There are plenty of children's books set in a fantasy version of the Middle Ages - far fewer grounded in reality. Barbara Henderson's The Siege of Caerlaverock is an exception because it is inspired by real events - and it has all the more impact because of that. There may not be dragons, but there... Continue Reading →

Sequin is bursting with pride in her mum, a seamstress whose work is worn by some of the world's biggest stars, so she is delighted when her mum is asked to make a wedding dress for a princess. But with the honour comes pressure, as mum focuses her efforts on the gown, leaving Sequin to... Continue Reading →

Stay at Home! is an uplifting anthology of lockdown-inspired poems and prose for children, by writers based in Scotland. The free collection includes contributions from several of Roaring Reads' favourite children's authors (including Barbara Henderson, Caroline Logan and Justin Davies) so we knew we were in for a treat – and felt extra privileged to... Continue Reading →

Stay at Home! is a collection of new writing for children by many of Scotland's best-known authors, such as Pamela Butchart, Chae Strathie and Lindsay Littleson. It's packed with lockdown-inspired poems, pictures, and stories, and it's available for free! The anthology was the brainchild of Joan Haig (author of the brilliant Tiger Skin Rug) and... Continue Reading →

Billy Hippo wants to get his dad a pink birthday present, but there is a problem with his plan... Billy hasn't learned his colours yet, and isn't sure quite what 'pink' looks like. A hint from his sister sends the little hippo off in search of flowers that he hopes might be pink, but, with... Continue Reading →

A spooky detective story set in the tunnels beneath 19th century Edinburgh, this book had us enchanted from the blurb - and it didn't disappoint. Zinnie is a street child with a quick wit and even quicker feet, who is devoted to her 'sisters' Sadie and Nell. She earns money to feed them by helping... Continue Reading →

A story about glorious chaos that will resonate with parents as much as their little ones (especially those home-schooling at the moment) Molly's Circus follows a little girl on a tour of the circus that she envisions in her garden. In few words, and with images bursting with energy, we follow Molly as she transforms... Continue Reading →

It's been a hectic February in the Roaring Reads house, and we haven't managed to keep up with the flurry of brilliant new Scottish (and Scottishish) kids books that have descended, like sparkly snowflakes! But today (February 29) is a magical bonus day, so we are taking the chance to round up some of the... Continue Reading →