Toby and the Great Fire of London

by Margaret Nash, Jane Cope (Illustrator)

Toby has forgotten a delivery for Mr Pepys, but as he sets out across London he sees the sky is full of flames!

Hopscotch Histories are brand new stories in historical settings, told in under 400 words, perfect for children who are building up their reading confidence. Carefully controlled text interacts with stunning artwork to help develop visual literacy.

Genres: History

32 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2007

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma]

Toby and the Great Fire of London by Margaret Nash, Illustrator Jane Cope- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- This book narrates the story of the Great Fire in London. Toby, a young boy resided above the shop where he served. Owner of the Paper shop finds that Mr. Peyps has left for his residence and has left his diary in the shop. He sends Toby to return the diary to him. It is evening. Toby finds smoke and fire far away. Carts drawn by animals are crowing the way. The Great Fire of London starting. Toby runs as fast as he can to get this delivery to Mr Peyps. He knocks at Mr. Peyps residence. No one replies. He climbs the stairs and reaches the top of the residence. Here Mr. Peyps is keeping empty bottles in a blank place. Toby falls and drops the dairy in cottage cheese. He takes it out and both find the fire coming near. They both come out of the house to help the people. They find that bombs are being blasted to fall the houses so that the fire can stop. They find that a Royal person comes near them on his horse. His face and arms are covered with black soot. Mr. Peyps informs him that he is King Richard of England. All work to extinguish the fire for two days. Toby returns to the shop to find the owner eager about him. Toby informs the whole story and goes to sleep. Coloured illustrations inform the picture of London at that time. I have the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Jessica Harper]

Toby and the great fire of London I thought was a fantastic book based on historical facts but made appealing to children. It was based on a young boy (Toby) whom lives above where he works. When realised that Mr Peyps diary has yet to be returned to him Toby rushes out to make this delivery only to find the Great Fire of London starting. Toby runs and runs as fast as he can to get this delivery to Mr Peyps. Once making the delivery Toby and Mr Peyps meet some important people along their journey of stopping the great fire of London.

Appropriate age: 8-10
I think this book is great, although fiction it is based on some true historical events. I think this book would work well in the classroom for guided reading follwing up on some comprehension work.