Reviews and News

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News

First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts has just been shortlisted for the Royal Mail Awards, the biggest children’s book award in Scotland, in which thousands of Scottish children get to vote for their favourite book! If you want more details about the awards, go to www.scottishbooktrust.com/royalmailawards (and if you want to see the cover of First Aid for Fairies with the rest of the shortlist, click on Shortlisted Books.)

I've just finished the sequel to First Aid for Fairies. It's called Wolf Notes and Other Musical Mishaps, and it will be published at the end of June. I've also just written a very gory retelling of Tam O'Shanter, which will be published in July. Watch this page for Wolf Notes or Tam O'Shanter events in your area this summer and autumn. And if you want me to visit your local school, library, or bookshop, please get in touch: www.laridon.co.uk

Events diary

Tuesdays 8th and 15th September
Electric Tales
I’ll be taking part in a project linking storytelling with stand-up comedy
(and I suspect the joke will be on me…)
This is NOT an event suitable for children!
8th September 8.30pm
The Stand, York Place, Edinburgh
Tickets from 0131 558 7272
15th September 7.30pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh
Tickets from 0131 556 9579
www.electrictales.com

Saturday 26th September
Dundee Reads!
Steps Theatre, Central Library, Dundee
Storytelling and book readings, with plenty of wolves, dragons, monsters and magic 2.30 pm
Further information soon

A few reviews and comments on the book:

This is an enjoyable fast-paced yarn … The diverse characters and exciting storyline will enthrall readers who like animals and magic.
BookFest 2008 Recommended Reading Guide

Strong characterisation, wry humour and Helen's robustly practical attitude to the fabled creatures she encounters add up to a refreshingly different quest tale.
The Scotsman, Spring Books Review

This book was fantastic. A wonderful fantasy story with lots of unexpected twists and turns… I would recommend this to anyone in their early teens who likes a good fantasy.
Teen Titles magazine

This fantasy adventure story moves along at a fast pace and the introduction of traditional folklore into a modern setting works well thanks to a range of appealing characters grounded by down to earth, practical Helen. This book should appeal to those 8+ fans of fairy and animal stories who are ready to move on from series reading to something more substantial. The passing reference to those English fairies who only want to work with rainbows will make some readers smile.
The School Librarian

Lari, your book was great and I went through it so fast I did not know how fast!
[AS, Edinburgh]

I love the book. There aren't many fairies and it can be enjoyed by boys just as much as girls! I was absolutely spellbound!
[VR, Edinburgh]

I was both gripped and entertained by this book. It takes Scottish locations, fables and beasts and brings them into a 21st century context. This is not girly fairy stuff, but proper mythical creatures and good adventure.
[JA in Elgin]

What some primary school pupils in the Borders said:
I thought your book was eleven out of ten

Thank you for reading your book. It was good because it was exciting. I like the snakes.

It was very cool.

And what a couple of Scottish teachers say:
Thank you so much for coming to our school. The children really enjoyed your visit and you were the talk of the dining room!

I know the kids just loved it! They were buzzing for the rest of the day ....the story so far is exciting and magical, and we are trying to work out the clues...

If you have read the book, and would like to let other people know what you thought of it; if you have been at one of my events; or if you have heard me tell stories, please email me with any comments, and I will try to post them on this page.

First Aid For Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts on STV

STV's The 5.30 Show takes a look at First Aid for Fairies and other Fabled Beasts. It's 3 minutes in so please be patient.
Play Video »

Events

Saturday 5th September
Braidburn Park, Edinburgh
Community fundraising event for Friends of Braidburn Valley Park
Wolf Notes storytelling
2.15 pm – stories for all ages
3.00 pm – stories for over 8 years

Tuesdays 8th and 15th September
Electric Tales
I’ll be taking part in a project linking storytelling with stand-up comedy
This is NOT an event suitable for children!
8th September 8.30pm
The Stand, York Place, Edinburgh
Tickets from 0131 558 7272
15th September 7.30pm
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh
Tickets from 0131 556 9579
www.electrictales.com

Saturday 26th September
Dundee Reads!
Steps Theatre, Central Library, Dundee
Storytelling and book readings, with plenty of wolves, dragons, monsters and magic 2.30 pm
Further information soon

view all events »

Ridling Workshop

Imagine trying to answer a riddle, knowing that your life depends on getting the answer right! Many traditional stories (and First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts) contain riddles that the heroine or hero has to answer to get out of danger or win their heart's desire. I wonder if you can answer my favourite riddles, and what fiendish mind-twisting riddles we can create together.
Find out more »

Fabled Beasts

The young fabled beasts and the terrifying villain in First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts were inspired by ancient myths and legends. I can tell those fabulous old stories, and inspire you to dream up your own legendary beasts.
Find out more »

Traditional Storytelling

Tam Linn is a wonderful Scottish fairy tale from the Borders, which inspired a night-time battle in First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts. I can tell you the story of Tam Linn, but I can also tell stories from all parts of Scotland. I might even have one or two from your area!
Find out more »

Contact Me

please contact me »
I will respond as quickly as I can.

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