Author: Deary, Terry

Interest age: from c 7 years

Published on 9 October 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (Bloomsbury Education) in the United Kingdom as part of ‘the Terrible True Tales’ series.

Paperback | 256 pages
129 x 198 x 18 | 210g

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, which is now a TV show and movie, and has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

‘Deary’s storytelling is simple, historically accurate and compelling.’ (The i newspaper on The Silver Hand) Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents an exciting collection of tales from the First World War based on thrilling true stories four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don’t know they’re history fans yet) aged 7+.

The War Game: Flanders, 1914. The German and British soldiers in the trenches make an unofficial Christmas truce, with carols and a football match. But the officers aren’t happy…

The Bomber Balloon: November 1916 the war on the Home Front. A German Zeppelin crashes during a raid on Essex. Can a constable and a schoolgirl round up the armed air crew?The Last Flight: France 1917 the war in the air. An air observer is shot down behind enemy lines and meets the German flying ace, the famous Red Baron.

The Pigeon Spy: Flanders, 1918. The extraordinary true story of a pigeon, a black bird called Cher Ami, who saved nearly 200 lives.

Terry Deary’s Terrible True Tales: First World War explores the First World War through the eyes of children and real people who could have lived at the time. Packed with thoughtful illustrations by James de la Rue, these stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable First World War settings. Featuring notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.