• ‘We do heartily recommend booking Lari for online events. Kids, teachers, festival volunteers… everybody had a wonderful time taking part! It was as exciting & interactive as an in-person event. So whether you’re a school or an event organiser, go for it!’ (The Islay Book Festival, on Twitter)
• Review for The Dragon’s Hoard, on Books for Topics: This volume contains 11 illustrated retellings of sagas, which are Viking stories that are characteristically gruesome but also filled with magic and treasure. The retellings in this collection are engaging, exciting and well pitched for KS2. The book contains colour illustrations and extra information pages that explain the history behind the Viking Sagas and how they come to be remembered today.
• Review for The Tall Tale of the Giant’s Causeway, on Book Craic: ‘a brilliantly told, funny tale of boastfulness, trickery and foolhardiness that is guaranteed to have young readers giggling along’
• Review for The Legend of the First Unicorn: “Lari Don has a particular talent for building fresh and exciting stories on the foundations of folklore (the Legend of the Loch Ness Monster was a similarly skilful piece of work) and this story feels wonderfully familiar, even as you itch to discover what happens next. There’s plenty of magic, but it’s old-style Scottish magic, without any pink glitter, and all the more potent for it.” Roaring Reads, read the full review
• “Have just read “Serpents & Werewolves“, stories about shapeshifters from around the world, rewritten for modern young minds. Highly recommended” Reader on Twitter
• 5 star review for Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster: ‘Author Lari Don tells a magical tale that has the cadence and all the earmarks of an ancient myth using a monster that will be familiar to most youngsters as the basis. The gorgeous illustrations by Nataśa Ilinčić will carry young readers to the British Isles through enchanting drawings that are filled with charming details. This is a real winner.’
  Manhattan Book Review, read full review here
• “Your Spellchasers series is my favourite series, and Book 3 is now my favourite book in the whole world.” P5 boy, in letter from primary school in Falkirk
• “Lari Don has gathered together a spellbinding collection of shape-shifter tales from across the globe, and retold them with wonderful brevity and zest, making this perfect both for dipping into, and a collection that readers will want to return to again and again… A collection as good and well-told as this will bring out the storyteller in everyone!” From lovereading4kids review of Serpents & Werewolves. Full review here
• ‘I would like to tell you that I love your books especially the Spellchasers trilogy. They’re so exciting and they take me on magical adventures, I have learned lots about mythical creatures that I didn’t even know had been invented (Dryads, Sphinxes and Kelpies).You inspire me to do lots of reading and come up with my own ideas for stories. I hope to be a Scottish author just like you when I am older. You are an amazing author.’ (a primary pupil in Edinburgh)
• First Aid for Fairies: ‘a very enjoyable read, thank you! My daughter devoured it in one evening, and has been hunting out Wolf Notes in the library to find out what happens next!’ (a parent on Instagram)
• The Tale of Tam Linn: ‘Lari Don does a beautiful job of simply retelling this classic Scottish tale, and the illustrations by Philip Longson stir the imagination. A treasure … a small portal to Celitc folklore…’ (review on instagram)
• a mum (on instagram) about the Fabled Beast Chronicles: ‘My daughter’s favourites. We’ve just finished the Spellchasers series, so she wants to reread fabled beasts at bedtime for the third time. Thankfully mummies can enjoy them just as much!’
• ‘I can’t recommend “First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts” by @LariDonWriter highly enough. My eldest daughters favourite series when she was younger. A real gem, and it made her want to move to Scotland!’ (a dad on Twitter)
• a dad after a Spellchasers library event: ‘My boys had the “best day ever.” Thank you for the stories.’ (on Twitter)
• first response from a reader to Shapeshifter’s Guide to Running Away: ‘I **llllllooooovvvvvveeeeddd* it !!!!!!!!’ (on Twitter)
• first response to finishing Shapeshifter’s Guide from a bookseller who knows her young customers: ‘It’s full of so much magical imagination. I felt like I was in the magical ideas equivalent of a sweetie shop!’ (on Facebook)
• I am 11 years old and love to read and write! I absolutely adore your series First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts!! Its an awesome series! I love Lee’s and Helen’s characters! The way you write makes that series come alive!!! (keen reader, by email)
• Hi lari just read mind blind it was amazing well done ! (Teenage reader, via Facebook)
• First Aid for Fairies review “The pace is fast and adventurous whilst giving you a chance to get to know the characters and the stakes get higher as we find out more about the quest that Helen is being drawn into. It’s a book that has entertained two full grown adult-type people, an eight year old, and even a five year old …  and it’s been a joy to read the dialogue as well. I can’t recommend this book enough.” from this lovely blog post, about a family reading on holiday rather than watching telly!
• I love all the first aid for fairies series and thank you very much indeed for writing them!!!   (teenage mutant ninja turtle fan on Facebook) 
• “This is the third time I’ve seen you do a school visit and I think you are just wonderful with the children! They come away feeling inspired to read or write every time and that is no easy task, believe me!” (an Edinburgh P7 teacher)
• “@LariDonWriter Loved the Fabled Beast Chronicles and loved how Maze Running And Other Magical Missions ended, it was perfect.” reader on Twitter
• “Lari Don has gathered together a spellbinding collection of shape-shifter tales from across the globe, and retold them with wonderful brevity and zest, making this perfect both for dipping into, and a collection that readers will want to return to again and again… A collection as good and well-told as this will bring out the storyteller in everyone!” From lovereading4kids review of Serpents & Werewolves. Full review here.
• “We read this over 2 nights (3 chapters at a time).
  This was our first Animal Stories book for my 7 year old and me and we really enjoyed it. The chapters are broken up in a great way to enhance conversations of “what do you think is going to happen next?” with your child.” [A Never Trust A Tiger review on Goodreads]
• “I enjoyed reading Mind Blind @laridonwriter because it’s full of excitment. I think it’s a very good book”  @readenjoydebate [Secondary school pupil on Twitter]
• “Just to say a very BIG thank you once again for your fantastic session last night. I am always so impressed with your energy, enthusiasm, storytelling abilities and brilliant way of engaging and encouraging the children!” [Librarian, after a Serpents & Werewolves event in an Edinburgh library]
• “Thanks a million for your books finally got my 10 yr old daughter reading have to tell her lights out book down she wants to stay ahead of her teacher reading the books at school !!” [Mum on Facebook, re Fabled Beast Chronicles]
• “Don’s prose is pleasingly direct and fuss-free… “Girls, Goddesses & Giants” stands out as a book that both parent and child will be happy to return to again and again. Accessible and readable, with a host of strong female characters and a diverse, multicultural range of stories…” Full review of Girls Goddesses and Giants on the Booksquawk site
• “Dear Lari, We wanted to thank you for talking to us about your books and writing this morning. We were really inspired by your enthusiasm and you made us want to write more often. We enjoyed hearing about the myths and fables you shared with us and for letting us share our ideas too. Thank you again for a fantastic talk.” Primary 5/6 at a Perthshire primary
• “I have just finished reading Mind Blind and I am itching to know what happens to Ciaran and Lucy next? Is there going to be a second book? The book was very entertaining and I just couldn’t put it down!” (A 14 yr old reader, by email)
• “Highly recommend the fab @LariDonWriter to visit students and inspire! Wonderful speaker #WHECEnglish @scottishbktrust #livelitfunding” A Edinburgh teacher on twitter
• “Very, very exciting, and the reasons behind all this cloak and dagger stuff makes for good thinking material … This is your classical chase, but with a twist. It’s weird and dangerous, and there can be no happy ending. You still hope, though. I’d happily read more like this.” read the full Book Witch review of Mind Blind
• “I learnt to be inspired by listening to how Lari Don writes descriptively and to put my characters into my stories in more dangerous and adventurous situations. It made me feel relaxed and free, like I just wanted to run off and write anything , under a tree where no-one can see you. ”
  From a pupil’s report after I visited a school in north of England.
• Feedback from a secondary school librarian after a Mind Blind event: “It was clear to see from the enthusiasm and engagement of the pupils that it was a huge success. The pupils I spoke to at lunchtime who had been lucky enough to attend were still buzzing about it. The English teachers who were there also made very positive comments and I’m sure they will build on the experience next time they see their classes.”
• “I just finished reading mind blind it’s my favourite book!! Please write another one I need too know what happens next!!”  “mind blind would be amazing as a movie. But only if it didn’t take loads of the detail away or change it!!”  (2 tweets from ‏@MeganSmith53 )
• I thought you might like to see what my son (aged 12) thought of Mind Blind. He tore through it in a week, choosing to read it rather than play games or watch tv! “I thought the book was really good. I think the story was very tense but fast. I wanted more so could you please write a second book, to tell us what happens after the end.” [From an Edinburgh mum and her son]
• ‘I really enjoyed “Mind Blind“- the story was intriguing and kept me guessing throughout, with a constant sense of threat keeping me hooked.’ [Ginny on Goodreads]
• “The Magic Word is a wonderful book aimed at pre-school children. It is bright, colourful and … will be loved by children for its sense of fun and mischief. The illustrations are outstanding and the story exciting and interesting.” [From Samantha Grayson’s book review website, full review here]
• I just finished ‘Rocking Horse War‘ before lunch… It’s a great book. I like it just as much as the fabled beasts ones.
  [Young reader from Kinross Library]
• “We had a fantastic time on Friday, what an excellent reward for the children and the adults. Lari Don was a perfect choice. She was engaging, interesting and communicated wonderfully with the children. It is super to hear the children inspired her as I know she inspired my children, to read, to write and to use their imaginations.” [Feedback from parents after Summer Reading Challenge library event]
• “A big thanks to all the staff at the Library, and to Lari, for a fab event! We all loved it, and I’ve heard lots of positive feedback from others who attended. Lari was wonderful with the children, great interaction, and her storytelling had us all captivated!” [Feedback from parent after Summer Reading Challenge library event]
• “Myself and the kids had a great time. The children were very well behaved and I think a lot of the credit goes to Lari. To keep such a widespread age group entertained for 45mins is no mean feat. The kids are still talking about the monster story and my daughter is enjoying the novel.” [Feedback from parent after Summer Reading Challenge library event]
• Just finished @LariDonWriter’s MIND BLIND – enjoyably dark YA thriller abt murderous psychic dynasty & vengeful victim from @KelpiesTeen. VG. Really liked all the punches you didn’t pull… ‏[@ImogenRW on Twitter]
• After a Fabled Beasts library visit: The four children with me had a great time at your reading yesterday. Would highly recommend anybody that can get their kids to attend a reading by you to go as most enjoyable and great for them to see someone so enthused by writing and reading. They walked home reading the books and one of them was very late to bed last night reading first aid for fairies and other fabled beasts!!!! [Childminder from Inverclyde, on Facebook]
• After a secondary school visit: “You came to (my school) today to speak about your books and and writing. I just want to say thanks for coming and inspiring us all. I’m thinking about writing some longer stories now thanks to you and your great advice on writing. Thanks again”
• some comments after young writers’ workshops at Jupiter Artland: “Thanks to @LariDonWriter for inspiring the kids @jupiterartland – my youngest was still writing her story walking round the supermarket!”    ” (My children) had a fantastic time today. They have most definitely been inspired by you and the amazing surroundings at Jupiter Artland. (My daughter) is torn tonight…continue writing her adventure story or start reading her new novel? Decisions decisions… Thank you!”    “A massive thank you for the inspiring workshop today. (My daughter) had a wonderful time and is currently working on Chapter one of her very own book:-)”
• Never Trust a Tiger “The second book in the Animal Stories series by Barefoot Books is just like its predecessor: delightful…. another lovely read from the Animal Stories series – and far safer than rescuing your own tiger from a pit.” Full Edinburgh Book Review
• I’ve just finished Mind Blind. What can I say???? I loved it. So different to anything else I’ve ever read. Very clever, entirely compelling and I can’t wait to read the next one. In fact I would love to see more books with the same story line. Would love to know how Lucy and Bain get on. Will definitely read the next teen or adult book. Well done. Excellent. (adult reader on Facebook)

• “Pacey, compelling and mind-bending in all the right ways… it’s an excellent showcase for the new Kelpies teen list.” Keith Grey reviewing Mind Blind in the Scotsman, 5th April 2014

• I thought the book Mind Blind was fantastic. I couldn’t put it down, and I finished it last night. I loved it,and I think there should be a sequel, as you could do so much more with the characters of Ciaran Bain and Lucy Shaw. Thank you for writing this incredible novel. (Edinburgh school pupil)

• Hi! Just wanted to say that I’ve just finished MindBlind and I LOVED IT! I couldn’t put the book down (which isn’t too good considering I’m meant to be revising for my A levels haha). I really liked the characters especially how Bain wasn’t a typical ‘knight in shining armour’, how he had a lot more to him than that. So yeah I really enjoyed it, thanks! 🙂 (cookiesbeforefriends on tumblr)
• A review of The Tortoise’s Gift: “The first book in the Animal Stories series by Barefoot Books is simply delightful… It is rare to see such a great pairing of colour and text.” Read the full Edinburgh Book Review.
• an S1 girl reading Mind Blind: “Mindblind is brilliant. The storyline is amazing and I am really enjoying it. The characters are very real and I couldn’t put it down.”
• All the best with Mind Blind – it’s a great book! Loved reading it! (via Twitter)
  
• The first review of Mind Blind! “The opening part of the story is immediately captivating with the opening lines ‘ I killed a girl today, just after the school bell.’ This opener literally drags you into the story head first. ….This is a great story…with attitude, freshness and a story that teens will relate to very much … go and grab yourself a copy now.” Read Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books full review
• My 2 year old daughter is currently obsessed by your Little Red Riding Hood. I though initially it would scare her but you’ve struck the perfect balance of seriousness and humour. (via Facebook)
• Eldest and I finished Maze Running last night – SO GOOD! (via Twitter)

• I just finished reading first aid for fairies and other fabled beasts last night and I love it it’s a really great book you’re an amazing author I can’t wait to read the next book. (on facebook)
  

• So I just read @LariDonWriter‘s How To Make A Heron Happy. Loved it! Wonderful to see a Scottish picture book with a city setting.  (via Twitter)

• I’ve been reading my children your books at bedtime for the last few months and always it ends with ‘another chapter pleeeeease!’ We have fun drawing the characters and predicting the plots. We’re reading Storm Singing just now and saw a seal colony last week in a little cove – imagine their delight (From a Welsh family)
  

• Fabled Beasts series: I love your first aid for fairies and other fabled beasts series I have read them all about a million times and I almost know them word for word and I wish you would write more in this series. (a young reader from the North of England)

• I live in Australia and love your First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts books.

• He’s loving ‘First Aid‘. Reading a chapter to him in evening & he’s asking for chapter in mornings too. (via Twitter)
  

• Tam O’Shanter: Thank you so much for writing this book! As a voluntary school librarian, I am amazed at the lack of good, stirring Burns books for children seeing as we all study Burns at school. I would love to hear you read some of Tam O’Shanter! Great book, thanks again, I know the children will love it.
• This was the first review of Storm Singing that I was sent by a reader: Storm Singing is the best book in the series. Rona is in a competition and is really nervous! Helen, Yann, Lavender, Catesby and Rona all work together to try to defeat the most terrible enemies ever. Anyone who liked Wolf Notes will love Storm Singing, it’s a really exciting book with funny bits too. I can’t wait to read the fourth book now.
  From Kirsty (aged 9)
• Storm Singing:I’ m in the middle of storm singing and so far it is very good.Thankyou for writing these books, they have expired me to write my own book. from one of your biggest fans (Scottish schoolgirl)
• Storm Singing: I just finished storm singing for the second time. I still can’t get over how good it is. (reader in Linlithgow)
• First Aid for Fairies:I think First Aid for Fairies is a fabulous book and I have read it to my own sons (who loved it) and to every class I’ve taught since and raved about it to anyone who would listen or borrow it to read to their class. I’ve just found out about the sequels and ordered them too – can’t wait! I’m not surprised you won prizes from children – what a great book and SO different from anything else on offer. (mum and teacher, London)
• First Aid for Fairies: i have read first aid for fairys and it was awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It really did take me to another universe.Thats what i like in a good book. (P 6 girl, Edinburgh)
• Wolf Notes:
  Wanted to let you know I have just finished Wolf Notes and loved it cant wait to read Rocking Horse war. (N, reader)
• Rocking Horse War: I read your book Rocking horse war and loved it and wonder where you get great ideas like that? Do they just come to you or does something trigger it?(A, reader)
• Just finished The Rocking Horse war. The book was great and totally loved the ending (G, P5 pupil)
• My cousin and I have now both got rocking horse war because she was dying to get it after me telling her how good it was she wanted to read it. (LJ, primary school pupil)
• The Big Bottom Hunt “playing detectives is great fun, and the repetition of the word bottom – plus delightfully realistic pictures – provides even more merriment.” (Julia Jarman, writing in Carousel)
• How to Make a Heron Happy: “This book tells of Hamish’s efforts to cheer up the grumpy heron in his local park. While trying to cheer up the heron, lots of other wonderful things happy – they clear up litter, plant some flowers, and have a party, transforming this inner city park into an integral part of the community. I liked that as you got further into the book, more was happening in the park, which is initially desolate and unused, so I found two positive messages; the second is Hamish’s conclusion about the heron. A great story about a park.” (review in Juno magazine)
• Mountain’s Blood: Reasons for loving Inanna: if she doesn’t like something, she’ll do everything to change if. Especially if no one else cares or helps her. How evil/nasty is the enemy? From my view, the enemy (volcano) was hilarious. From Inanna’s view, it was the most disobedient thing in the world. Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Yes, they all made me laugh especially with Inanna’s attitude. One of my favourite parts was…when Inanna kept going back to her wardrobe. I give it 10/10, (Nayu’s Reading Corner)
• AUTHOR EVENTS
• Here are some comments about my author vists to schools, libraries, and anywhere else people let me share my passion for stories: 
• My daughter was very inspired by your visit and came home that night feeling very enthusiastic about writing. We went to her room and planned a structure for a story. I have never seen her so keen to write before. So thank you very much. (a mum, after a school visit)
• Thank you very much for your visit to primary 5 today. My son has not stopped talking and enthusing about your visit today. He has been so inspired by you and thoroughly enjoyed your session. It is his long term ambition to be an author, despite having dyslexia, he has even started working on a new story tonight!!thank you very much. (a mum after a school visit)
• Thankyou so much for coming out to school yesterday. Your visit was a great success, I am sure all the children, and staff, have been inspired to pick up a pencil and get writing! (a depute head in Falkirk)
• We received the feedback on stories the pupils wrote. It was wonderful – I made a big deal out of the children in front of the class. Thank you so much for taking the time to do that, it means a lot to the children and to me. (teacher in Glasgow)

Lari, my sonloved your storytelling on Friday night in Largs. He was delighted to lend his sword to you as a prop and lie at your feet. Any ability you have to make him LISTEN is an ability I too would like to master. (After evening of Viking myths in a longhouse in Largs)