Secret of the Kelpie

Lari Don has worked in politics and broadcasting, but is now a full-time writer and storyteller. She grew up in the north-east of Scotland, and lives in Edinburgh. She is the author of the Fabled Beast Chronicles: First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts; Wolf Notes and other Musical Mishaps, Storm Singing and Other Tangled Tasks; and Maze Running and Other Magicial Missions for older children, as well as Rocking Horse War. She has also written another Traditional Scottish Tale with Philip Longson, The Tale of Tam Linn. Philip Longson is a UK artist and illustrator based in New York. He studied at Edinburgh College of Art and has exhibited his work in shows from London to Edinburgh. Inspired mainly by mythology and folk tales his work usually deals with fantastical or otherworldly stories. He is the illustrator of another Traditional Scottish Tale with Lari Don, The Tale of Tam Linn.

'A wonderful re-telling of the traditional Scottish folk tale. The language is very accessible and the hushed earth and water colours of the illustrations perfectly capture the impact of the Scottish landscape and the drama of the story. Ideal for storytelling.'--Carousel, Annie Everall 'A classic tale of the kelpie that is wonderfully and beautifully retold for children ages 4-7 in this gripping adaptation... and enhanced with the breathtaking illustrations by artist Philip Longson.'-- Midwest Book Review'The story is haunting, and along with its lovely, detailed illustrations, it captures the look and feel of Scotland perfectly. '--Goodreads, Barbara'... The author uses elements of various traditional versions and acknowledges several collections of Scottish tales as source material. But Don makes her story far gentler than many.'-- Kirkus'The illustrations are very pretty and fun, and are an exciting part of the story.'--Kids' Book BuzzPraise for the Scottish Traditional Tales:'Beautiful books which are a great introduction to the folklore genre... Wonderful stories which will give children a real sense of Scottish culture.'-- Creative StepsPraise for The Tale of Tam Linn:'A traditional Scots tale served up both fresh and freshly illustrated.'-- Kirkus'The illustrations are very pretty and fun, and are an exciting part of the story.'--Kids' Book Buzz'With swirling lines, soft earthy colors, and dramatic compositions, Longson's illustrations capture the beauty of the natural world as well as the ominous undertones of the tale. A haunting picture book with a stouthearted heroine.'--Booklist