Isla and Pickle: Best Friends

Quick Look

• Meet best friends Isla and Pickle (the cheeky miniature Shetland pony)
• Can Isla convince Dad that Pickle should be her pet? Not if he won't stop eating Dad's flowers!
• The first in a new series about a feisty little girl and her pet Shetland pony, who live on a Scottish island
• Full of fun and mischief with bright, humourous illustrations
• From the illustrator of There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie

Isla and Pickle, the adorable miniature Shetland pony, are best friends. Can Isla convince Dad Pickle should be her pet? The first adventure for the cheeky pair who live on a Scottish island. Full of fun and mischief with bright, humourous illustrations.

Description

Isla LOVES Pickle, the adorable miniature Shetland pony who lives in her neighbour's field. The best friends have loads of fun together. They play and ride all over the island: dressing up, splashing in the sea and sharing snacks. But sometimes the mischievous pair get into a bit of trouble -- Pickle loves to sneak out to visit Isla and thinks Dad's flowers are yummy!

When Dad asks if Isla would like a pet, she knows exactly which animal she wants. But can Isla convince her dad that cheeky Pickle should come and live with them?

The first in a new series about a feisty little girl and her pet Shetland pony, who live on a Scottish island. Wee ones will giggle their way through Isla and Pickle's light-hearted adventures. There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie illustrator Kate McLelland brings the lovable pair to life in bright, humorous illustrations.

Reviews

'Bright, colorful illustrations enhance this simple story of friendship.'
-- Youth Services Book Review

'Low key, upbeat, cheerful, and just right for those who enjoy a good pony story (or dream of having a horse of their own). Colorful illustrations with plenty of background detail show little Pickle to be the kind of slightly mischievous pony that would make a good pal. Isla, meanwhile, decked out in a cable-knit sweater and plaid boots, is just determined and resourceful enough to deserve him.'
-- Randall Enos, Booklist

'The simple narrative and colourful cartoon illustrations give readers context clues to show the evolution and growth of Isla and Pickle's friendship. This is evident through the repeated images of Pickle even when he is not physically present. Pickle can be seen in the photographs Isla collects, a stuffed animal she has, and the clothing she chooses to wear... The illustrations have a childlike and playful quality... Patterns are a focal point throughout this book. Readers' eyes will be drawn to the textures, lines, and curves present in different patterns scattered throughout.'
-- School Library Journal

Praise for Kate McLelland's illustration:

‘Kate McLelland’s illustrations are bold and bright, simple but with enough to keep the interest and attention of wee bairns!'
– Scotsman

Author

Kate McLelland is an accomplished illustrator and printmaker who studied at Edinburgh College of Art. She is also the illustrator of Hello Scottish Animals, There's a Hole in my Bagpipes, Wee Hamish, Wee Hamish and bestselling picture book There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie. Kate lives near Edinburgh with her husband, two children and a puppy.