Book reviews

“The author tells us that the book is a work of fiction based on the historical figure of Oswald King of Northumbria. It is the first book in a trilogy of books based on the Kings of Northumbria.

This book is written in a style which allows the “ teacher”  to read it to young children in story form.  It is based on the life of Oswald from boyhood to becoming king and links Northumbria with Oina, Mull, Whithorn and Ninians’s Cave. It helps to demonstrate the huge part played by Northumbria in the spread of Christianity, in particular the reference to monks travelling from Iona to Northumbria and specifically St Aidan settling on Lindisfarne (Holy Island )

The authors illustrations of the story enhance the book.  Added to this are photographs which help set the scene. Four illustrations from Lindisfarne Gospels, Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Hadrians Wall. The photograph of Hadrian’s Wall indicating the area near Heavenfield, the place where Oswald’s army defeated Cadwallon and therefore became King Of Northumbria.

I have found that young children learn best through story and this book is a must for teachers who are teaching children about this period in Northumbrian history or the  the part played in the spread of Christianity. I look forward to the publication of Steven’s next two books in the trilogy.  There is a colouring book for use alongside the story “
Richard Ayre
Primary School Teacher and Anglican Priest

“The books presents an opportunity for children to learn about their heritage in an accessible and interactive way!
Newcastle Libraries

“The storybook and unique matching colouring book with chalks have been a big hit with vistors tour bookshops,The children have been enchanted with the personal book reading by Steven!"
Borders Books Silverlink Shopping Park Coast Road Wallsend

The First King Oswald's United Kingdom has a colourful, eyecatching layout that would appeal to younger readers.  From teaching points of  view and local history research I liked:
The use of Lindisfarne Gospels
Illuminated letters
The history of Lindisfarne and the link to Durham Cathedral
The mention of the spread of Christianity
My class would have probaly have liked more "gore"
I would certainly find it useful to use within the class and the colouring book is a lovely idea The story lends itself to children linking their own playscript/artwork
Lyn Wood
Key Stage 2 Primary School Teacher, Lowfell, Gateshead

Article from magasine 'NorthEastLife - September 2009'

A dream fulfilled.
The launch of a new children's fairytale about Oswald, the first Celtic Overlord King of England, took place at Bede's World, Jarrow.
     Local author and singer songwriter Steven Jemison wrote "The First King, Oswald's United Kingdom", telling how the young prince Oswald fulfilled his dream of reclaiming his father's kingdom and brought peace to old Northumbria. Steven wrote the book to inspire children to enjoy learning about local history and launched a colouring book with chalks to match the pictures in the story so children can have some creative fun while learning.
     Steven who was born on Scotswood Road, Newcastle, and is a plasterer by trade and has a passion for writing and telling children's stories as well as writing and performing music.

Photographs where also taken and are in the magasine for all to view...