This author delves into the heart of the Scottish landscape and local legends to craft compelling fantasy adventures for young readers. Her work often explores the supernatural, featuring heroes and myths drawn from diverse cultures, including tales of kelpies and Nessie. Beyond fantasy, she ventures into darker themes with YA thrillers and collaborates with illustrators on visually rich picture books. Her passion lies in sharing ancient stories, creating new ones, and inspiring young readers and writers, drawing inspiration from folklore, history, and across various literary genres.
Irish giant Finn McCool and Scottish giant Benandonner want to know who is the best giant. But first they must cross the Irish sea. This is a witty, playfully illustrated story about the world-famous Giant's Causeway, rooted in Celtic folklore.
A brilliant, inclusive collection of traditional tales from around the world featuring amazing women and girls. Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince who - no, that's not right! Once upon a time, there were strong, fierce women who plotted, schemed, took action, showed kindness, used magic and trickery, and made their own destiny. From the long-haired Petrosinella who escaped the tower and broke the spell that the ogress had cast over her and Nana Miriam who beat a hippo using politeness and magic, to Kate Crackernuts who tried to save her stepsister from her mother's curse, these are stories of girls doing it for themselves! With stories drawn from all over the world, including China, Scotland, Armenia, Italy and Nigeria, Lari Don presents heroine stories that don't leave girls sitting around waiting to be saved by the handsome prince.
A captivating, beautifully illustrated story of the first unicorn in Scotland, filled with magic, love and folklore charm. From the creators of The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster.
Hazel, Cashew and Conker are squirrels who have hidden their nuts somewhere safe - but they can't remember where! Will they ever find them again? This fun story was written by Lari Don.
When a hungry young wolf spots a tasty-looking animal in the field above the river, he thinks he has found some dinner . . . but the fluffy little lamb is more clever than he has bargained for. Will the lamb become a tasty snack, or will she escape the wolf's hungry jaws?
When a drought leaves all the animals hungry, they try to discover the name of the magical tree that will give them its fruit if asked by name-but only one animal can succeed. This illustrated chapter book retelling of folktale from Zambia is available individually and as part of the Stories from around the World: 4 Tales of Persistence & Grit set.
When young Masha gets lost in the woods, a friendly bear welcomes her into his home. . . only to insist she stay forever to keep his house tidy. Masha, however, has other plans. This illustrated chapter book retelling of a Russian folktale is available individually and as part of the Stories from around the World: 4 Tales of Persistence & Grit set.
A merchant and tiger debate whether or not life is fair - and whether the tiger can eat the merchant who has just rescued him. This witty, critically acclaimed illustrated chapter book retelling of a folk tale from Korea is available individually and as part of the Stories from around the World: 4 Tales of Problem-Solving & Wit set.
A new Loch Ness Monster story inspired by local folklore which is sure to become the classic Nessie story. This stunning picture book from award-winning author Lari Don features Natasa Ilincic's atmospheric illustrations of the Scottish Highlands.
The story revolves around a complex relationship between Beth and Molly, highlighting the struggle with personal identity and the impact of a curse. As tensions rise, Beth challenges Molly to confront the reality of her situation, suggesting that the curse has defined her existence. This dynamic sets the stage for a deeper exploration of self-acceptance and the choices one makes in the face of adversity. Themes of empowerment and the consequences of embracing or rejecting one's fate are central to the narrative.