Books in PM traditional tales series

Fergus lives with his father by the sea, but is lonely. He wants a friend more than anything. One day Fergus finds treasure on the beach: a beautiful fur blanket hidden in the rocks. But Fergus doesn't know that his treasure belongs to someone else -- a selkie girl has lost her seal skin and can't go home to the sea without it. Will Fergus give his new friend what she needs, and risk being lonely again? This is a lovely retelling of the traditional Scottish folk tale of the selkie (a seal who can become human) adapted for a young audience. Beautifully written by storyteller and selkie storyteller Janis Mackay, the tale is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Ruchi Mhasane. The Selkie Girl is one of the first titles released in the Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books that bring classic Scottish folk and fairy tales to life for young children."

Traditional American Farming Techniques remains as valuable today as when it was first published in 1916. More than a thousand pages brim with information - everything from the science behind crop rotation to the specifics of breeding better hogs; from raising perfect celery to maximizing yields in subtropical citrus groves; from growing and curing the best tobacco to making the best butter; from the care and management of draft animals to the details of replacing them with trucks and tractors; from improving farm soils to dealing with insect infestations and diseases of crops and livestock using methods today's organic farmers would recognize and approve.

Weaving together history and myth, Robert the Bruce: The King and the Spiderbrings to life the most-famous legend of the freedom-fighting Scottish king. 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 lead the Scottish army, eventually defeating the English at the Battle of Bannockburn, a victory that ensured Scottish independence for three centuries. This stunning picture book tells both the legend and the facts about one of Scotland's best-known kings, through illustrations packed with historical detail.

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 humor 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.

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 Nata�a Ilincic�s stunning illustrations, is destined to become the classic Loch Ness Monster story.

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.

"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.

The heart-warming tale of Greyfriar's Bobby, the loyal Skye terrier, is well-known and loved throughout Scotland and the world. Bobby the lively wee puppy who lives in Edinburgh, has lots of friends – local policeman John Gray, the children at Heriot's School and an orphaned boy called Sandy – but he still longs for a home of his own. One day, Bobby and Sandy catch a pickpocket and as a reward Sandy is given a new home, but the loyal pup can't go with him. Then Bobby remembers John Gray, the kindly constable. . . This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and finding a home is perfect for visitors to Scotland. Historically detailed illustrations from Elena Bia bring life to a gripping story from author Michelle Sloan. Readers both young and old will be moved by the story of how Bobby became the world's most famous dog.

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 titles 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.

"On the 1st day o Yuletide, My true luve gied tae me, A reid robin in a rowan tree." Take a deep breath and prepare for a journey through all twelve days of Yuletide with a cast of skaters skooshin, lassies birlin, sheep a-shooglin and the all-important five gowden rings.The stunningly beautiful illustrations bring this Scots version of the ever-popular Christmas song to life in vivid detail. Inspired by the traditional verse, this adaptation features easy-to-understand (and pronounce) Scots words and creatures, including hoolets (owls) and bonnie doos (beautiful doves). Perfect for children and parents to read and sing along to, throughout the holiday season.