Lessons From Our Ancestors

Archaeologist Raksha Dave’s Lessons From Our Ancestors, a vital exploration of forgotten histories and peoples, and what archaeological finds tell us about the way they lived, impressed the judges. "It is an important book for children and for the future", said one judge; "it needs to be under every Christmas tree and in every school library", declared another.

Dave’s expertise, combined with "beautiful" illustrations from Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong, created a winning title for indie Magic Cat, which ran a harmonious campaign reflecting the title’s ethos, organising a museum tour in which children were encouraged to handle artefacts, and partnering with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, as well as securing review space in archaeology magazines and coverage on BBC Radio 4’s "Loose Ends". This book was "something special", our judges agreed.