A narrative non-fiction picture book text about the journey that a swift makes from Africa to Europe. A tiny creature on an incredible adventure. The Whole Sky (Sapo, Liberia) Below me lie the markers of a land that I must leave. The bottle-shapes of baobab trees.  The elephants, like smudges. And a speck of a... Continue Reading →

For us, there is no potion quite so powerful as the blend of words and pictures – and a story that perfects both is a delight to enchant readers of all ages, again and again. Below is our pick of the illustrated books, by Scottish authors, artists and publishers, due out in 2022. There's lots... Continue Reading →

We've been blogging about Scottish children's books for almost three years now, and have been lucky to read many, many wonderful stories, and they just keep getting better. Next year promises to be packed with literary treats, with particular treasures for young readers who love stories that celebrate Scotland's history, wildlife and countryside. Here's our... Continue Reading →

In our regular Q&A, we ask a Scottish author to share some stories about their own life. This month, we are delighted to welcome Victoria, author of the acclaimed The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, whose spine-tingling new book Hag Storm is a must-read for lovers of spooky stories or Robert Burns. Victoria on... Continue Reading →

A short story about the Highland game of shinty and the dying art of caman making. My grandad nearly choked on his tea when I told him that I had joined the local shinty club. “You'll get half yer teeth knocked out and a burst eye socket,” he said. “That's not a good for a... Continue Reading →

The Christmas holidays are not looking promising for Finn (forced on a cabin break with his workaholic dad and irritating stepmum) and Sage (who's trying to muster enthusiasm for another knitted present) but when they hear the eerie sound of singing and spot strange figures swimming in the icy sea – everything changes. The children... Continue Reading →

This striking picture book delivers so much in just a few pages. It is a celebration of, and a lesson in, the world’s incredible bird species, it is packed with rich and vibrant illustrations, and it tells a lyrical story that feels both fresh and as familiar as a folk tale.  When a storm disrupts... Continue Reading →

Like the witches who lurk around the farms and villages of its version of Ayrshire, Hag Storm is a book that comes in many guises; it is a tense family drama, an engaging work of historical fiction, and a ghost story spooky enough to send shivers down your spine. While working in his father’s fields,... Continue Reading →