The stories in Animals, Beasties and Monsters of Scotland: Folk Tales for Children feature characters that are fast, cunning, scary and big. Published by The History Press, the book reveals what happened when Jack refused to do his chores and the story of Dundee’s dragon, as well as many other intriguing tales. The author, Lea Taylor, draws upon folk stories and traditional tales from the length and breadth of Scotland. Illustrated by Sylvia Troon, the book is part of The History Press’s Folk Tales series, in association with the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
What we thought of the book
The book is aimed at children but as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it. It may help that I have a particular interest in folk stories, fairy tales and magic, but there is much to enchant in this 192-page publication.
I have a nine-year-old son but he doesn’t share my fascination with folk tales, so I ended up reading it on my own – which I didn’t mind at all!
The book is beautifully written with clear language that is ideal for children. There’s plenty of suspense, drama and excitement, which both kids and grown-ups are sure to love.
Being folk tales, the stories naturally hark to the past, but Lea has cleverly woven in some modern-day references that 21st-century readers – especially children – can relate to.
It has all the characters you’d expect from a collection of folk tales, such as spiders, dragons and giants. The story titles also draw you in, especially ‘The Greedy Trows of Orkney’ and ‘The Gypsy’s Curse’.
There’s plenty of darkness and humour, so the stories are never dull. It’s also clear that many of the tales originate from a desire by grown-ups to teach their children about right and wrong, as with folk tales through the ages and across the world.
Sylvia’s illustrations bring the curious and wonderful creatures to life and add extra interest, particularly for young readers.
The stories in this book are ideal for being performed as part of a storytelling session. I could imagine reading them by candlelight in the middle of winter, or while sat round a campfire after dark.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The paperback is £9.99 and the eBook is priced from £3.99. You can buy a copy here.
About the author
Lea Taylor uses words to make a living. Her main job is freelance storytelling, which includes writer/storyteller residencies and working with schools, government agencies or residential care homes doing reminiscence work. She has also written a number of pieces for festivals and tours.
About the illustrator
Sylvia Troon studied at Edinburgh College of Art and has taught in schools. She has been a puppeteer and storyteller, and recently created books for Historic Environment Scotland. Sylvia is now concentrating on painting, and writing and illustrating her own stories, as well as working with Lea.
About the book
Title: Animals, Beasties and Monsters of Scotland: Folk Tales for Children.
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 9780750986861
Pages: 192
Review by: Colette Warbrook
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*We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
28 comments
Very often these books are beautiful as they are for children, and they are wonderful to read together with them!
Absolutely! Can’t agree with you more Cristina
This sounds like a delightful book for children. With a Scottish background myself this appeals to me.
It sure is, lots of interesting stories in it
Good books are tough to find but this look amazing and perfect for all ages!
Yes it was a lovely read Sondra, we enjoyed it for sure
This certainly sounds like a great book! I have a hard time finding good books for my daughter’s to read. They are so picky! 🙂 I think they would love it. Thanks so much for sharing your review with us!
We are sure anything about monsters, beasties and animals would interest kids
Sounds like such a lovely book. It is so nice to have a good book to read along with kids.
Its a great book to read with kids or get the older ones to read on their own
Loved reading your review of the book! I’m into folk tales as well so I might just have to check this out.
This book is fab for kids, my son and I totally loved reading it so would recommend it
This really sounds like a great book! I like finding good books for my kids to read. I think they would love it.
Yes we are sure they would enjoy this
I love the title alone, I’d be hooked and I’m definitely not a kid! The illustrations look great too, and this is a book you can enjoy as adults and children.
You can read the book too even though you are an adult
This sounds like the kind of book that would hook me for a whole week when I was 12 years old. I was the book worm in school lol
Lovely to hear that, hope you still enjoy reading now?
This book sounds like a good one. I bet my son would love it.
Yes he absolutely will
I’m always on the lookout for book recommendations for my kids. Animals, Beasties, and Monsters of Scotland sounds like an interesting premise. I’ll have to add it to my list!
Hope you do, the book is worth checking out
This sounds like a book that could hook my kids in with just the first page! thanks for the great review and recommendation
Your welcome, so glad you enjoyed reading the review of the book
this sounds like a really good kids book! Love this review!
Thank you, yes perfect for both the kids and parents as well
I’d like to know what happened to Jack when he didn’t do his chores, lol. I know my son would definitely love this. He needs more books in his life. And anything that has dragons and monsters are a winner.
Absolutely!! That is the age where the kids are totally loving anything gorey of course!!