Book 1 - King Alfred and the battle of edington
Book One in the Alfie Birchtree Adventure Series
When seven-year-old Alfie Birchtree discovers an ancient brass timepiece hidden among his missing grandfather's belongings, he is transported into one of the most dangerous moments in England's history.
Lost in the Somerset marshes, Alfie meets a young girl named Ethel and finds himself caught between Viking raiders and the last Saxon kingdom still standing.
As King Alfred prepares for the Battle of Edington, Alfie discovers that this is no ordinary battle. It is the moment that will preserve the last Saxon kingdom and give England the chance to be born.
Along the way, he must find the courage to help when history needs him most.
Meet The Characters
Alfie
A curious seven-year-old boy with a love of history and adventure. When an ancient brass timepiece begins to tick, Alfie is swept into England's past, where he must face danger, make new friends, and discover that even ordinary people can show extraordinary courage.
Ethel
A brave Anglo-Saxon girl from the Kingdom of Wessex. Wise beyond her years and fiercely loyal to her family, Ethel helps Alfie navigate the dangerous Somerset marshes as King Alfred prepares to defend his people against the Vikings.
King Alfred
The wise and determined ruler of Wessex. Faced with the threat of Viking invasion, Alfred dreams of uniting the kingdoms into one nation. His courage, kindness, and vision would one day earn him the name Alfred the Great.
Journey Into Anglo-Saxon England
Travel back over 1,100 years to a time when England did not yet exist.
Meet King Alfred, explore the marshes of Wessex, and discover how ordinary people lived, worked, and defended their homes during the Viking Age.
Through Alfie's adventure, history comes to life one story at a time.
What Children Will Learn
Every Alfie Birchtree adventure is built around real history and a meaningful character lesson, helping children learn about England's past while also reflecting on the qualities that shape who we become.
In King Alfred and the Battle of Edington, children will discover:
Who King Alfred the Great was and why he became one of England's most important kings.
Why the Vikings came to England and how they changed the course of history.
What everyday life was like over 1,100 years ago, from Saxon villages to life in the Somerset marshes.
How England began, and how the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms gradually moved towards becoming one nation.
Why the Battle of Edington mattered, and how Alfred's victory saved Wessex and gave England the chance to emerge.
What true courage means, by seeing that bravery is not about feeling no fear, but choosing to act when others need your help.
History is woven naturally into the adventure, so children learn without it ever feeling like a lesson. Every page is designed to entertain first, with the historical discoveries unfolding as part of Alfie's journey.
Inside The Book
Step inside the pages of King Alfred and the Battle of Edington and join Alfie on an unforgettable journey into Anglo-Saxon England.
From misty marshes and hidden camps to King Alfred himself, every illustration brings the adventure vividly to life, helping young readers immerse themselves in one of England's most important historical moments.
The adventure doesn't end with the final chapter. Every Alfie Birchtree book includes a collection of beautifully illustrated bonus pages that encourage children to explore the history behind the story.
From fascinating historical facts and character profiles to puzzles, activities and hidden objects, there's plenty to discover long after the adventure is over.
Why Parents Love The Series
The Alfie Birchtree adventures are written to do more than tell exciting stories. They are designed to help children grow into confident readers while inspiring a lifelong curiosity about England's history.
Each adventure encourages:
Independent reading through short chapters, accessible language and engaging illustrations.
A love of history by bringing real people, places and events vividly to life.
A connection with England by exploring the people, traditions and places that shaped the nation.
Character development through stories that explore courage, kindness, duty, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, hope and other important qualities.
Family discussion by giving children and adults meaningful historical events and moral choices to talk about together.
Imagination through exciting adventures that make the past feel real and memorable.
Confidence in learning by presenting history as something children can understand, enjoy and explore for themselves.
A lifelong love of books by making reading feel like an adventure rather than a lesson.
Unlike many children's adventures, Alfie is not a superhero or a chosen hero with magical powers. He is an ordinary seven-year-old boy who feels frightened, makes mistakes and learns as he goes.
Children experience history through his eyes, discovering that ordinary people can show extraordinary courage when it matters most.
The hope is that when the story ends, children won't simply remember a battle or a king. They'll want to visit an old castle, explore a village church, ask questions about the past, and discover the remarkable story of England for themselves.
FAQs
What age is this book suitable for?
King Alfred and the Battle of Edington is designed for independent readers aged 7–9, with short chapters, engaging illustrations and accessible language.
It also makes a wonderful read-aloud adventure for children aged 6–7 to enjoy with parents, grandparents or teachers.
Is the history accurate?
Yes. The historical setting, people and major events are based on real English history.
While Alfie's adventure is fictional, children will meet real historical figures, visit authentic locations and experience events that genuinely shaped England's story.
Is this book educational?
Absolutely, but it never feels like a textbook. History is woven naturally into the adventure, allowing children to discover fascinating people, places and events while enjoying an exciting story.
Each book also includes illustrated bonus pages packed with historical facts, activities and puzzles.
Does the book teach positive values?
Yes. Alongside the historical adventure, every Alfie Birchtree story explores an important lesson in character development. In King Alfred and the Battle of Edington, children discover that true courage isn't the absence of fear, but doing what's right even when you're afraid.
Do I need to read the books in order?
Each Alfie Birchtree adventure tells a complete historical story and can be enjoyed on its own.
However, reading the series in order allows children to follow Alfie's journey from the very beginning, enjoy the ongoing mystery surrounding his grandfather Arthur, and experience England's history as it unfolds through time.