Life in a Medieval Castle

Readers can delve into Life in a Medieval Castle by Michele Piumini, illus. by Cristina Mesturini, die-cut into the shape of said fortress. Minibooks, sandwiched between corrugated board pages, describe the layout of the castle, the lives of the peasantry, knights and warfare, as well as famous figures such as St. George and Lancelot. A sprinkling of vocabulary terms, which include armor (cuirass, sabaton), coats of arms and weapons (mangonel, caltrops) balances cheery watercolors of rosy-cheeked peasants and nonthreatening dungeon rats.