Book #1-The Roman Britain Trilogy The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff*

 After Marcus is injured & can no longer serve in the Roman military, he travels to northern Scotland to seek out what happened to the Ninth Legion, the one his father led. The Ninth Legion, four thousand men, simply disappeared. Marcus also hopes to recover the eagle standard. With his former slave Esca, he enters the unknown and experiences an adventure of a lifetime!

Ms. Sutcliff immerses the reader into this time period and bonds them with Marcus, Esca, and Marcus's uncle, Aquila. I like her writing style and word choice.

Some facts were not correct-Romans giving "thumbs up" & "thumbs down" in the manner we do today & salting the fields in Britain. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book plus the other two in this series.

Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife A Giant Tale of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

 I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend. 

The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.

I love the big vibrant the illustrations.  

Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare. 

Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers

 In the Scottish village, Kirkcudbright, artists thrive. One artist, Campbell instigates arguements. Many residents would not mind if he died. When he is found dead, five male artists are the prime suspects. Lord Peter Wimsey assists the local police in establishing a time line and probable events. As he interviews the artists, he figures out which one is not the red herring.

I read this aloud to my sixteen-year-old. He did not like it. I agree with him. I did not like it as much as Sayer's other novels.  It was too complicated for a read aloud (lots of train tables). Maybe it would be better to read independently??

Since we had stayed in Scotland for over week, I thought it would be fun to revisit Scotland via a book.

Consideration: swearing (easy to skip when reading aloud), heated agruments about a possible  affair-an affair was not occurring, drinking-some of the men become drunk

-I own this book but may not keep it. 

Across a Dark and Wild Sea written & illustrated by Don Brown Calligraphy by Deborah Nadel**

 What an enthralling biography about Columcille, an Irish monk and bard! His love for books caused a war and his explusion (by his own accord) from Ireland. Living out the rest of his life in Iona, Scotland, he witnessed to the Picts and continued copying books, bringing light to the Dark Ages.

I do not care for Mr. Brown's style of illustrating, but his story-telling skills are superb! Mr. Brown's diagrams were concise and easy to understand (how to assemble a book, build a coracle).

*Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. (I would love to purchase this book.)

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 Thirteen legends about Scotland's famous castles   Delightfully written-perfect for sharing via reading aloud  The illustrations are stunning.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk & Fairy Tales by Theresa Breslin illustrated by Kate Leiper*

 A perfect read aloud of folk & fairy tales  My sons would have loved hearing me read these tales aloud when they were younger. Many of them were similar to Grimm's fairy tales. Some stories may be disturbing to sensitive readers.

The illustrations are exquisite. Even the page numbers have art surrounding them!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton*

 Over two months (maybe more??) I read this biography aloud to my sons during lunch. Of the three biographies I bought to read to them, this one is probably the least exciting, but mostly likely the best written and most impressionable! Mr. Hamilton provides rich, detailed information about the times, the countries, and the people. If you like details and background information/context, this biography would be a treasure trove!

Mr. Hamilton shares with readers Eric Liddell's life as a runner and missionary in China up to his death and then how his family dealt with his death. This biography delves deeply into Eric's character and how he impacted people. Readers will carry with them an indelible impression of him. My oldest son said he will remember what an incredible person Eric was and wants to emulate him.

As far as I can tell, the author is not a believer like Eric. He, however, did not disparage his faith but treated it with high regard.

*Highly recommend for the reader who loves details and history.

Warning: some graphic details about how the Japanese treated their prisoners and the Chinese, the conditions in the camp are brutal, the author describes how teens were experimenting sexually/orgies-since I read it aloud, I could easily skip this section (about 2-3 paragraphs)

-I own this book.

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie*

 Two places where I find book recommendations (Read Aloud Revival and Redeemed Reader) "spoke" highly about this book in their reviews. Fantasy is not my favorite genre, so I would not have selected this book to read. While I was reading it, our latest World magazine arrived, which also recommended it!

It is a book about friendship, love, hope, and sacrifice. Although I did not relish the fantastical creatures and world, I loved the characters and how they chose to live.

Christopher Forrester is to spend the holiday with his grandfather in Scotland, a man he has not seen in years. His grandfather gives him permission to explore his land except he is not to go near the top of the hill. Christopher goes to the top of the hill.  Soon he finds himself transported to a magical world, The Archipelago. He discovers he is The Guardian between the two worlds.

Mal lives with her aunt. A cloak given to her enables her to fly. When a man enters their home and murders her aunt, Mal flees and encounters Christopther. Together they diagnosis the sickness invading The Archipelago and sail the seas to cure it, no matter the sacrifice.

Although this book is tense, Ms. Rundell throws in humor just when it is needed.

Abundant black and white illustrations (not my taste in art, though). The Guardian's Bestiary is included in the back, referencing all creatures mentioned throughout the story.

*Highly recommend.

**On September 11, 2025 book #2 will be available!

-Borrowed from the library.

Always Room for One More by Sorche Nic Leodhas illustrated by Nonny Hogrogian*

 1966 Caldecott winner

Based on a Scottish song preserved through oral tradition, Sorche Nic Leodhas wrote it down for children all over the world to enjoy! Lachie MacLachlan invites all who pass by his home to share what he, his wife, and ten bairns "got". When his house "explodes" with so many people, his guests offer to build him a bigger home, so there is "always room for one more".

A delightful book!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Smout & the Lighthouse: A Story of Robert Louis Stevenson by Jane Yolen & John Patrick Pazdziora illustrated by Lyndsay Roberts Rayne*

 The reader follows Robert Louis Stevenson, aka Smout, as he and his father inspect the lighthouses in their care. Stevenson comes from a long line of lighthouse builders. As a "Lighthouse Stevenson", Smout is expected to continue maintaining lighthouses. He, however, prefers listening to stories and creating stories. How can he pursue his dream while not disappointing his family?

A sweet, interesting book with beautiful cut-paper illustrations.

*Highly recommend. A must-read for readers who are about to read his fictional stories.

-Borrowed from the library.

Monarch of the Glen-Series 1 DVD

 Over thirteen years ago my husband and I watched this TV series. While we were in Scotland this summer, we spotted the Glenbogle train depot and snapped a picture in front of it. Upon our return, I requested series 1 from the library to rewatch and this time, with our sons. We won't continue watching them with our sons. I had forgotten how soon the relationship drama began! It is not beneficial to share with them. It was fun, however, to watch it and remember sights and Scottish culture together. 

Archie MacDonald is a reluctant laird. He loves his life in London where he is starting a restaurant with his girlfriend Justine. He, however, cannot allow the family estate to decay. Each episode depicts Scottish culture, beautiful scenery, and magnifies eccentric characters (my husband and I love Hector, the father. I remember from our first viewing that once he died, we did not enjoy the show as much. It also becomes mega-dramatic after Hector leaves!)

Warnings: some swearing, infidelity, intimacy outside of marriage, sexual innuendos, Lexi's outfits are sometimes revealing 

-Borrowed from the library.

The Martha Years Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley*

 Mrs. Wiley extensively researched life in Scotland in the late 18th century in order to write this series accurately. Martha, Laura Ingalls Wilder's great-grandmother, is the focus in this series. Martha lives in the Stone House in Glencaraid, Scotland, where her father is the laird. Readers join Martha in adventures in the house and outside on the moors. A delightful read! Our extended family just visited Scotland, so it was fun to make connections while I read. My sister-in-law recommended this series to me while we were touring Scotland. 

*Highly recommend.

An Amazing Illustrated Atlas of Scotland by David MacPhail illustrated by Anders Frang*

 Our Scottish guide, Iain Stewart, who has an undergraduate degree in history and a masters in folklore, is friends with Mr. MacPhail and acted as a consultant while he wrote this book. Mr. MacPhail dedicated this book to him. My sister-in-law and I were determined to purchase it. After looking in numerous bookstores with no success, at a last bit of effort without much hope, I checked out a grocery on the Isle of Mull before we boarded the ferry. There two copies sat on the shelf! God's provision! We bought them and had him sign them. 

Region by region Mr. MacPhail shares interesting historial and modern facts about Scotland. I wish I had purchased this book in the beginning of our trip so I could consult it as we toured.

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Side-note-Here is a link to Iain's tour company-https://www.serenityscotland.co.uk/about/

The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway by Lari Don illustrated by Emilie Gill*

 I bought this Celtic folktale for my nephew and niece while visiting Scotland. I own a version of this folktale retold by Tomie DePaola and was delighted to discover a version written by a Scot. 

Two giants agree to fight it out to prove who is the mightiest. Of course, an intelligent wife saves the day! An entertaining tale!

 Unfortunately, our group was unable to visit Fingal's Cave and Staffa where this story takes place because of high winds.

*Highly recommend.

books by Benedict Blathwayt*

 Recently my in-laws took their sons and families to Scotland/Ireland for a few weeks. The only tokens I bought while there were children's books! At a bookstore on the Isle of Skye, I was drawn to little books illustrated and written by Benedict Blathwayt. Their details and clarity appealed to me. My sister-in-law and I figured out he is the author/illustrator of the The Little Red Train books we both loved sharing with our sons when they were toddlers. Now that we have visited Scotland, I can confidently say that his illustrations depict his country well! At one point he lived on the Isle of Mull, on which we also stayed for a few days. The following two books I bought and highly recommend-

(I kept this one.)

(I gave this one to my nephew and niece.)

The Famous Authors Series-Robert Burns-DVD

 Since we will be visiting Scotland, I decided to feature this famous Scottish poet for our last "poetry cake" for the school year. This video shares about Burns's life chronologically and his progress as a poet. It does focus on his love affairs. He had a few lovers and children out of wedlock. The video itself was informative but very dry. I will not be showing this DVD to my sons. I watched it for background information for myself.

30 minutes long

-Borrowed from the library.

William Shakespeare's Macbeth retold by Bruce Coville illustrated by Gary Kelley*

 Macbeth, a Scottish warrior, murders many individuals to secure the kingship. This tale reveals the lure of power.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

In a Time of Distance & Other Poems by Alexander McCall Smith

 Mr. Smith, a Scottish writer, has written many novels/series. This collection of poems was a recent writing endeavor.  He writes about a variety of topics, including many poems about his beloved Scotland. Based on some topics and also some lines in his poems, I can conclude I don't agree with him politically, morally, and spiritually.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Sunday Philosophy Club-An Isabel Dalhousie Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith

 I have read some of Mr. McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. When I saw this series at the library and that it took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, I eagerly checked it out. Although I enjoyed reading it, I was surprised the direction it traveled. The word "philosophy" in the title should have dispelled me of my notions. It focused more on Isabel, an editor for a philosophy magazine, and her philosophical musings about her life and choices mankind makes than the actual mystery. The plot gathers its energy from the mystery but more time is focused on Isabel's thoughts and her relationship with her niece Cat and Cat's ex-boyfriend Jamie.

After a concert, Isabel watches a young man fall from the gods to his death. His face passes her face as he falls. Feeling it is her moral obligation to figure out why he fell, she uncovers inside trader dealings. The ending is a surprise and makes one think (naturally, since our main character is a philosopher!). Not your typical mystery!!

-Borrowed from the library.

Consider: Nothing explicit but -Isabel mentions same-sex attraction, she catches one young character emerging from the bedroom of his female housemate, naked, mentions men having relationships with young men, infidelity

Hostage Lands by Douglas Bond*

 When Neil Perkins discovers a spearhead and writing tablets on his property, he develops a deeper appreciation for his family's land.  With the help of his Latin teacher, he translates the tablets. He enters the world of Rusticus, a Roman centurion and Calum, a Celt who loves Christus.  The story takes place near Hadrian's Wall during the third century.

An exciting book to read while studying this time in history.

*Highly recommend for supplemental history reading and for those who love adventure and history.

-Borrowed from a friend.