Castle

Author: David Macaulay
Illustrator: David Macaulay
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Date: 1977
Awards: Caldecott Honor (1978)
Ages: All ages
Topics: castle, architecture, middle ages, medieval, fortification, Wales
Summary: This book provides a step-by-step description of the planning and construction of a castle for the character Lord Kevin. This castle might have been built during the conquest of Wales between 1277 and 1305. Although the town called Aberwyvern is imaginary, it is based on what the physical appearance might have been during this time period. We also learn about the kinds of workers, tools, weapons, and have a battle with an enemy. We even find out about their toilets!

Book Connections

• Castle from Google Books
  Includes visuals from interior pages
• Aberwyvern castle from Wikipedia
  Fictional castle from the book

Topic Connections

Architecture

• Architecture from Wikipedia
• Architecture.com
• Building Big from PBS

Castle

• 42explore: Castle
• Castle from Wikipedia
• Castle Images from Wikimedia Commons
• Castles of Wales
• Castles on the Web
• Castles of Britian
  
• Castle Glossary
• Castles of Middle Ages
• Definition of Castle
• The Top 100 of medieval castles

Middle Ages

• Middle Ages from Wikipedia
• Life in the Middle Ages
• Medieval Castle
• Medieval Castle Project for Kids
• Medieval Siege from NOVA and PBS
• Middle Ages
• Middle Ages

Pencil Drawing

• Drawing from Wikipedia
• Sketch from Wikipedia

Learning Connections

• Design a Castle. Design your own castle. Use the photographs from inspiration. Write a story about the castle.
• Glossary. Create your own glossary related to castles.
• Historical Fiction. Read a historical fiction novel set in the Middle Ages. Use the Castle books to visualize the setting.

Teaching Connections

• Try Middle Ages Lessons
  • The Middle Ages from Discovery Channel
• Other Books to explore:
  • Cross-Sections CASTLE (1994) by Stephen Biesty
    
  • Walter Dragon's Town by Sheila Sancha
    
  • Castles by Philip Steele
    
  • Medieval Castle (1990) by F. Macdonald
    
  • Story of a Castle (1986) by John S. Goodall
    
  • Castle by Christopher (1994) by Gravett
    
  • A Medieval Castle (1990) by Fiona Macdonald
    
  • See Inside a Castle (1986) Illus. Dan Escott, Brian Lewis, and Richard Hook

Learn More

Do a Thinkfinity search for lessons related to this book.

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