'The castles of Scotland are storied places – literally – as we learn from Theresa Breslin's engaging narrative in An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Castle Legends, with dramatic pictures by Kate Leiper. A map at the beginning, inset with monochrome paintings, gives us a glimpse of the real places that have given rise to fantastic yarns about goblins, dragons and the seal-creatures known as selkies, but also to human-scale tales involving faithful dogs, cow thieves and identical twins of unusual sagacity.'
– The Wall Street Journal
'The book's elegant design enhances the reading experience, while the artwork creates strong, enduring images of the people and creatures in the stories. Created primarily with chalk pastels and enhanced with ink and acrylic paint, the illustrations create scenes with unusual clarity, beauty, and mystery... In a time when few new books of legends are published for children, it's a pleasure to find such a beautiful collection of riveting stories.'
– Booklist
'A map of Scotland with images of the castles appears at the beginning of the book, followed by 11 tales, fluidly told and stunningly illustrated in a large format. The artwork is done in acrylic and ink with pastel on paper and adds detail and visual interest to propel readers forward. This handsome volume will be an appealing addition to libraries as both source material for programs and for individuals to read and share.'
– School Library Journal
'An exciting collection of deliciously spooky legends associated with no fewer than thirteen ancient Scottish castles... [It] unfolds with luscious authentic illustrations and is told in delightful traditional style... A beautiful children's classic that will cause readers to dream hopefully of visiting all the mystical castles and sites in Scotland associated with these magical tales.'
– Midwest Book Review
'Each tale is beautifully illustrated with drawings on every page done in chalk pastel on paper with occasional use of ink and acrylic paint... The tales are absolutely fascinating including dragons, Monsters (Loch Ness), Selkies, Goblins, Faeries and more. A brief history of each castle is provided before the tale providing an enriching background...'
– Youth Services Book Review
'The illustrations are mesmerising... Simply stunning.'
– Catherine Rayner
'A glorious collection of traditional stories. The perfect gift.'
– Vivian French
Praise for An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales and An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures:
'A sublime collection of folk stories... Theresa Breslin's pristine, sparkling retellings are accompanied by enchanting illustrations from Kate Leiper.'
– The Guardian
'A delightful and varied collection of stories from all over Scotland. Theresa Breslin's style is so compelling and chatty that you feel she is sitting in the room with you, telling you her favourite tales of kelpies and brownies, talking birds, sheepdogs and selkies. And Kate Leiper's illustrations are stunning. This is a beautiful book, which will be treasured by children in Scotland and far afield.'
– Julia Donaldson
'This is a rare delight; a harmonious braiding of pitch-perfect storytelling with illustrations of breathtaking elegance and integrity. Every home should have at least one copy.'
– Debi Gliori
'This is a lovely book enhanced with the most beautiful illustrations. Folk stories have not lost their appeal in the modern world – it is books like this that will keep them alive.'
– Alexander McCall Smith
