The Tale of Tam Linn

The story of Tam Linn, who was stolen by the Fairy Queen as a boy, and Janet, who saves him, is my favourite Scottish fairy tale. Several storylines in the Fabled Beast Chronicles were inspired by elements of this traditional tale: by the fairies’ habit of stealing human children, by Janet’s bravery and by the shapeshifting magic of the Fairy Queen, and it’s also why Helen lives in the Borders, near where Tam Linn is set. I love this story, and it’s so important to me and the adventures I imagine, that I was honestly quite nervous about turning it into a picture book. But I am delighted that Philip Longson’s incredible pictures reflect all the magic and darkness and enchantment of the story I try to tell. This is a stunning book, and I am so proud of it. (Mainly because my words are almost irrelevant next to the strength of Philip’s artwork! Wait until you see the snake page, or the fairy army marching…) Aimed at slightly older children than the cheerful daftness of The Magic Word, The Big Bottom Hunt and my other Picture Kelpies, I hope the Tale of Tam Linn will introduce children (and adults ) to this incredible story.

Here’s a fascinating blog post about how picture books are created by the designer and the illustrator, with some early Tam Linn illustrations.