Books published by publisher Birlinn Ltd

Precious Ramotswe is on holiday, staying with her Aunty Bee at safari camp deep in the Botswana countryside, and is excited when a new lion arrives. Not just any lion but an actor-lion called Teddy with his own film crew! But when the four-legged movie star goes missing the camp is thrown into confusion. Can the young detective and her resourceful new friend Khumo solve the mystery and find out where Teddy has gone? The search plunges the two young sleuths deep into the jungle. As they dodge the hippos and crocs they will need all their bravery and cleverness to catch their prize. Find out if they succeed as Alexander McCall Smith tells us the story of Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion.

Packed with humour - I recommend the whole lot!,' - The School Librarian Rob Roy And All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about the loveable Highland rogue. Stampede through the glens as Rob and his gang are chased by the deadly Duke of Montrose. Follow Rob's quest through dungeons and river rapids as his enemies close in for the kill . . . With brilliant illustrations that bring Rob and his foes to life, Rob Roy And All That is essential reading for all aspiring cattle rustlers! Aimed at children aged 8-12 * Learn about Rob's royal ancestry * Uncover Rob's dodgy deals and scams * Find out why Rob's clan had their name stolen * Discover why some people thought Rob was an orangutan!

"Bonnie Prince Charlie And All That" is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Britain's royal rebel. Join the dashing Prince on a dangerous mission to win back his three kingdoms from the horrible Hanoverians. Scramble ashore in the Scottish Highlands and find out how Charlie uses his funny wig and fancy French accent to convince the warlike clans to follow him. Gallop into action as the Prince's fierce Jacobite soldiers skewer his enemies and capture their castles. Find out where things start going wrong - and decide what to do if you were Charlie. Learn how dressing up like a girl helps the Prince avoid being turned into sausages by Butcher Cumberland. Smell the crackling gunpowder as Charlie and his clans charge into a showdown with their foes at the battle of Culloden - and find out what happens after the guns fall silent. Stuffed with superb illustrations, this brilliant book will have you bounding through the heather on an exciting escapade!

Many decisions which have had enormous historical consequences have been made over the dinner table, and have been accompanied (and perhaps influenced) by copious amounts of food and wine. In The Course of History Struan Stevenson brings to life ten such moments, exploring the personalities, the issues and of course the food which helped shape the course of history.From the claret consumed on the eve of the Battle of Culloden, through the dinners which decided the fates of George Washington, Archduke Ferdinand and Adolf Hitler, to the diplomatic feasts that decided future relations with Russia, China and the Middle East, each chapter covers every detail, character, decision and morsel which decided the course of history.

For a small country, Scotland has produced a huge number of people whose brilliance and ingenuity have literally changed the world. In this amusing and informative book, aimed at children from 9-12, Gary Smailes tells the stories of 32 famous (and not so famous!) men and women, and their often bizarre inventions, who have put Scotland on the map. Includes: James Watt, Henry Bell, Thomas Telford, John Loudon McAdam (Transport); Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird (Communications); Robert Stevenson, Thomas Stevenson (Lighthouses); Barbara Gilmour, Alexander Grant (Food); Robert Melville, Patrick Ferguson (Warfare); James Douglas (Crime); James Baird, James Young Simpson (Medicine); Charles Mackintosh (Raincoats!)

What's a penguin to think when he wakes up pink?! Patrick wakes up one day to find out he's turned pink overnight! What will his friends think? Believing none of them will want to play with him anymore, Patrick runs away in search of pink playmates. He crosses the ocean where he finds some flamingos - but will they want to play with him? Patrick soon learns that friendship is never black and white, but that real friends will accept you whatever. Lynne Rickards' book is a heart-warming story of learning to be a different, for children aged between four and six.

When the Rains Come is a lively story for children that highlights some of the challenges facing Malawi and how they are being met, simultaneously drawing on the folk tales of the country. It will be a response from the writer and illustrator to the situation in Malawi with the aim of raising money for MUMs' work and raising awareness among children and adults everywhere.

Packed with humour - I recommend the whole lot!,' - The School Librarian Rob Roy And All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about the loveable Highland rogue. Stampede through the glens as Rob and his gang are chased by the deadly Duke of Montrose. Follow Rob's quest through dungeons and river rapids as his enemies close in for the kill . . . With brilliant illustrations that bring Rob and his foes to life, Rob Roy And All That is essential reading for all aspiring cattle rustlers! Aimed at children aged 8-12 * Learn about Rob's royal ancestry * Uncover Rob's dodgy deals and scams * Find out why Rob's clan had their name stolen * Discover why some people thought Rob was an orangutan!

'Packed with humour - I recommend the whole lot!,' - The School LibrarianMacbeth And All That is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland's infamous king. Journey back to the dark ages where the throne is splattered in blood and death lurks in every corner. Join Macbeth's quest for power - and find out why the truth is very different from the way Shakespeare told it. Groaning with great illustrations, Macbeth And All That is a chilling murder mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end! Aimed at children aged 8-12Learn the difference between Shakespeare's Macbeth and the real MacbethDiscover how dark the dark ages truly wereInvestigate Macbeth's dealings with witches and VikingsUncover the true Lady Macbeth

Precious Ramotswe is on holiday, staying with her Aunty Bee at safari camp deep in the Botswana countryside, and is excited when a new lion arrives. Not just any lion but an actor-lion called Teddy with his own film crew! But when the four-legged movie star goes missing the camp is thrown into confusion. Can the young detective and her resourceful new friend Khumo solve the mystery and find out where Teddy has gone? The search plunges the two young sleuths deep into the jungle. As they dodge the hippos and crocs they will need all their bravery and cleverness to catch their prize. Find out if they succeed as Alexander McCall Smith tells us the story of Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion.

Precious Ramotswe is on holiday, staying with her Aunty Bee at safari camp deep in the Botswana countryside, and is excited when a new lion arrives. Not just any lion but an actor-lion called Teddy with his own film crew! But when the four-legged movie star goes missing the camp is thrown into confusion. Can the young detective and her resourceful new friend Khumo solve the mystery and find out where Teddy has gone? The search plunges the two young sleuths deep into the jungle. As they dodge the hippos and crocs they will need all their bravery and cleverness to catch their prize. Find out if they succeed as Alexander McCall Smith tells us the story of Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion.