Salariya / Book House's fantastic Non Fiction range for kids is a huge hit with us at ReadItDaddy, covering a broad range of historical subjects and periods. Charlotte finds herself drawn to the many books in the range that deal with Victorian life and on a recent museum visit, picked this one out of a book stack to buy with her own money (it's testament to how good a book series is when kids will gladly spend their hard earned pocket money on a particular range!)

In "Avoid Working in a Victorian Mill" kids are in the firing line once again, as we find out how young children were often pressed into service at their local textile factories and mills. Children as young as Charlotte would be given dangerous and hazardous tasks, expected to learn their trade quickly, and often be paid a pittance in return. Dangers such as horrible lung diseases brought on by breathing cloth fibres, or losing fingers to whirling twirling machinery were just some of the nasties to avoid.

Children's history books have been given a vital shot in the arm in recent years by things like "Horrible Histories" but this range stands out on its own merits, purely because it serves up such a great range of subjects and fascinating facts presented in detailed layouts throughout the whole book. If you have children who think history is a complete bore, turn them onto this series - they might just change their minds - and they'll certainly be glad they don't live in Victorian times.

Charlotte's best bit: Having to "Kiss" the shuttle to pull the thread through the eyelet before weaving

Daddy's Favourite bit: An utterly brilliant and engaging range, definitely worth looking into if your own children seem reluctant to engage with non-fiction stuff or history books

History buffs rejoice! We're taking another look at the excellent "You Wouldn't Want to Be" series, this time delving back into Ancient Roman history for a closer look at Gladiators.

No, not the lycra-clad pommel-wielding TV stars, but the burly men and women who provided entertainment for the Empire, risking life and limb in the arena.

The book is humorously illustrated throughout, in a similar vein to the ever-popular "Horrible Histories" range but I actually prefer Salariya's approach, which retains the humour (and some of the gross bits) but doesn't try to be too clever for its own good, sticking to a formula of mixing fascinating facts with brilliant double-page illustrative spreads to really engage kids and put them right at the heart of the action.

We learn how Gladiators were mostly captured slaves (or in some cases, criminals) who were trained under harsh regimes, with a pretty terrible diet (Porridge with ash for pudding anyone?)

We also learn a rather fascinating fact I hadn't actually seen reproduced anywhere else. There were female gladiators, a prospect that filled Charlotte with glee at the thought of donning a helmet and brandishing a trident in mortal combat. Perhaps that'll be something for the next school history day.

If you're unfamiliar with the Salariya history range, check out our previous article neatly rounding up a few more of these fascinating titles.

Charlotte's best bit: The thought of being the world's first 6 year old female gladiator! (Someone hide the saucepans in case she pinches one for use as a helmet!)

Daddy's Favourite bit: A fascinating glimpse of roman life, literally at the sharp end of providing entertainment for the roman masses!