Tod of the Fens facts for kids

Tod of the Fens is an exciting historical adventure novel written by Elinor Whitney Field. It's a story for young readers, set in Boston, England, way back in the 1400s. The book follows a boy named Tod, who lives with a group of men outside the town. It also features Prince Hal, who will one day become king. Prince Hal secretly disguises himself so he can move around among ordinary people without being recognized.

This fun adventure book was first published in 1928. It was illustrated by Warwick Goble. In 1929, Tod of the Fens was recognized as a Newbery Honor book. This is a special award for excellent children's literature in the United States.

You can read an online version of Tod of the Fens for free. It is available at A Celebration of Women Writers.

Discovering Tod of the Fens

Tod of the Fens is a children's book that takes you back in time. It's set in the 15th century, which was a long time ago! The story is full of adventure and fun. It shows what life might have been like in old England.

Who Are the Main Characters?

The story has two main characters who become friends.

• Tod: He is a young boy who lives in the "fens." These are marshy, wet lands outside the town. He is brave and resourceful.
• Prince Hal: This is a young prince who will one day be King Henry V. He likes to dress up in disguise. This way, he can learn about his people and their lives. He doesn't want anyone to know he is royalty.

What is a Fen?

The "fens" are a special type of wetland. They are low-lying areas of land that are often flooded. They can be found in parts of England. Living in the fens would have been very different from living in a town.

Where Does the Story Take Place?

The adventure happens in and around Boston, a town in England. Boston is located in a county called Lincolnshire. In the 15th century, towns like Boston were important centers for trade. They had busy markets and many people.

Life in the 15th Century

The 15th century was a time of knights, castles, and kings. People lived without electricity or cars. Most travel was done by foot or horse. Books were rare and often copied by hand. This was before printing presses became common.

Why is This Book Important?

Tod of the Fens is important for a few reasons. It's a fun way to learn about history. It also received a special award.

The Newbery Honor Award

The Newbery Medal is one of the most famous awards for children's books. It is given each year to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Tod of the Fens was named a Newbery Honor book in 1929. This means it was one of the best books published that year.

Learning About History Through Stories

Historical novels like Tod of the Fens help us imagine the past. They make history come alive. You can learn about how people lived, dressed, and spoke. You can also learn about the challenges they faced. This book gives a glimpse into medieval England.