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 →

There may be plenty of picture books about fairies, but it still isn’t easy finding stories that have that special something that makes little readers go “ooh!” The Fairy in the Kettle, by Pauline Tait, is one of few with the sprinkling of magic dust that we hope for.  Leona Rose is different from the... 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 →

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 →

In our monthly fast feature, we recommend a page-turning new title in (roughly) 60 words. Sophia Duleep Singh may have been a princess, but her childhood was far from cosseted. She faced neglect, grief and insecurity.  This unsettled start became an extraordinary life, recounted in Saffy’s own words, from tea with a baboon, to being... Continue Reading →

We don’t get to review nearly enough books aimed at children at the start of their reading journey, so we were excited by the arrival of Princess Dangerous, which is part graphic novel, part chapter book and a great fit for those making the transition between picture books and longer stories. The story of talented... Continue Reading →