King Alfred and the Ice Coffin

Set in the ninth century, the story revolves around Wulfstan, a sailor who captivates King Alfred with his adventurous tales of storms, races, and a frozen ruler. The narrative highlights Alfred's dedication to storytelling and education, as he strives to make literature accessible to his people by translating works into English. This beautifully illustrated collaboration between Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Riddell combines lyrical prose with historical context, celebrating the legacy of a West Saxon king who defended his realm against Viking invaders.