Quick Look
- From the Carnegie-medal-winning author of An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures and An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends
- Inspired by historical research and ancient lore, Breslin weaves captivating legends for children in her unique storytelling voice
- This brilliant collection features stories about ten of Scotland's most significant monarchs, based on real events, including the country's first king Kenneth MacAlpin, Queen Gruoch and King MacBeth, Saint Margaret, Robert the Bruce, Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria
- Liza Tretyakova's stunning illustrations bring life and vibrancy to the stories of these fascinating characters from Scottish history
- Engaging historical introductions offer young readers important context to each monarch's story
- This high-quality hardback collection features luxury paper and gold foil details, making it an ideal gift for readers young and old
Strong queens, wise kings and fierce battles -- discover the lives and stories of Scotland's most famous monarchs. Stories by Carnegie-medalist Theresa Breslin and stunning, dynamic illustrations by Liza Tretyakova. A beautiful gift anthology.
Description
Strong queens, wise kings, secret plots and fierce battles -- discover the historic legends of Scotland's most famous monarchs.
In this stunning collection, Carnegie-award-winning children's author Theresa Breslin tells captivating tales of ten significant Scottish kings and queens alongside informative historical introductions, all sumptuously illustrated by Liza Tretyakova.
Children will experience history up close -- rescuing the Stone of Destiny with Scotland's first king, Kenneth MacAlpin, battling at Bannockburn with Robert the Bruce, making friends with young Mary, Queen of Scots, and braving a would-be assassin with Queen Victoria.
Inspired by historical sources and ancient legends, Breslin's stories are by turns thrilling, surprising and heart-warming. This unique anthology brings to life fascinating, influential characters from the past and offers vivid glimpses of Scotland emerging as a nation.
Illustrated Legends of Scotland's Kings and Queens is a beautiful celebration of Scottish heritage that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Table of Contents
Timeline of the Kings and Queens of Scotland
Kenneth MacAlpin: King Kenneth and the Stone of Destiny
Queen Gruoch: Queen Gruoch, King MacBeth and the Ferocious Beast
Queen, Saint Margaret: Queen Margaret and the Perfect Pearl
King David I: King David and the White Stag
William the Lion: King William and the Lion Rampant
King Alexander III: King Alexander and the Viking Invaders
Robert the Bruce: King Robert and his Brave Heart
King James IV: King James and the Boy Knight
Mary, Queen of Scots: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Four Marys
Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England
Queen Victoria: Queen Victoria and the Highland Castle
Modern Times
Glossary
Reviews
'This is an utterly delightful book, beautifully illustrated. The author vividly brings to life Scotland's colourful Kings and Queens. It is sure to give great pleasure to any reader.'
-- Alexander McCall Smith
'Lavish design and artwork... Each introductory page of historical fact gives way to a lively, well-told story that animates those facts into adventure. The progressing centuries join hands to unite a cavalcade of kings and queens ... written by a master in her trade.'
-- Geraldine McCaughrean
'It feels like this book fills a gap that has been open for some time. It is an overarching Scottish history book that isn't just easy to read, it's a page-turner. Not only should there be a copy in every classroom in Scotland, any adult who wants to get a better handle on Scottish history should devour it too.'
-- Roaring Reads
Praise for An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales:
'A sublime collection of folk stories … Theresa Breslin's retellings are pristine, sparkling.'
-- The Guardian
'A delightful and varied collection of stories from all over Scotland. Theresa Breslin's style is so compelling and chatty that you feel she is sitting in the room with you, telling you her favourite tales of kelpies and brownies, talking birds, sheepdogs and selkies. This is a beautiful book, which will be treasured by children in Scotland and far afield.'
-- Julia Donaldson, former Children's Laureate
'This is a lovely book enhanced with the most beautiful illustrations. Folk stories have not lost their appeal in the modern world -- it is books like this that will keep them alive.
-- Alexander McCall Smith
Praise for An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures:
'This is a rare delight; a harmonious braiding of pitch-perfect storytelling with illustrations of breathtaking elegance and integrity. Every home should have at least one copy.'
-- Debi Gliori
'The book is full of colour and atmosphere and style, a testament to the partnership of writer and illustrator.'
-- The Scotsman
'‘Tis the season also for sumptuously-illustrated gift books. Among the most prizeable this year is An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures. Breslin has a gift for bringing the old stories to life.'
-- Herald Scotland
'Lively yarn-spinning, delightful illustrations, and handsome bookmaking again make a winning combination.'
-- Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends:
'A glorious collection of traditional stories. The perfect gift.'
-- Vivian French
'The castles of Scotland are storied places -- literally -- as we learn from Theresa Breslin's engaging narrative.'
-- The Wall Street Journal
Author
Theresa Breslin O.B.E. is the popular, critically-acclaimed author of over 50 books for children and young adults and winner of many literary prizes including the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Her work has been adapted for television, stage, and radio, and is translated worldwide. Theresa is an Honorary Fellow of the Association of Scottish Literary Studies, has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Scottish Book Trust, and was appointed an OBE for Services to Literature. She lives near Glasgow, Scotland, is passionate about children's literature and literacy and a regular visitor at book festivals and schools. Theresa is the author of An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures and An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends illustrated by fine artist Kate Leiper. Her numerous historical books for children include Mary Queen of Scots: Escape from the Castle, published by Floris Books.
Liza Tretyakova is a prize-winning illustrator from Russia. She has a BA in Illustration from the University of Plymouth, UK and studied History of Art at Moscow State University, Russia. Liza illustrates for advertising campaigns and children's books. She currently lives in Moscow.
