Picture Kelpies
The Picture Kelpies are a range of Scottish children's picture books, all of which have Scottish authors or illustrators, are set in Scotland or have Scottish themes and are suitable for 3 to 6 year olds. Our Picture Kelpies authors include Lari Don, Lynne Rickards and Gill Arbuthnott.
Visit our Kelpies website to find games, colouring in and videos to enjoy with your children. You can also like our Kelpies Facebook page to keep up to date with Picture Kelpies news, events and competitions.
An Amazing Animal Atlas of Scotland
Illustrated by Anders FrangMeet the amazing animals of Scotland in this beautiful gift book, packed full of fun facts, vibrant illustrations and maps showing where to spot these wonderf... Read more
An Amazing History Atlas of Scotland
David MacPhail; Illustrated by Anders FrangFrom Neolithic settlers and Vikings to Jacobites and World War II evacuees, discover how Scotland's places connect to the nation's rich histo... Read more
An Amazing Illustrated Atlas of Scotland
David MacPhail; Illustrated by Anders FrangFrom warrior kings and mythical monsters to famous landmarks and unique wildlife, discover something you didn’t know about Scotland... Read more
Awesome Scottish Castles: Sticker and Activity Book
Illustrated by Moreno ChiacchieraDiscover Scotland's most awesome castles in this bright and lively activity book, bursting with a variety of things to do! Created in pa... Read more
Bagpipes, Beasties and Bogles
Tim ArchboldMeet Charlie McCandlewick, who sweeps the bogle creatures of the night out from under your bed, on your stairs and away from your windows. But what does Charlie do with the beasti... Read more
Can't-Dance-Cameron: A Scottish Capercaillie Story
Emily Dodd; Illustrated by Katie PammentCameron the capercaillie thinks he's the worst dancer in the Scottish Cairngorms but maybe with the help of his new friend, Hazel ... Read more
The Dragon Stoorworm
Theresa Breslin; Illustrated by Matthew LandAdaptation of the fabulous traditional Scottish folk tale of Mester Stoor Worm. Can Assipattle and Princess Gemdelovely save Scotland from the terrible Drag... Read more
Edinburgh Castle for Kids: Fun Facts and Amazing Activities
Illustrated by Moreno ChiacchieraThe ultimate book about Edinburgh Castle for children! Packed with fun facts about the Castle's famous residents, history, dunge... Read more
Finn the Little Seal
Sandra KlaassenFinn is a baby grey seal who is too scared to venture out into the sea – the sea is just too big for a little seal! Then one day a wave sweeps Finn off the rocks! Will he finally ... Read more
The Great Highland Games Chase
Kate Abernethy; Illustrated by Laura DarlingA cheeky Scottie dog steals a hat and sets off on an increasingly chaotic chase through a busy Highland Games in this delightfully funny rhyming t... Read more
The Great Scotland Search: A Search and Find Adventure
Illustrated by Mike PhillipsJoin the Great Scotland Search to spot Ali, Maisie, Great granny Isla and Brodie the dog across twelve action-packed spreads, from Tobermo... Read more
The Grouse and the Mouse: A Scottish Highland Story
Emily Dodd; Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-JonesA funny and lively tale about two of Scotland's best-loved animals -- an endangered black grouse and a wood mouse -- who ... Read more
Hairy Hettie: The Highland Cow Who Needs a Haircut!
Illustrated by Jo Allan; Polly LawsonWhen blackbirds, butterflies, a squirrel and a hare decide to make their homes in Hettie the Highland Cow's long hair, it might be t... Read more
Harris the Hero: A Puffin's Adventure
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Gabby GrantHarris the puffin helps a lost baby seal, with help from some other animal friends. Brilliant rhyming text carries this story along.... Read more
Hello Scottish Animals
Kate McLellandA lively, colourful introduction to Scotland's most famous animals, full of bright and fun illustrations from bestselling illustrator Kate McLelland.... Read more
Hello Scottish Birds
Kate McLellandA bold, colourful introduction to Scotland's most famous birds for young children, full of bright and fun illustrations from bestselling illustrator Kate McLelland. A companion to Hello ... Read more
Hide-and-Seek Hettie: The Highland Cow Who Can't Hide!
Illustrated by Jo Allan; Polly LawsonA new story starring Hettie the mischievous Highland cow. Hettie's attempts to avoid a bath lead to a hilarious game of hide and ... Read more
Hungry Hettie: The Highland Cow Who Won't Stop Eating!
Illustrated by Jo Allan; Polly LawsonHettie the Highland cow is always hungry, so Callum and Kirsty bring her lots to eat -- porridge, sandwiches, shortbread, fish su... Read more
Isla and Pickle: Best Friends
Kate McLellandIsla and Pickle, the adorable miniature Shetland pony, are best friends. Can Isla convince Dad Pickle should be her pet? The first adventure for the cheeky pair who live on a Sc... Read more
Isla and Pickle: The Highland Show
Kate McLellandCan best friends Isla and Pickle, the adorable miniature Shetland pony, win the Perfect Pony competition at the Highland Show? A new adventure for the cheeky pair. Full of ... Read more
Isla and Pickle: The Pony Party
Kate McLellandWhen Isla and her best friend Pickle -- a miniature Shetland pony -- are invited to a party, Isla must learn to ride fast! But can mischievous Pickle learn to do as he's told?... Read more
The Island and the Bear
Louise Greig; Illustrated by Vanya NastanlievaOne morning on a wild and quiet Hebridean island, a bear appeared where there should not have been a bear. The gentle giant would not harm a living thi... Read more
Lewis Clowns Around
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Gabby GrantLewis hates being a puffin and longs to do something different with his life. Could the circus be the answer?... Read more
Little Explorers: Scotland Then and Now (Lift the Flap, See the Past)
Illustrated by Louise ForshawThis exciting fold-out board book lets children turn back time at Scotland's most famous places, from Edinburgh Castle to ... Read more
Little Explorers: Scottish Castles (Push, Pull and Slide)
Illustrated by Louise ForshawAn exciting moving parts board book based on real Scottish castles! Pull up Stirling Castle portcullis and tunnel out of Edinburgh Cas... Read more
Little Explorers: Skara Brae (Push, Pull and Slide)
Illustrated by Louise ForshawAn exciting moving parts board book that lets children uncover the secrets of Skara Brae -- Scotland's world-famous prehistoric village! Cre... Read more
The Magic Word
Lari Don; Illustrated by Claire KeayA funny picture book from the author of Orange Juice Peas! about the consequences of taking shortcuts, and the power of the magic word.... Read more
Maisie the Mountain Hare
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Abigail HookhamMountain hare leverets Maisie and Archie must work together to stay safe in Scotland's Cairngorms. An adorable rhyming adventure from the author of Sk... Read more
My Luve's Like a Red, Red Rose
Robert Burns; Illustrated by Ruchi MhasaneA charmingly illustrated version of classic Burns poem, reimagined as the love between a parent and child.... Read more
N is for Nessie: A Scottish Alphabet for Kids
Illustrated by Kate DaviesExplore Scotland from A to Z in this whistle-stop tour through the Scottish alphabet for young children! Each letter represents the best of Scotland ... Read more
No Such Thing As Nessie!: A Loch Ness Monster Adventure
Chani McBain; Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-JonesFinlay is going on a Nessie hunt, determined to get proof that the Loch Ness monster exists. Bright playful illustr... Read more
Ollie and the Otter: A Scottish Osprey Story
Emily Dodd; Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-JonesOllie the osprey loves catching fish but he's useless at throwing them! And if he can't throw a fish to Isla, she'll never becom... Read more
Oran the Curious Otter
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Abigail HookhamOran the curious otter pup makes new friends and shows true courage on his first time exploring the big sea. An adorable rhyming adventure from the auth... Read more
Orange Juice Peas
Lari Don; Illustrated by Lizzie WellsLittle Jessie is learning to be polite, and when she says 'please' it sounds just like 'PEAS'. When a new babysitter asks what she'd like to drink, Jessie finds herse... Read more
Peg the Little Sheepdog
Sandra KlaassenPeg is too shy to be a good farm dog. Will she ever find a home where she fits in? A sweet, charming story of family love, set in the beauty of the Scottish Hebrides.... Read more
Rowan the Red Squirrel
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Jon MitchellRowan the little red squirrel, and his sister Hazel, are very different. Hazel is brave and Rowan is worried. This fun new rhyming story from the creators ... Read more
The Selkie Girl
Janis Mackay; Illustrated by Ruchi MhasaneAn adaptation of the beautiful traditional Scottish folk tale of the selkie (a seal who can become human). Shonagh's seal skin is found by a lonely little boy. Wil... Read more
Skye the Puffling: A Baby Puffin's Adventure
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Jon MitchellSkye, a cheeky baby puffin, finds herself on an unexpected adventure in Scotland's Firth of Forth. This sequel to the best-selling Ha... Read more
Spectacular Scottish Women: Celebrating Inspiring Lives from Scotland
Louise Baillie; Illustrated by Eilidh MuldoonAn inspiring introduction for young people to some of Scotland's most amazing women -- from authors to ath... Read more
Stirling Castle for Kids: Fun Facts and Amazing Activities
Illustrated by Moreno ChiacchieraThe ultimate book about Stirling Castle for children! Packed with fun facts about royals, legends, battles and unicorns -- plus l... Read more
A Super Scotland Activity Book: Games, Puzzles, Drawing, Stickers and More
Illustrated by Susana GurreaDiscover Scotland with this bright and lively activity and sticker book that's bursting with a huge variety of things ... Read more
A Super Scotland Doodle Book
Illustrated by Susana GurreaDiscover Scotland with this bright and lively doodle book that's bursting with fun scenes to draw, design and colour. Draw a Scottish castle, doodle the Loch Ness M... Read more
A Super Scotland Sticker Book
Illustrated by Susana GurreaDiscover the most famous places and popular sights in Scotland with this fun-packed sticker book for young children. Includes over 250 stickers -- plus colouring, ... Read more
The Tale of Tam Linn
Lari Don; Illustrated by Philip LongsonAdaptation of the dramatic traditional Scottish fairy tale. Brave Janet must rescue Tam Linn from the evil Fairy Queen.... Read more
The Teeger That Cam For His Tea: The Tiger Who Came to Tea in Scots
Judith Kerr; Translated by Susan RennieCelebrating its 50th roaring anniversary in 2018, Judith Kerr's much-loved picture book The Tiger Who Came to Tea ... Read more
There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie
Rebecca Colby; Illustrated by Kate McLellandA best-selling Scottish twist on a much-loved rhyme sees the wee lassie swallow an increasingly hilarious succession of Scottish an... Read more
There's a Hole in my Bagpipes, Wee Hamish, Wee Hamish
Illustrated by Kate McLellandA funny Scottish twist on a much-loved rhyme from the best-selling illustrator of There Was a Wee Lassie who Swallowed a Midgie.... Read more
Thistle Street
Mike Nicholson; Illustrated by Claire KeayA braw Scots story for bairns! Welcome to Thistle Street where you'll meet friendly folk and fun Scots words.... Read more
Uan the Little Lamb
Sandra KlaassenTwo Scottish children find a little lamb abandoned by her mother and decide to take care of it. Set in the Outer Hebrides.... Read more
We're Gangin on a Bear Hunt: We're Going on Bear Hunt in Scots
Michael Rosen; Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury; Translated by Susan RennieA Scots language edition of the classic picture book for children. We're gaun tae catc... Read more
Wee Granny's Magic Bag
Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria BogadeSurprising things happen when Wee Granny reaches into her magic bag! Like Mary Poppins, only more tartan…... Read more
Wee Granny's Magic Bag
Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria BogadeSurprising things happen when Wee Granny reaches into her magic bag! The original tartan Mary Poppins. A new edition of a fantastically funny adventure.... Read more
Wee Granny's Magic Bag and the Ceilidh
Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria BogadeSurprising things happen when Wee Granny reaches into her magic bag! Will she be able to save the school ceilidh? Like Mary Poppins, only ... Read more
Wee Granny's Magic Bag and the Pirates
Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria BogadeSurprising things happen when Wee Granny reaches into her magic bag! Will she be able to help her new pirate friends? Like Mary Poppins, ... Read more
The Wee Seal
Janis Mackay; Illustrated by Gabby GrantThe story of a tender relationship between a young boy and wild baby seal. Set in the Orkney Islands.... Read more
Willow the Wildcat
Lynne Rickards; Illustrated by Kirsteen Harris-JonesWildcat kittens Willow and Corrie must learn to work together to find a safe new home. An adorable rhyming adventure from the author of Skye the Puffl... Read more
Young Gregor MacDonald is thrilled when he gets a set of bagpipes for his birthday. But each time he plays, people cry, 'You can't play here!'. Where can Gregor pr... Read more
The Awesome Scotland Jigsaw for Kids: 300 piece puzzle
Illustrated by Moreno ChiacchieraFrom Edinburgh Castle to Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Greyfriars Bobby to Tobermory, put the pieces of Scotland together with this brillia... Read more
By the Beaver Pool
Catherine Ward; Illustrated by Phoebe RozeBeck learns to love living at Grandma's farm with the help of a pair of beavers that have moved to the stream nearby. A beautifully illustrated tale of new begi... Read more
My Granny Went to Scotland and she brought back . . .
Mike Nicholson; Illustrated by Patrick CorriganGranny returns from her trip to Scotland with an increasingly absurd collection of gifts for the family in this hilariou... Read more
Out of print
- The Big Bottom Hunt Lari Don; Illustrated by Gabby Grant
- Fergus Finds a Friend Kenneth Steven; Illustrated by Louise Crowe
- The Fourth Bonniest Baby in Dundee Michelle Sloan; Illustrated by Kasia Matyjaszek
- The Giant Panda Party Gill Arbuthnott; Illustrated by Joanne Nethercott
- Ginger Nut Chani McBain; Illustrated by Joanne Nethercott
- How to Make a Heron Happy Lari Don; Illustrated by Nicola O'Byrne
- Lost at the Zoo Gill Arbuthnott; Illustrated by Joanne Nethercott
- Mac's Christmas Star Margaret Forrester; Illustrated by Sandra Klaassen
- Max and Zap at the Museum Molly MacPherson; Illustrated by Natasha Rimmington
- My Cat Mac Margaret Forrester; Illustrated by Sandra Klaassen
- N is for Nessie: A Scottish Alphabet for Kids Illustrated by Kate Davies
- There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie Rebecca Colby; Illustrated by Kate McLelland
- There Was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie: Book and Doll Gift Set Rebecca Colby; Illustrated by Kate McLelland
- Thistle Games Mike Nicholson; Illustrated by Jo Litchfield
- Thistle Sands Mike Nicholson; Illustrated by Claire Keay
- Wee Granny and the Ceilidh Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria Bogade
- Wee Granny's Magic Bag and the Ceilidh Elizabeth McKay; Illustrated by Maria Bogade
- The Wee Seal Janis Mackay; Illustrated by Gabby Grant
- View: 6All