A few reviews and comments on the book:
Edinburgh writer Lari Don's debut novel has the intriguing title First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts. It's a fantasy adventure populated by centaurs, mermaids and fairies, that remains firmly rooted in reality as it whisks the reader from the Borders to Orkney and back to Edinburgh's underground streets. Helen's mother is a vet, but Helen knows too much about the "mud, blood and dung" side of the profession to want to follow in her footsteps. However, when a boy centaur with a nasty leg wound turns up in her garden, her natural curiosity and compassion lead her to help him and his companions in their search for a precious magical book - before it falls into the clutches of the Master of the Maze. Strong characterization, wry humour and Helen's robustly practical attitude to the fabled creatures she encounters, add up to a refreshingly different quest tale.
[Scotsman - spring children's book review]
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]
A rattling good yarn, sparely and cleanly written. Will read aloud well too. As a grannie I particularly liked that fears, wounds, and disappointments weren't mendaciously smoothed out but validated, and that the fact that choices and actions always have consequences is very gently but firmly made. Children will love this book because, although set in a fantasy scenario, it is about the real world which they are desperate to understand. The historical and geographical facts are spot on and showcase the real Scotland. And it's hugely entertaining!
More, please, Lari?
[RM, Perthshire]
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.
News
I am doing lots of events to introduce First Aid for Fairies, so if you want to hear me read from the book, and tell some stories connected to it, then ask me questions, here are a few of the things I am doing:
Author events:(for ages 8-12 years)
Saturday 30th August
Penicuik Arts Festival
Meet Fabled Beasts in the Yurt!
11.30 am and 1.30 pm
in the Yurt at Penicuik Pottery,
Valleyfield House, 17 High St
Details from:
www.makers.org.uk/penicuik/festival2008
Saturday 27th September
Boat of Garten Book Festival
Saturday 27th September
Saturday 5th October
Wigtown Book Festival
12 noon
Fairies and Fabled Beasts in a Marquee
Tickets and details from:
www.wigtownbookfestival.com
Storytelling events:
(for all the family)
Saturday 30th August
Penicuik Arts Festival
10.30 am - Trickster Tales and Riddling;
12.30 pm - Heroines, Heroes and Villains
in the Yurt at Penicuik Pottery,
Valleyfield House, 17 High St
Further details: www.makers.org.uk/penicuik/festival2008
Boat of Garten Book Festival
Family storytelling
Saturday 27th September
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 »
Forthcoming Events
PENICUIK ARTS FESTIVAL
Saturday 30th August
10.30 am - Trickster Tales and Riddling;
11.30 am - Meet Fabled Beasts in the Yurt!
1.30 pm - Meet Fabled Beasts in the Yurt!
All in the Yurt at Penicuik Pottery, Valleyfield House, 17 High St
Details from: www.makers.org.uk/penicuik/
festival2008
view all events »
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 »
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 legendary beasts.
Find out more »
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 »
