This book was a hoot! Not only a great way to bring history to life for younger readers, but it’s super entertaining, fun and filled with humour. It’s the perfect read for youngsters and adults alike (I may fit into the latter category…!)

Henry Tudor is a youngster full of grand potential. We get to read his inner most thoughts, his cunning and devious plots and his day to day life as an 8 1/2 year old in Tudor times V his nemesis The Black Vizard!

Set out in a diary format with some fab illustrations, I read the book in near one sitting and was thoroughly entertained throughout. It’s a great idea for a series and certainly had similar vibes to horrible histories, Horrid Henry and the Bad gods guide to being good (Loki) but with a historical twist.

It’s a must for all young bookworms shelves and I can only hope for more to come in this series!

What a right royal romp, this had us guffawing with laughter and snickering at the evil plots of Henry Tudor aged 8.5. The diary style made for perfect chapters and easy bite size reading for younger readers. The illustrations were the perfect addition and the comic strip style used for the three challenges was cleverly done.

The story was engaging and witty, the humour great for both child and adult and kept us chuckling as we read through. The history and daily life was easily woven in and really gave a great insight into the period.

Perfect for any horrid Henry fans or Loki, I can see this being a hit for younger readers and parents alike.

Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for our copy.

I love Danny’s other books, so was thrilled to see a new one! This is the diary of Henry VIII when he was 8.5 years old. I think kids will love this - it’s funny, gorgeously illustrated by Tor Freeman and ticks off for those history fans! This has even got the promise of a sequel too! Properly made me chuckle a few times!

My daughter and I read this together and found it so funny and entertaining! She loves books with a diary format (Horrible Histories Secret Diary series, Dork Diaries, Lottie Brooks, Loki etc) so this was right up her street. Henry VII’s constant boasting of winning the battle of Bosworth was hilarious and we can’t wait for the next instalment!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Fun, quick read for younger readers. Don't think you can go wrong with an illustrated diary format! If they've enjoyed Horrible Histories they will love this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Henry’s journal. It’s heartwarming and fun, and it made me laugh out loud several times.
My Kindle is rather old, so the images and font were a little all over the place, but that’s on me. I’m sure it will look great on a newer Kindle.
Although I work mostly with secondary school students, I can see my Year 7s absolutely loving it. They’re great fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and similar books, and this has the added benefit of being set in a historical context they’re familiar with.
It’s really, really excellent. A great addition to any library.

Simply put, Henry Tudor: The Incredible Diaries of Me! was a fun, tongue-in-cheek imagining of the Tudor monarch’s childhood. Danny Wallace’s writing was sharp, providing fodder for all of us who have wondered whether the king’s narcissism was a result of his unexpected accession, or if he always had a quasi God complex. The illustrations were cute too— I loved the interstitial commentary of sorts by the jester.

The premise was interesting, although I wish Henry’s foe had been more impactful— as it was, the person was a worthwhile choice. However, I think Henry’s ego could have taken a greater hit had it been someone with more power. Perhaps that is the reason the Black Vizard was that particular character, however. Henry’s opinion of himself was so off the mark that only someone with a lower standing could knock him down a peg.

The resolution was a bit too quick in my opinion— Wallace should have given Henry more time to stew before he reversed course and appealed to his audience. However, doing so led to a conclusion that was more in line with who we have historically perceived Henry as. Had he truly felt a moment of humility and shame, it probably would have felt inaccurate and disingenuous.

While I hope elementary/primary school-aged children would enjoy this ‘diary’, I think they would need to learn about Henry VIII before reading it. Most of the humor relies on understanding the foreshadowing that Wallace continuously employs. Thus, while its demographic skews younger, Henry Tudor: The Incredible Diaries of Me! may be better suited for a late elementary/primary school audience, or even middle school/early secondary school.

Thank you very much to Simon & Schuster Children's UK and NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this ARC!

As expected. Funny.
Henry is great at everything. In fact, he is the best (surprise, surprise).
This book works because 1) if you are an adult, the irony and the contrast are fun and interesting, 2) if you are a young reader, 8-14, Henry's adventures and inner monologues are fun, even when you have little to no knowledge of the Tudor. Yet, if you do, kudos, you will enjoy the additional layer.

Super cute. Cannot believe I said that about the VIII. This book made me.