Athena Kugblenu has written two children’s books about History’s Most Epic Fibs and Fails.
The titles, aimed at readers aged eight and over, will be published this September and next by Hachette Children’s Group.
The comedian – who has been a writer CBBC's Horrible Histories - said: ‘I am thrilled to be taking young people on a very funny tour of history’s most epic fibs and failures.
‘We’ve got stories of creative truth-telling and questionable decision-making that will make young readers gasp at the past. I can’t wait to share these historically humbling tales with the world.’
Jonny Leighton, senior editor at the Wren & Rook imprint, told publishing trade website The Bookseller: ‘We are thrilled to be publishing Athena – her hilarious voice and fresh perspective is the perfect combination and makes history for middle-grade readers truly epic!
‘We can’t wait to publish these brilliantly inventive and clever collections of true stories that will take children on a riotous ride through hidden histories, learning all about the past in a high-interest, fun and accessible way.’
The first title to be released is History’s Most Epic Fibs, in which Kugblenu ‘separates the truth from the historical whoppers and uncovers the historical fact behind the fake news, from ancient Rome to the Vikings and beyond’.
Examples include the facts that Vikings never really wore horned helmets and that Cleopatra wasn't actually Egyptian.
Out on September 12, it is available to order now:
Thanks for reading. If you find Chortle’s coverage of the comedy scene useful or interesting, please consider supporting us with a monthly or one-off ko-fi donation.
Any money you contribute will directly fund more reviews, interviews and features – the sort of in-depth coverage that is increasingly difficult to fund from ever-squeezed advertising income, but which we think the UK’s vibrant comedy scene deserves.