The Little Duke

The Childhood History of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy

By: Charlotte Yonge

Narrated by: David Thorn

Based on historical fact, this audiobook is full of intrigue and chivalry, and at a time when Normandy was not part of France. This is the romantic childhood history of Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy. After his father was assassinated, when he was just nine years old, he is kidnapped and imprisoned by Louis of France who wanted to annex Normandy.

But thanks to the bravery and daring of Richard's loyal squire and knight, Osmond de Centeville, he makes good his escape. Richard's great grandson was to become William the Conqueror and King of England. The story is full of suspense and bravery, of loyalty and resolve under the most scary circumstances. Courage is a strong value for all involved.

Table of Contents

Chapter 01: A Welcome Visit

Chapter 02: An Untimely Death

Chapter 03: Richard Assumes the Ducal Mantle

Chapter 04: A Comrade

Chapter 05: Danger in the Castle

Chapter 06: At the French Court

Chapter 07: For the Sake of a Falcon

Chapter 08: A Daring Escape

Chapter 09: Danes to the Rescue

Chapter 10: Royal Hostages

Chapter 11: The Passing of a Prince

Chapter 12: A Boon Granted

Chapter 13: Reconciliation at Last

Charlotte Yonge

Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was a prolific British novelist, magazine editor, best known for her work in children's literature. Yonge taught Sunday School for 71 years and her novels express the same values and concerns she shared with her students, courage and self-sacrifice for a greater good.

©1955 Charlotte Yonge (P)2005 Alcazar Audioworks

Makes Learning History Unforgettable!

This was a great story that is based on history. I listened to this one with my seven year old and we both enjoyed it! David Thorn does a nice job creating the voices of even the children. It is a story with a lot of adventure and human relationships. This was back when life was hard, even for the wealthy rulers. This book helps one understand what life was like back then. THis is not a book that is written at a dumbed down level. Charlotte Yonge wrote back in the late 1800's. She knew hew history and it was a pleasure to learn from her. This book has stood the test of time. We will listen to it again soon on an upcoming car trip with the rest of the family.

Great story of true forgiveness.

Easy, quick listen. Great morals taught about forgiveness when one might feel justified to exact vengeance.

A Gem for your Library

This audio version of The Little Duke is gorgeous. I listened to a sample based on a recommendation from another mom and I fell in love immediately. It was really helpful to have someone familiar with both the story flow and language reading it because it makes it come alive in a way it might not if I was reading it on my own. I highly recommend it not only for the incredible story, but also for David Thorn's pristine narration.

Great book, no chapter breaks

The beginning is hard with the details and learning the amazing characters to come. This is a great book. I used this audio as a pre-read to gain familiarity before reading aloud to my third grader.
It only lacks having read chapter breaks so I can skip between chapters - why aren’t these marked? Why is it so hard to mRk them on my own?

Story Time

This was a good children's version of an interesting point in history. It gently explains the machinations of early French and Norman royalty. Bonus it was a story I was not familiar with so I learned a bit as well as one can from fictionalized historical events.

The narrator was like listening to a grandpa reading a book to his grandchildren. It was a nice warm and fuzzy experience.