How about "Horrible History" books by Terry Deary
"Basically for teaching kids history, but "without all the boring bits" (their words, not mine)!
Though some of the books do like to exaggerate that lots of blood was spilt and heads rolled in certain battles in history, overall they are aimed at 7 years and upwards... unless your child(ren) are particularly easily upset or shocked.
They are about as suitable as some of the darker Roald Dahl books are. Nothing overly nasty, but just enough grue to keep the kids happy, without freaking them out."