Find out exactly what goes on inside a medieval castle in this impeccably stylish picture book from the National Trust.

How many people does it take to build a castle? And what exactly does each person do? Discover masons to merchants and bakers to blacksmiths in this unique take on the classic rhyme 'This is the House that Jack Built'. Explore what happens inside the castle the king built with striking retro artwork from illustrator Tom Froese and a carefully researched rollicking rhyme from author Rebecca Colby.

Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free "Stories Aloud" audio recording. Just scan the QR code and listen along!

Meet carpenters, knights and the King himself in this National Trust picture book that dazzles with detail

About the Author

Rebecca Colby (Author)
Rebecca started "writing" before she learned the alphabet, creating songs from her imagination and memorising the lyrics. Then at age 12, she won an essay contest and received a plane trip as her prize. This fuelled her dreams of becoming an author.


When not writing, Rebecca loves to dance, walk and avoid housework. She lives in North Yorkshire with her two daughters, three snails and multiple bunnies - dust bunnies, that is.

Tom Froese (Illustrator)
Tom Froese is an award winning illustrator and teacher. He is passionate about making work that makes people happy. In his work, you will experience a flurry of joyful colours, spontaneous textures and quirky shapes.


As a commercial artist, Tom has worked for brands and businesses all over the world, including Yahoo!, Airbnb, and GQ France. The Castle the King Built is Tom's second published picture book, the first being Whose Boat? by Toni Buzzeo (Abrams Appleseed, 2018).

Originally from the Toronto area, Tom graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design with a B.Des (honours) in 2009. He then moved to Vancouver, BC, where he began his creative career and eventually became a family man.

Tom now works from his home studio in the small village of Yarrow, about an hour's drive east of Vancouver. He lives with his wife Amanda and daughters Nina and Marie - and a funny cat named Blueberry.

Book Information
ISBN 9781788006590
Author Rebecca Colby
Format Paperback
Page Count 32
Imprint Nosy Crow Ltd
Publisher Nosy Crow Ltd