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 Legend of the First Unicorn

by Lari Don

Published 20 February 2020

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.


The Tale of Tam Linn

by Lari Don

Published 18 September 2014

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.


The Secret of the Kelpie

by Lari Don

Published 17 March 2016

"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.


The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway

by Lari Don

Published 15 September 2022

"Long ago, when giants lived in Scotland and Ireland, they stood so tall they could see clearly across the wide water between the two lands."

One day, Irish giant Finn McCool spots Scottish giant Benandonner across the sea and they immediately begin arguing about who is the best giant of all. Despite the wise advice of Finn's wife Oona, they decide the only way to settle their feud is to fight. But to meet, the daft and boastful giants must first build a causeway across the water...

Inspired by Celtic folklore, best-selling Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves a tall tale of rivalry and foolishness that recounts the origins of Northern Ireland's world-famous Giant's Causeway and its connection to Scotland's Isle of Staffa. Emilie Gill's light-hearted, characterful illustrations of the legendary giants will captivate young children.