Undaunted by the recession, Floris Books have just launched a new series of picture books suitable for roughly 3 to 6-year-olds. The Picture Kelpies range is inspired by the Kelpies range of children’s fiction, which Floris has published since 2001.
The Kelpies range comprises over 40 children’s novels set in Scotland or with Scottish themes. Kelpies are suitable for children from roughly 8 to 12-years-old. There is also a range for younger readers between roughly 6 and 9-years-old called the Young Kelpies.
All Kelpies have a cracking story, strong characters, believable dialogue and a compelling atmosphere. This new series of picture books joins them with beautiful illustrations and engaging storylines.
Scottish-inspired
Based in Edinburgh, Floris Books is passionate about the Scottish content of the Picture Kelpies. All their books are set in Scotland, so that children living in Scotland can read and enjoy books they can relate to.
The series kicks off with The Big Bottom Hunt by Lari Don, illustrated by Gabby Grant. Children playing on a beach find a telescope beside the imprint of a bottom where the telescope owner has been sitting. Taking a tracing of the imprint, they set off round the village to find the owner. Children love being able to say “bottom” without being naughty or cheeky and the charming illustrations are also great fun.
My Cat Mac, by Margaret Forrester and illustrated by Sandra Klassen, tells the story of Mac the cat, when new owners move into ‘his’ house. The young girl Catriona finds him adorable, but doesn’t realise that he is a cat, not a doll, until he runs away in the huff. Catriona has to learn to respect Mac for what he is. The fact that the illustrator has equal credit with the author tells you how important the pictures are.
You Can’t Play Here, pictured top left, is written and beautifully illustrated by Angus Corby. Gregor is given a present of bagpipes for his birthday, but can’t find anywhere to practice. Everywhere he goes, he is chased away, until a kindly old lady lets him stay and practice in her garden. As with the Big Bottom Hunt, it is the repetition of the “No that’s not your bottom”, or “You can’t play here”, that will have youngsters joining in gleefully.
This series should be a great success.
