The Horrible Histories TV progs for children are reckoned by many to be the best comedy on TV at the moment. My Just Six grandson made me watch and I really was laughing at the clever twists - some of which I think children would not understand. Dealing with the odd, obtuse and gruesome, this approach seems to appeal to children, however there is also tight lipped condemnation from some parents and purists.... the truthful record of awful barbarity is their main concern. Just Six now constantly asks of everything he sees on the box as to whether it is truth or fiction. We answer with honesty and explaination where useful.

Opinion, anyone?

Haven't seen the programme P, but if it is capturing childrens interest in history I'd have thought that would be an advantage.

Don't know much about the TV programme except bits I've seen on YouTube but the books I've enjoyed immensely. My only quibble with them is that the humour in them is one very dependent on punning in English which means that the Norwegian versions just aren't the same. The translators have tried their best but it's nearly impossible to retain the joke without ruining it when the joke is a pun - so the kids here just don't "get them".

I watched this for the first time while on holiday in Spain. I thought it was great the way the two older grandchildren watched and enjoyed it. Personally I think anything that actually makes history alive for young people must be a good thing. if it inspires even a small percentage to read or watch more. I remember the first childrens 'history type' book I read was called Winged Pharaoh and started a fascination with ancient egypt that has lasted until today.

I haven't really watched the programme, but my daughter read the books, and I think they were a wonderful way of introducing a primary school child to history....

Now, she's studying history at A Level, and her passion for the subject makes me feel so proud and happy!

Excellent starter for History - it grabs their attention in a way that a list of Kings and Queens, or 'Economic reasons for the Decline of the Roman Empire' never could. My Grandchildren love it.

Not totally accurate, at times, but very funny, and some of the kids have asked me questions about it, or went to Google, to get the true story.