Skye the Puffling and other stories
I was invited to a book launch last week by my friend Lynne Rickards. She’s a picture book author and her publisher, Floris, was holding an event at the Lauriston Hall in Edinburgh for four of its Picture Kelpies authors. That’s Lynne in the turquoise scarf above, being introduced with the other authors who flank Chair Lindsey Fraser in the centre.
I can’t remember if I met Lynne on Twitter and then bought her books for the library I worked in, or if it was the other way round. Whatever, we soon discovered that we lived quite close to each other and have met several times since. Her current book is Skye the Puffling, and she had brought Skye along with two other characters, puffins Lewis and Harris, who featured in earlier stories. If you know anything about Scottish geography, you will be spotting a trend in the names there.
Lynne and the other authors answered questions from Lindsey, and all the books look lovely. They are: My first Scottish animals and My first Scottish numbers by Kate McLelland (dark hair), The secret of the kelpie by Lari Don (fair hair), and Thistle games by Mike Nicholson (needs no explanation). If you want some Scottish-themed books for children I suggest you check the Kelpies site as well as Lynne’s website and blog.
My photographer, aka husband, and I also enjoyed wine and nibbles in the splendid surroundings of Lauriston Hall, then rounded off the evening with beer and pizza in the excellent Made in Italy in the Grassmarket before heading for the train back to Glasgow. Thanks for the invitation, Lynne! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
I have always wanted to go to a book launch. I think it would be exciting! Maybe one day I will….
Cheryl
Plucking Of My Heartstrings
LikeLike
Having only ever been to one before, I’ve been to 3 in the last few months, all very different, all good fun. Only one with puffins though – but the first one had a dog!
LikeLike
A book presentation. I always think those are exciting. YOuc an meet so many intersting people and learn of many books you didn’t knew you wanted to buy.
I love book presentation 🙂
LikeLike
Me too! Especially with cute puffins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very glad to have found your blog via the Cynical Sailor blog. My daughter is currently in Scotland and is engaged to a Scottish lad so will eventually be making Scotland her second home. I’ve traveled there twice to be with her and love the beauty, the people, and the history of the country. Next time we visit, I’ll be bringing up your blog to point us to some away-from-tourists walks and things to see. Melissa from
LittleCunningPlan
LikeLike
Wonderful – of course I think your daughter has made a great choice! Scotland is a brilliant country (once you get over the weather…..) Thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
Unfortunately, your link doesn’t work 😦
LikeLike
Great pictures by the hubby. Thanks for introducing me to Lynne’s work. I have two godchildren who I think would just adore her work and I am past due for a gift for them. The purchase may happen after I lift anchor in Sydney, but it is on my to do list.
LikeLike
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely event! I like the sounds of all those books, and the stuffed puffins are cute.
LikeLike
It was lovely! I’ve been to book launches before but not one with cute puffins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They look like adorable books. My hubby has been to Lewis and Harris for work. I wish I could have gone with.
LikeLike
I hope you get a chance some day – they are beautiful islands.
LikeLike
That’s very nice! I have to search for other books! 🙂
LikeLike
The books are lovely. I miss working with children’s books. Well, sometimes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like such a good book for kids. How nice to showcase her book here and the pictures. The one girl with the darker hair looks so much like my hubby’s niece.
LikeLike
She was good too – she illustrates her own books and did some instant drawings.
LikeLike
Sounds like a great night out!
‘Skye the Puffling’ had me hooked at the cover illustration. Once upon a time I’d have bought if for the boy-child, and I was lamenting the fact that he’d probably not appreciate it now. But its my nephew’s birthday soon, so thank you for helping me find buy a gift for him Anabel. And who says you can’t judge a book by its cover.
LikeLike
Oh good! I hope he likes it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Adventures of a Retired Librarian.
LikeLike
I saved the author’s name. Sounds like fun and interesting. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Oh good! Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
I had a look at the Skye the Puffling link and it looks a delightful book, Anabel. Shame I don’t have a wee person to buy for. 😦
LikeLike
Nor do I, but I bought one anyway to donate to Glasgow Women’s Library. We have a small collection of picture books to entertain any teenies who come in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice idea! I may come and join them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anabel – sounds a fun night and beneficial too .. love the characters … good luck to all the authors – cheers Hilary
LikeLike
Thanks Hilary! It’s great to see so many specifically Scottish books for children.
LikeLike
So glad you could make it! My daughter and I had dinner at a very good Thai restaurant nearby called Caravan. Well worth a visit next time you’re in Edinburgh. Thanks again!
LikeLike
I’ll bear that recommendation in mind! Thanks.
LikeLike