Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales – serie

The Dragon Stoorworm was the very first, very worst dragon that ever lived. It was ginormous: almost as big as the whole of Scotland! The King of Scotland called for warriors to defeat the terrible dragon and save his daughter, the Princess Gemdelovely, from being eaten. But none who faced the dragon ever returned, until...Gentle Assipattle is no warrior, but maybe together, he and Princess Gemdelovely can free Scotland from the wrath of the Dragon Stoorworm.A lively retelling of the traditional Scottish folk tale of the Dragon Stoorworm (or Mester Stoor Worm), which explains the origins of Scotland's many islands, adapted for a young audience. Award-winning author Theresa Breslin's story unfolds with wry humour while Matthew Land's magical illustrations capture the fairy-tale beauty of Scotland.The Dragon Stoorworm is one of the first titles released in the new Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books that bring classic Scottish folk and fairy tales to life for young children.

Janet is forbidden from visiting the woods near her father's castle because legend says that long ago a local boy called Tam Linn was stolen there by the fairy queen and never returned. But Janet isn't afraid of fairy stories...Deep in the woods, by a well, she meets a fairy knight -- the famous Tam Linn, forbidden to leave by the evil queen's spell.Janet decides to save him, but when the queen and her army appear, fairy magic turns Tam Linn into a whole host of Scottish creatures. Can Janet hold on long enough to rescue him?A sharp and intelligent retelling of the traditional Scottish fairy tale of Tam Linn, which originated in the Scottish Borders, adapted for a young audience. Award-winning author Lari Don's fresh take on this well-known story is perfectly complemented by artist Philip Longson's breathtaking illustrations.The Tale of Tam Linn is one of the first titles released in the new Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books that bring classic Scottish folk and fairy tales to life for young children.

"Every loch in Scotland, however beautiful, has its cold, dark depths.And every loch in Scotland has its kelpie.But it's easy to forget those dangers on a sunny afternoon..."Flora is playing with her brothers and sisters by the loch when she notices a stunning white horse. While her siblings clamour for a chance to ride the beautiful animal, Flora is worried. Where has this strange horse come from? Why are its hoof prints wet?Too late Flora realises this is no horse! It's a kelpie: a shape-shifting water horse from Scottish folklore known to steal children. Can Flora reveal the secret of the kelpie in time to save her family?The kelpie, once a lesser-known creature of Scottish mythology, is now enjoying legendary status as Andy Scott's magnificent Kelpies statues have become a world-famous tourist attraction.The classic tale of the kelpie is wonderfully retold for 4-7 year olds in this gripping adaptation by renowned Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don, with breathtaking illustrations by artist Philip Longson.

"Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,'Onward!' the sailors cry;Carry the lad who's born to be kingOver the sea to Skye."Sung throughout the world, the Skye Boat Song evocatively brings alive the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's famous journey from the Outer Hebrides to Skye, off Scotland's west coast, after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.This stunning picture book, inspired by the lyrics of the traditional Scottish folksong, illustrates the true story of one of Scotland's most famous heroes and introduces children to this dramatic period of Scottish history. The beautiful landscapes and seascapes of Scotland's west coast are captured by Alfredo Belli's stunning illustrations.

Ishbel and Kenneth need to save their family from going hungry, so when they remember the old local tale about treasure under Urquhart Castle, they set off across Loch Ness in a rowing boat. But the loch may be hiding its own secrets. There's another ancient story about a giant monster living in the depths... Legends of the Loch Ness Monster abound, but this new tale from renowned Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don sidesteps the modern Nessie to create a new Loch Ness Monster myth inspired by local folklore.A perfect companion to bestselling picture book The Secret of the Kelpie, also by Lari Don, this timeless tale of Scotland's most famous creature, atmospherically brought to life by Natasa Ilincic's stunning illustrations, is destined to become the classic Loch Ness Monster story.

The old woman is happy living in her old vinegar bottle house by a loch, until one day she saves a charming fish prince who grants her wishes in return.At first the old woman's wishes are humble -- a hot dinner and a little cottage -- but as she asks for more and more extravagant things she forgets how happy she used to be in her little vinegar bottle house with her cat, Malt. Can her wishes truly bring her happiness?This traditional tale is adapted with charm and humour by Rumer Godden, one of the twentieth-century's best-loved writers, while the beautiful artwork of best-selling illustrator Mairi Hedderwick, creator of Katie Morag, give the story a Scottish twist!Featuring beautiful Scottish landscapes and lively characters, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle is a wonderful traditional tale to share with young children.

The true story of the daring escape of Mary, Queen of Scots from the island castle in Lochleven is well-known throughout Scotland and the world. Multi-award-winning author Theresa Breslin, who has carefully researched Mary's life, has adapted this famous adventure into a picture book for children. Through stunning illustrations and a gripping story, both packed with historical detail, children will feel the tension of Mary's imprisonment and the excitement of her escape plans, gaining insight into this fascinating period of Scottish history.A full and engaging historical tale for children from a fabulous Scottish storyteller.

The legend of Robert the Bruce's inspiring encounter with a tenacious spider, popularised by Sir Walter Scott, is well known throughout Scotland and the rest of the world.Following the rebellious king's journey from crushing defeat in battle and daring escape to lonely exile in a dark cave, Robert the Bruce spots a tiny spider that refuses to give up trying to spin its web. Inspired by its perseverance, King Robert returns to the cause, eventually leading his army to victory at the Battle of Bannockburn, a defining moment in Scottish history. Through stunning illustrations and a gripping story, packed with historical detail, children will experience the tension of Robert the Bruce's escape and the excitement of his return to victory. This is an engaging historical tale for children starring one of the most famous figures of the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Once upon a time in Scotland, a young prince had lost his smile.It seemed nothing could raise a smile from Prince Donald, not the baker's treats or the bard's songs. The court magician tried to make a new magical beast for the prince, but it was so awkward he let it go. Hana, the magician's granddaughter, was still determined to help Donald. Using her grandfather's magic, she invented a majestic creature with the body of a horse and the horn of a gazelle, and called him 'a unicorn'.Hana and Donald playfully chase the unicorn through the forest, and it seems that this magical animal might hold the key to the prince's smile. But then they discover a darker beast, lurking in the trees.The unicorn, magical and strong, is Scotland's national animal and heraldic symbol. Renowned Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves an enchanting tale, inspired by local folklore, about the origins of the unicorn.A perfect companion to bestselling picture book The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster, this stunning and authentic tale is atmospherically brought to life by Nataša Ilincic's rich illustrations, and is destined to become a classic.

Scottish noble William Wallace is living as an outlaw, the leader of a band of brave rebels fighting to free Scotland's people from cruel English invaders. When he discovers that a huge English army is gathering at Stirling Castle, hoping to end the Scottish rebellion forever, Wallace knows that despite the odds stacked against him, he must fight. But how can a small, ragtag group of outlaws win against the might of the English army?This thrilling episode of Wallace's life, culminating in the legendary Battle of Stirling Bridge, is told through a gripping story and stunning illustrations, both packed with historical detail. This inspiring story of William Wallace's decisive victory in the Scottish Wars of Independence reminds us that brain conquers brawn and that courage and cunning can win even against overwhelming odds.

Rose lives with her parents in a small cottage in the forest. Her family are poor and hardworking, and Rose yearns for fun, friendship and flowers. One Midsummer's Day, walking wearily home, Rose hears beautiful singing and follows the joyful sound deep into the trees. As she listens, a flurry of fairies bursts out of a tiny door in the side of a hill! One of the fairies invites Rose to join their party. Entering the fairy world, Rose is enchanted with her new friends and gladly joins in with their Midsummer song. Will she ever want to leave? Inspired by traditional Scottish stories of fairy folk, celebrated storyteller Janis Mackay weaves a magical tale that will capture any child's imagination. Ruchi Mhasane's delightful illustrations sparkle with joy and vitality. The Fairy Song is a delightful new book from the creators of much-loved traditional Scottish tale The Selkie Girl.