The Princess who Hid in a Tree: An Anglo-Saxon Story

by Jackie Holderness, Alan Marks (Illustrator)

Overview

A long time ago, there was a brave and kind Anglo-Saxon princess called Frideswide who lived in Oxford, England and just happened to be brilliant at climbing very tall trees. One day, when a wicked king tried to kidnap her, her talent came in useful. How did she and her friends escape, and what happened to the king and his soldiers who tried to take her?

With stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Alan Marks, the legend of Saint Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford, is retold for young children as a tale of adventure, courage in the face of danger, friendship, and kindness, with a few surprises along the way.  
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781851245185
Publisher:	Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
Publication date:	09/15/2019
Edition description:	1st Edition
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 9.75(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Jackie Holderness has written widely for children and teachers and is currently the cathedral education officer at Christ Church, Oxford. Alan Marks has illustrated children’s books for several decades and has been awarded the Carnegie Medal and the Smarties Prize for his work in book illustration.
 

Editorial Reviews

The lovely name Frideswide is a compound of two Anglo-Saxon words meaning peace (frith) and strong (swith). And these are the qualities at the heart of this most appealing retelling of the legend of the resourceful girl who outfaced danger, chose the path of peace, and worked great wonders. Alan Marks is a wonderful colourist and gives just the right amount of character and drama to his generous illustrations.

Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Princess who Hid in a Tree is a charming re-telling of a celebrated story from Oxford’s history. The beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to Frideswide’s story in a fresh and immediate way. It’s impossible not to cheer on a princess who decides for herself how she wishes to live her life.

Louise Richardson

Gold Medal Winner

Illumination Book Awards - Children's Picture Book