Excerpt from Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper

"Amos, what are Beefeaters, exactly?", inquired Fiona.
"Well, their official name is the Yeoman Warders, and they have been Royal guards for over five hundred years!"
"Blimey," Fred whistled. "That's a long time."
"Such marvelous history," Fiona added.
"Yes," said Amos. "You see, the Beefeatrers began as bodyguards to King Henry VIII. Later they became the jailors when people were imprisoned in the Tower. And, of course, they guard the Tower today, along with the Crown Jewels."
"Ooh, tell us about the Crown Jewels, Amos," said Fred.
Amos smiled. he had learned a lot whilst galivanting around England and was happy to talk about his beloved country.
"As far as I know, the Jewel House within the Tower of London has housed the jewels since before Henry VIII's time. Over the years, many have tried to steal the treasure...but none have suceeded," Amos reported.
"Crikey!" Fiona squealed. "Imagine being daft enough to try to steal the Crown Jewels!" The three friends chuckled.
Amos continued. "There are many jewels on display in the Jewel House, including crowns, orbs and scepters. The most famous, though, is the Imperial State Crown. It has many fabulous jewels, including a massive diamond called the Second Star of Africa. The crown is worn at coronations, the ceremony where the first in line to the throne becomes the monarch. In fact, the Queen wore it at her own coronation. She wears it still at the State Opening of Parliament each year."
"I think it is wonderful that the jewels are worn today," marveled Fred. "They are not just collecting dust in some museum."
"Ooh, I wonder what I would look like in my own crown," Fiona laughed. "I would swap my old straw hat  for a bejeweled crown any day of the week." Fiona took her mirror from her handbag and started to pat and primp her hair.
"Well I like your old hat, love," Fred remarked. And he gave his lovely wife a little kiss on her rosy cheek. Fiona blushed and popped the mirror back into her bag.
Amos's talked had piqued the Fleas' curiosity. Now they were itching to get inside the Tower but wondered how.

The Tower of London & the Crown Jewels

Parents, buy Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper for your child and help them learn about the Tower of London & Crown Jewels in this exciting new children's adventure travel book.

 

Order the book here:

 

www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61777-215-3

 

Love London and the British Royal Family??

Alison Madden, London native, tweeting from the children’s adventure book she co-authored with Joan Bunte - Fred & Fiona Flea: The Crown Jewels Caper. This cute new series of adventure books teaches (surreptitiously) geography, history, and world cultures, while readers are enjoying a good adventure story! Fred & Fiona Flea will follow, roughly, Alison's route around the world when she was 22 years of age!

Fred & Fiona Flea start their world trip in London. Fiona has always dreamed of meeting the Queen of England, and would love to see her collection of sparkling jewels and crowns. Will Fiona Flea's dream come true?

Fred & Fiona Flea Event

Meet Fred & Fiona Flea authors Alison Madden & Joan Bunte at Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. Beech Grove, IN on Monday 18th July at 1.30pm ET.

The authors will be reading excerpts from their children's chapter book, followed by questions from the audience. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and will be signed by the authors.

We hope to see you there!