book lovers.
| Series | Age | Format | British Focus | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proud Books | 5-7 | Original stories inspired by British heroes | ✓✓✓ (100% British) | Free samples, £7.99 when launched |
| Little People, Big Dreams | 4-8 | Illustrated biographies | ✓ (some British figures) | £9.99 per book |
| Ladybird Histories | 5-7 | Non-fiction history | ✓✓ (mostly British topics) | £4.99-6.99 per book |
| Hopscotch Histories | 5-7 | Historical fiction | ✓✓ (British settings) | £5-6 per book |
| Usborne Famous Lives | 6-8 | Biography with photos | ✓ (some British figures) | £6.99 per book |
Download sample chapters from all three books — The Collection Jar, Tomorrow's Rules, and The Girl Who Wouldn't Shut Up. Each includes 3 full-colour illustrations and an activity sheet.
Perfect for bedtime reading or KS1 classroom use.
Get Free Sample ChaptersUsborne First Reading is excellent for general early reading practice, covering myths, fairy tales, and some history. The alternatives listed here focus specifically on British history and heritage for KS1 children, with either original narratives (Proud Books), biographies (Little People Big Dreams, Usborne Famous Lives), or non-fiction (Ladybird Histories).
Proud Books is designed specifically for this. Each story is inspired by a real British hero or event and teaches values like fairness (Magna Carta), courage to speak up (Churchill), and using strength to protect others (Royal Navy). Ladybird Histories works well for curriculum coverage, but it's non-fiction rather than story-driven.
Picture book formats (Proud Books, Little People Big Dreams) work best for reluctant readers because they're visual and story-driven. Ladybird Histories and Usborne Famous Lives have more text, making them better for confident readers. Hopscotch Histories is designed for early reading practice and sits in the middle.
Yes! All five alternatives work for homeschooling. Proud Books and Little People Big Dreams offer engaging stories that make history feel real. Ladybird Histories provides comprehensive topic coverage. Hopscotch Histories adds reading practice. Mix formats to keep lessons varied.
Most children's history books are either American-focused (Little People Big Dreams) or written as non-fiction textbooks (Ladybird, Usborne). There's a gap in the market for story-driven British heritage books for ages 5-7 — which is why Proud Books exists. We're filling that gap with modern narratives inspired by real British heroes.
Proud Books is launching in Autumn 2026. Right now, you can download free sample chapters (with illustrations and activity sheets) from the website. Sign up to be notified when the books are available for purchase.
Don't wait for the launch. Get your free sample chapters now and see why parents and teachers love Proud Books.
Download Free Samples