We fell head-over-tail for Corrie, the intrepid West Highland Terrier, in her first story, The Westie Fest, so we were looking forward to joining her for adventure number two: The Tattoo Toorie.
As a Westie Fest (Highland Games) champion, Corrie is invited to take tea in Edinburgh with Corgi royalty, and to perform a special honour at the Festival Tattoo – but the task fills her with such fear that her knees knock and her wee eyes well with big tear drops (aww!).
It will take courage, crucial help from her Papa and Gran Flora, and maybe a few Woofibbles biscuits, to ensure that Corrie can perform her duty on the big night.
Alison Page’s first Corrie’s Capers story served as a celebration of the Isle of Arran, and this book takes the same delight in giving a dogs-eye view of Edinburgh, especially the festival and Military Tattoo. Kirsty Oxley’s illustrations bring the city’s streets at festival time vibrantly to life – she is an artist to watch, and her talents have been recognised in a recent short-listing for the Kelpies Illustration Prize.
The Tattoo Toorie is a witty and gentle story, which introduces some wonderful Scottish words (like sitooterie) and characters (like the Knit ‘n’ Natter ladies).
Corrie is an adorable star, and young readers will admire her bravery and ingenuity, and share her hopes and fears. If they are anything like the Roaring Reads gang, they will also just want to give her a big cuddle.
The Tattoo Toorie, by Alison Page, ill’ Kirsty Oxley
- Profits from sales of the Tattoo Toorie will support the charity Mary’s Meals.
- Because we received a review copy of this book, we have made a donation to Mary’s Meals, so a hungry child will receive a meal a day in school for six months. Read here to find out how this works.
Roaring Reads 