Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England facts for kids
 |
|
| Authors | Diane Stanley, Peter Vennema |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Diane Stanley |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's non-fiction literature, Biography, Elizabeth I of England |
| Published | 1990 (Four Winds Press) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 40 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780027868104 |
| OCLC | 18983839 |
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England is an exciting children's biography published in 1990. Written by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema, this book tells the amazing story of Elizabeth I, one of England's most famous queens. It covers her life and the important events that happened during her long rule from 1558 to 1603.
Contents
About the Book's Story
This book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of 16th-century England. It focuses on the life of Elizabeth I, from her challenging childhood to her powerful reign. The authors use simple language and engaging storytelling to make history fun and easy to understand.
Who Was Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I was a queen of England and Ireland. She ruled for 45 years, a very long time for a monarch back then. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Her early life was full of uncertainty and danger.
Elizabeth's Early Life
Being a princess wasn't always easy for Elizabeth. Her mother was executed when Elizabeth was very young. This meant Elizabeth was no longer seen as a princess for a while. She faced many challenges and even spent time in prison. These tough experiences made her strong and smart.
Becoming Queen
After her half-sister, Queen Mary I, died, Elizabeth became queen in 1558. She was only 25 years old. Many people doubted her because she was a woman. However, Elizabeth quickly showed everyone that she was a very capable ruler.
Elizabeth's Reign: A Golden Age
Elizabeth's time as queen is often called a "Golden Age" for England. This was a period of great achievements in art, exploration, and national pride. She was a strong leader who helped England become a powerful country.
Key Moments of Her Rule
- Defeating the Spanish Armada: One of Elizabeth's biggest challenges was the Spanish Armada in 1588. This was a huge fleet of ships sent by Spain to invade England. England's smaller navy, helped by bad weather, managed to defeat the Armada. This victory made Elizabeth a hero to her people.
- Supporting the Arts: Elizabeth loved plays and poetry. Famous writers like William Shakespeare lived during her reign. She encouraged new ideas and creativity, which led to many famous works of art and literature.
- Exploration and Discovery: During her rule, English explorers like Francis Drake sailed around the world. They discovered new lands and expanded England's influence. This helped England grow richer and more powerful.
Why "Good Queen Bess"?
Elizabeth I was known as "Good Queen Bess" because she was popular with her people. She was a clever politician and a strong leader. She worked hard to keep England peaceful and prosperous. She also managed to balance different groups within her country. She was a queen who truly cared for her kingdom.
Awards and Recognition
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England received an honor award in 1991. This was from the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, which celebrates excellent children's books. This award shows that the book is well-written and important for young readers.
