Books

Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Rome

A graphic novel guide to ancient history

Rik Worth, Author

Jordan Collver, Illustrator

Paperback

Imprint: Wren & Rook

Publication date: February 12, 2026

Category: History & the past: general interest (Children's / Teenage)

ISBN: 9781526366412

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Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man – in this totally TRUE graphic novel, the animals of the past are here to tell you what REALLY happened in ancient Rome.

So you think you know about ancient Rome – the colosseum, gladiators and toga-wearers? Well, we’re the animals of ancient Rome and we think it’s time we told you the REAL history.

We’re going to talk about the really good stuff AND introduce you to the COOLEST Romans, including elephant soldiers, lion gladiators, celebrity horses and even superstitious chickens.

Did you know that you could also find bears, and tigers, in the ancient city of Rome? Or that at the height of the Roman Empire, their power (and pets) spread from Scotland all the way through Europe, to North Africa and the Middle East? Well, you’re about to find out. . .

This true graphic novel will keep every reader glued to the page as they discover what life was like in ancient Rome.

Reviews

"Amusing and accessible, Pets Tell Tales of Ancient Rome also takes history seriously, ensuring readers realise the connections between the Ancient World and their own."

The Irish Times

"It's very engaging. I loved it, even as a grown woman. It's very funny and it's educational. I buy it for all children's birthday parties!"

BBC Radio 5 Live

"Comprehensively researched, completely accessible, inventive, sharp, funny, warm...and even spooky at times. Long may this series continue."

2000AD, Mad Cave Studios, The Phantom

Rik Worth

Rik Worth was born and raised in Merseyside and has loved comics for as long as he can remember. He’s a journalist plus an award-winning author, and his obsession with old books landed him a job at the library of his university and he can be found deep in the archives, looking for forgotten tales from history and the secrets to bizarre events in history…

Jordan Collver

Jordan grew up in Ontario, Canada reading Garfield, Calvin & Hobbes, Spider-Man and X-Men. He always loved drawing and he’s now an award-winning illustrator using his comics to show cool true things about history, science and nature. He hopes to get a tortoise one day.