In the concluding notes of After the War, Tom Palmer observes that this was a difficult book to write. It is a difficult book to read too - not for the language, which is as clear as you expect from this author and publisher - but because of the enormity of the events it explores... Continue Reading →
Review: It’s a No Money Day
This is a remarkable book that draws attention to a bleak situation, yet still resonates with kindness, love, and even a little fun. A child's experience of visiting a food bank might not be the most obvious topic for a picture book, but - though we might wish otherwise - it is a relevant and... Continue Reading →
Review: Swan Song by Gill Lewis
When Dylan gets expelled from school, he knows that life is going to change - what he hasn't realised is that it will mean moving house, his mum leaving her job, and a new start for them both at his Grandad's home on the Welsh coast. But life in "a town at the very end... Continue Reading →
Review: the Girl who Stole the Stars
A picture book with both sparkle and heart, The Girl who Stole the Stars is the debut from Highland author-illustrator Corrina Campbell. When a little girl's wish for a magical ladder comes true, she uses it to reach all the way to the stars. She takes one star, and then another, and another, until all... Continue Reading →
Review: the Acrobats of Agra
You might expect it from a story about circus performers, but the Arcrobats of Agra really does convey the tension, terror and thrill of the high wire, from its first line to the last. Set in India in 1857, the story follows three children from different corners of the world as they travel through a... Continue Reading →
Festive reads with a twist of tartan: middle grade
Here is the second part of our feature celebrating Scottish children's books with a festive feel. The suggestions below are for readers aged 6+ (Click here for our picture book list.) Not every book we mention is full of elves and white beards, but if there's a sprinkling of snow, or it makes us feel... Continue Reading →
Festive reads with a twist of tartan: picture books
Roaring Reads is all about celebrating Scottish books for children, so that's what we're doing with this list of our favourite Christmas picture book stories (click here for suggestions for older kids). If you're looking to support Scottish authors and publishers this season, we hope our suggestions appeal – and if you know of any... Continue Reading →
Seven Stories: Robin Scott-Elliot
In our Seven Stories feature, we ask a Scottish children’s author to share some stories about their own life and work. Today, we meet Robin Scott-Elliot. Bravery against the odds is a theme in both of his novels, and now we know that he can be on the daring side himself! News story: what is... Continue Reading →