We love a story that turns convention on its head, and Scaredy Bat does just that – it is a picture book in which everything is a bit upside down, from the speech bubbles, to morning bedtimes, to the fact that Little Bat is scared of...the light. Set in an atmospheric woodland where three bats... Continue Reading →

The Four Treasures series follows the adventures of changeling Ailsa MacAra and her friends, as they battle to save the magical kingdom of Eilan Mor from dark forces. It is a gripping fantasy ride, with drama, folklore and plenty of romantic tension, but what makes the series stand out is its magnetic, convention-defying characters. If... 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 monthly fast feature, we recommend a new title in 60 words (or thereabouts). Young Amelie’s life changes in an instant, from playing hide and seek with family, to hiding alone in wartime France -- trafficking secrets that lives depend on. Her youth may be useful cover, but it won’t protect her -- in... Continue Reading →

Fifi is different from other crocodiles. She’s cute and fluffy, and even though she sharpens her teeth twice a day, her cuddly appearance means that no one takes her seriously. Fed up with teasing from her sisters, Fifi sets out to prove that she can be just as dangerous as them -- but things don’t... Continue Reading →

Welcome to our new behind-the-scenes feature, in which we ask a children's author to share their journey to find the facts behind their latest work of fiction. This month Robin Scott Elliot talks about his research for Hide and Seek, a pulse-raising thriller about Amélie, a young member of the Resistance, set in Paris during... Continue Reading →

Everyone knows that stories about dragons always end badly. Everyone, that is, except Pip, a little girl, and Turmeric, a wonderfully-named young dragon, who refuse to accept the received wisdom. When Pip and Turmeric's paths cross, they set out to create their own ending – but what will it be? This debut picture book, from... Continue Reading →

It might not be the sunniest of summers, but for book lovers, there will always be things to do. If you are looking to get your family out and about and excited about stories, there are so many options across Scotland, from brilliant bookshops and lovely libraries to train trips, outdoor trails (including several with... Continue Reading →