Great Medieval Projects You Can Build Yourself

History comes to life in this interactive guide to the Middle Ages, which explores the fascinating period leading up to the Renaissanceincluding siege warfare, markets and fairs, medieval medicine, and the feudal systemthrough numerous hands-on activities. From monastic life and castle living to the Crusades and the Plague, each section provides a vivid glimpse into the daily life of medieval Europeans and ends with one or more fun activities. With little adult supervision and common household objects, children can experience the Middle Ages firsthand by participating in more than 30 projectssuch as building a marshmallow cannon, a reliquary, or juggling sticks. Recipes and instructions for creating a medieval feast fit for a king are included, providing kids with an opportunity to step into character and sample traditional fare such as pokerounce, potage, and (nonalcoholic) mead.

Kris Bordessa is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in more than 50 publications, including Family Fun, Nick Jr. Family Magazine, and Parenting. She is the author of Great Colonial American Projects You Can Build Yourself; Team Challenges: Group Activities to Build Cooperation; Communication, and Creativity; and Tools of the Ancient Greeks. She lives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.