An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures

Although Theresa Breslin's "An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures" begins with the tale of the Loch Ness Monster, this fine collection of Scottish stories expands the reader's world through ten additional stories. These include the "Story of the Giant's Causeway", a geographic wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is breathtaking, and one having a story that is fun for readers. Ms. Breslin's outstanding writing brings the stories to life in a fascinating manner. I liked that the narratives were presented without an attempt to imitate the Scottish brogue but also without sacrificing the cultural aspects of Scotland. Kate Leiper's illustrations are, in themselves, reason to purchase this book. Exquisitely drawn and colored with soft pastel-like colors, the pictures are detailed and have the depth and dimension often missing in current illustrated volumes. The full page illustrations are worthy of framing. Adults may appreciate the sophisticated artwork more than young readers, but even younger readers will find it marvelous. While this volume is titled "Illustrated ..." purchasers should be aware that every page does not contain an illustration and that some illustrations do not depict an entire scene, but leave room for imagination. A "Glossary" of terms specific to Scotland and its cultural heritage concludes "An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures". This is extremely helpful when explaining a story to youngsters. Theresa Breslin has written a book that will engage readers of all ages. While it is targeted at readers between the ages of six and twelve years old, it may not be as compelling for those readers as it will be for teens and adults who love myths and fantasy. This book is appropriate as a read-aloud for more mature preschoolers and their older siblings; toddlers may not pay attention to the longer stories since they do not include plentiful illustrations. This is a beautiful book that will be an excellent addition to your child/grandchild's library - or to your own!

The illustrations are gorgeous in this hardback volume. Our granddaughter loves to read the stories.

This book is lovely, the stories are short enough that both my seven year old and four year old can enjoy them together. I have started including them in my morning basket routine (for any homeschooling mamas and papas who are interested lol). The illustrations are GORGEOUS and both of my children love them. I highly recommend this book and I want the others in the series. So lovely!

Purchased as a gift for grandkids. Plan to purchase the second book in the series for Christmas. Good stories. They are enjoying reading them.

Some of the stories were less stellar than the illustrations. Bought as a gift

According to my daughter, this is a beautifully illustrated book that has delighted my grand-daughter, who has an interest in Scottish tales.

This book is beautiful as well as being well as being an interesting read. All 3 of our girls love it!

A most fascinating book. A read for all ages.

Well crafted stories which have been written to be read aloud, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. My 3 (almost 4) year old son was hooked from the start (although I'm sure that the book could also be enjoyed by an older child as neither the stories nor the illustrations are childish). We enjoyed this book so much, we bought the rest of the series, which were equally well done. Good quality hardback with nice, thick pages and clear print.

Wonderful book, very well packaged and prompt delivery

Highly recommend! Beautifully done!

Absolutely gorgeous! My little one is on board books right now but I got this anyway because I was too excited not too. No regrets, can’t wait to read it a million times with her when she’s older. Beautiful book.

Beautiful book and the stories themselves have the whole family listening to the Scottish fairy book audiobook now too. I recommend this and the other Scottish Folktales book by this author/illustrator duo.