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. She is the author more than 20 books for children of all ages including the Fabled Beasts Chronicles and Spellchasers trilogy for middle grade readers, Mind Blind for young teens, and picture books The Tale of Tam Linn and The Secret of the Kelpie. Nataa Ilincic is an artist and illustrator originally from Croatia, now living and working in Edinburgh. Natasa was brought up on the foot of the Italian Alps where she spent much of her childhood befriending ancient trees and exploring ruins. Following her academic studies in Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, she moved to Edinburgh to pursue a career in art and illustration, drawing inspiration from mythology and folklore. Her work has been shortlisted for the Folio Society Book Illustration Competition 2017, and has been exhibited in various galleries including the London House of Illustration.
'Author Lari Don tells a magical tale that has the cadence and all
the earmarks of an ancient myth using a monster that will be
familiar to most youngsters as the basis. The gorgeous
illustrations by Natasa Ilincic will carry young readers to the
British Isles through enchanting drawings that are filled with
charming details. This is a real winner. 5/5.'
-- Manhattan Book Review
'With a refreshing new spin on the classic legend of the Loch Ness
Monster, Lari Don offers children a tender and inspiring tale.'
-- Scottish Field
'This beautifully told traditional tale is based on a lake legend
originating in 1883 and feels respectful and authentic in every
way, from the Scottish brogues and terminology to the freckled
faces and red hair of the protagonists. Ilincic's illustrations are
emotionally evocative, walking the line perfectly between creating
a monster that is awe-inspiring and terrifying -- especially in one
heart-stopping spread, when the children first see the creature's
huge shadow circling underneath their rowboat -- yet eventually
gentle and maternal. The mini-adventure is as classic as something
from the Grimm Brothers, while also being, somehow, entirely
new.'
-- Booklist
'Along with atmospheric views of the deep loch's swirling waters
and long, low hills beneath cloudy skies, Ilincic crafts a
particularly magnificent monster, green, scaly, and
dragonesque.'
-- Kirkus
'The children I was reading to were totally engaged [
] There were
gasps from them at the beautiful illustrations. I think the
wonderful illustrations, along with a beautifully told tale, in
simple language is a triumph! I loved that Nessie was portrayed not
a cartoony way, but as a very believable, life like animal,
something the children could imagine actually seeing. A truly
inspiring and magical book!'
-- storyteller Anita Peggie, Facts & Fiction
'Utterly stunning
Amidst what can be a crowded Nessie market, this
is a tale that draws on traditional myth and local folklore to
create a more traditional story that is sure to appeal to children
from Scotland and further afield
Natasa Ilincic's Nessie is
dragon-like, almost Tolkien-esque. Her illustrations of the
Scottish Highlands have just the right amount of realism and
atmosphere to evoke this magical place but leave enough to
children's imaginations to create their own world.'
-- Lomond
'Imaginatively written and beautifully illustrated
Very highly
recommended for children ages 3 to 7, 'The Treasure of the Loch
Ness Monster' will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular
addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school,
and community library picture book collections.'
-- Midwest Book Review
'Beautifully illustrated in rich warm tones, Loch Ness and its
wonderful sea monster come to life for the reader.'
-- Youth Services Book Review
'As a seasoned storyteller, Lari's writing is whimsical and has a
wonderful quality to read aloud -- you feel like a true storyteller
yourself when weaving her carefully spun words. And the
illustrations are a beautiful depiction of what makes Scotland
great -- mystery, beauty and magic!'
-- BookBairn, book blogger
'Lari Don's narrative is evocative and totally engaging as she
draws the reader in to this most mystical tale. The dreamlike
illustrations from Nataa Ilincic match the story perfectly, dark
and fascinating against majestic landscapes. Kenneth and Ishbel's
story is wrapped up nicely at the end of the book but the
appearance and actions of the Loch Ness Monster are as mysterious
as her legend leaving the reader's imagination free to dream up
their own stories about her.'
-- Acorn Books, book blogger
Praise for The Secret of the Kelpie:
'The Secret of the Kelpie is a classic tale of the kelpie that is
wonderfully and beautifully retold for children ages 4-7 in this
gripping adaptation by renowned Scottish children's author and
storyteller Lari Don, and enhanced with the breathtaking
illustrations by artist Philip Longson. Very highly recommended for
school and community library picture book collections.'
-- Midwest Book Review
'The story is haunting, and along with its lovely, detailed
illustrations, it captures the look and feel of Scotland perfectly.
'
--Goodreads, Barbara
Praise for the Scottish Traditional Tales:
'Beautiful books which are a great introduction to the folklore
genre
Wonderful stories which will give children a real sense of
Scottish culture.'
-- Creative Steps
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