Book Details

First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts

Lari Don

Price:	£5.99
Publication Date:	27 Mar 2008
Availability:	Available to buy

Helen has absolutely no interest in becoming a vet like her mother. So she isn’t best pleased when asked to help an injured horse. Only this horse isn’t entirely normal ... and nor are his friends.

Without warning, Helen is thrust into an extraordinary world full of magical rituals, fantastical creatures and a dangerous, powerful beast known as the Master, who would destroy it all. Everything hinges on finding the lost Book of Wisdom before the Winter Solstice. Can Helen work out the riddles and help her new friends to make amends for a foolish prank?

This is a wonderful mixture of fable and fiction, woven together into an exciting race through Scotland’s diverse landscapes, accompanied by an array of creatures from mythology and folklore.

Reviews

'This is an enjoyable fast-paced yarn … The diverse characters and exciting storyline will enthrall readers who like animals and magic.'
-- BookFest 2008 Recommended Reading Guide

'Strong characterisation, wry humour and Helen's robustly practical attitude to the fabled creatures she encounters add up to a refreshingly different quest tale.'
-- The Scotsman, Spring Books Review

'Lari Don is the next big thing in the world of children's books.'
-- The Five Thirty Show, STV

'This book was fantastic. A wonderful fantasy story with lots of unexpected twists and turns, and fairy laws making things overcomplicated. I would recommend this to anyone in their early teens who likes a good fantasy.'
-- Eleanor Williams, from Boroughmuir High School, writing for Teen Titles magazine

'It is a world where anything can happen - where centaurs roam, dragons fly and evil enemies must be defeated.'
-- Linda Summerhayes, The Edinburgh Evening News

'I'm not quite sure what age group this is aimed at (probably young teenagers), but take my word for it, grandmothers will love it too! … Sometimes comic, sometimes sad, but always full of excitement.'
-- Stewart Peterson, The Greenock Telegraph

'This fantasy adventure story moves along at a fast pace and the introduction of traditional folklore into a modern setting works well thanks to a range of appealing characters grounded by down to earth, practical Helen. The author, a professional storyteller, and the publishing company are both Scottish and the setting of present day Scotland perfectly complements a story with folkloric elements. This book should appeal to those 8+ fans of fairy and animal stories who are ready to move on from series reading to something more substantial. The passing reference to those English fairies who only want to work with rainbows will make some readers smile.'
-- Sue Roe, The School Librarian

About the Author(s)

Lari Don has worked in politics and broadcasting, but is now a full-time writer and storyteller. She grew up in the north-east of Scotland, and lives in Edinburgh.

Of Further Interest

Now available, the sequel to First Aid for Fairies:
Wolf Notes and Other Musical Mishaps

View or download a Teacher's Guide for this book:
Teacher's Guide in PDF format (Acrobat Reader required; click to view or download)