Scotland

Two kids find a strange egg on the beach, and when it hatches, they hide it in the bathtub. But their grandfather knows the little beastie is going to grow quite large, too large for a bathtub, the goldfish pond, even the local loch. A funny, warm-hearted Loch Ness monster adventure from author Dick King-Smith. (Chapter book)

Delightful tale of the Loch Ness monster, and a little girl who doesn’t like to eat her oatmeal, the national breakfast food of Scotland. Just how did Nessie arrive in Loch Ness, and what are the children of Loch Ness secretly tossing into the lake? A whimsical, original story! (Picture book)

Illustrated biographies of two legendary heroes of Scotland – William Wallace led the Scots to victory at Stirling Bridge (but was later betrayed); the warrior king Robert the Bruce battled the English and trounced them at Bannockburn. Good for older kids. (Illustrated chapter books)

On a remote Scottish Island, Archie Stringweed has the ability to break curses, and once again there's unusual occurances. Aided by his Uncle Rufus, eight talismen and two mysterious green stones, can Archie fight the creatures of the deep ocean and a curse in the form of a gigantic wind? An adventure fantasy with wonderful local color. (Chapter book)

Tuck this classic adventure into your luggage – teenager David Balfour is kidnapped by his evil uncle, put onto a ship bound for America, but he escapes and hikes back across Scotland to reclaim his inheritance. (Chapter book)

The ancient sword of Robert the Bruce has been stolen from an exhibition at Dunnottar Castle. Super sleuth Agatha and her cousin Dash are hot on the trail, searching the castle for clues, and uncovering the thief. (Chapter book)

When Emily and Jessup's family inherits a crumbling castle on Lismore Island in the middle of Loch Linnhe, the kids encounter the Boggart, a gleeful spirit that flitters about, likes bacon and sausage, and plays tricks before breakfast. (Chapter book)

Delightful story of how bagpipes might have been invented. Every night Charlie McCandlewick collects up bogles (all the things that knock, bump, wail and whisper in your house) and puts them in a thistle cloth bag. The bogles can't escape, but they make a lot of noise ... and Charlie creates something special. (Picture book)

Rollicking Scottish folktale, "There was a wee house in the heather …" And into the house, filled with ten kids, comes a tailor, a sailor, four peat-cutters, a shepherd lad, a bagpiper, all singing and dancing until ... something happens. (Picture book)

Adventures of 18th century folk hero Roy Roy MacGregor, who defied the powerful Duke of Montrose, kidnapped rent collectors, rustled cattle, was imprisoned but always escaped, and shared his ill-gotten gains with the poor. Good for older kids. (Illustrated chapter book)

Read about the adventures of Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) in his attempt to win Scotland from the English. It starts out well, but then his army is crushed at Colloden and Charlie has to escape across the Highlands. (Illustrated chapter book)

Humorous illustrated history of Scotland, from Skara Brae, to the Romans, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, plus castles, legends, and famous figures. (Picture book)

For older kids (boys especially), Horrible Histories: Scotland

Scotland from A to Z in quick rhymes and fun facts – from Auld Lang Syne, clans, dances, food, landmarks, kings and queens, to Zetland, the northernmost isles. (Picture book)

Kids' guide to Edinburgh, with lots of insider secrets, fascinating facts and the nitty gritty to plan your visit. Where can you wield a broadsword, explore an underground street, clamber over a castle, fly a kite in the city center, and more? (Guidebook)

Katie goes on holiday in Scotland, starting with Loch Ness, where they meet Nessie, who decides to come along. Travel around Scotland, from the highlands to Edinburgh, where Nessie sings Scottish folksongs and they dance the Highland Fling. Delightful for younger kids. (Picture book)