Scots books for bairns

There has been a real focus on the Scots language over the past few years in Scotland, particularly after the introduction of the Scots Language Policy(this will open in a new window) by the Scottish Government. The aim of this policy is to raise the profile of the language in Scotland and to eliminate the misconception that Scots is simply slang, as well as to preserve it for future generations. Scots is perfect for children’s picture books as it lends itself really well to rhythm and rhyme. From the traditional to the modern, these Scots gems will inspire adults and engage wee ones, fostering a love of books and self-expression.

James Robertson Karen Sutherland Matthew Fitt Robert Burns Rabbie's Rhymes: Burns for Wee Folk

This is a great one to start with, featuring snippets of well-known Burns verses including Ca the Yowes, Ye Banks and Braes, and Auld Lang Syne. Its bright, bold illustrations are perfect for engaging young babies and children. Currently out of stock, but well worth checking out of your local library!

James Robertson Karen Sutherland Katie's Coo: Scots Rhymes for Wee Folk.

Learn some of our favourite Bookbug Session rhymes with this sturdy board book for little ones. Classics like Wee Willie Winkie, Three Craws and Katie Bairdie are brought to life with bright colourful illustrations. This is perfect for families who are keen to introduce children to the Scots language in a fun way – and you can find many of the rhymes in the Bookbug Song and Rhyme Library if some of the words are new to you!

Kathryn Selbert Ally Bally Bee

We love how this traditional Scots song – and Bookbug Session favourite – has been reimagined in book format for little ones. Children can lift the flaps as you sing along, revealing what little teddy is getting up to on each page. There’s so much to discover in the illustrations, and it’s a perfect one for bedtime too if you sing along in a calm, soothing voice.

Axel Scheffler James Robertson Julia Donaldson The Gruffalo in Scots

Everybody loves The Gruffalo and now there’s a wonderful Scots translation for children and families to enjoy! Join wee Moose as he takes a dauner through the deep, mirk widd and eventually comes face to face with the hungry Gruffalo. As with Julia Donaldson's originals, this is fantastic for reading aloud and lends itself perfectly to sharing with groups of children, as well one-to-one.

James Robertson Julia Donaldson Lydia Monks Whit The Clockleddy Heard

We think this retelling of What the Ladybird Heard in Scots is just magical! The language is rich and flows beautifully, making it an ideal choice to read aloud or even to a baby before birth. And it’s a great way for little ones to learn the Scots words for familiar farm animals – including a hairy grumphie, a wee dug, and a braw prize coo! The illustrations are vibrant and young children will have great fun trying to find the wee glittery clockleddy on every page.

Judith Kerr Susan Rennie The Teeger that Cam for his Tea

If you're a fan of classic picture books, you will love this brilliant translation of Judith Kerr's original. Rennie brings the book to life with her lively Scot's twist on the original, and her 'muckle, furry, strippit teeger' is as adorable (and hungry) as ever.

Robert Burns Ruschi Mhasane My Luve's Like A Red, Red Rose

Burns's original poem is retold as a celebration of the love between a mother and her daughter in this traditionally illustrated picture book. Young children, and even babies, respond well to the sound of poetry or verse because of its sense of rhythm and rhyme. Babies in the womb also find it easier to hear rhyming texts so this is a lovely book to share with your baby bump.

Karen Sutherland Susan Rennie Animal ABC

We love this book for its playfulness and celebration of the Scots language! With alliterative phrases for each letter of the alphabet,it’s perfect for introducing young children to lots of new words in a fun, engaging way. Before too long, little ones will be repeating the phrases – and even making up their own sentences in Scots!

Where to buy

Pick up these books through our bookshop.org affiliation! As well as supporting independent bookshops, a small portion of the profits helps our programmes to change more lives through reading and writing.

Kate McLelland Rebecca Colby There Was a wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie

We love the Scottish twist that’s given to this much-loved rhyme for children. Introduce little ones to the world of Scottish wildlife with puffins, trouts, Scotties and the squidgy midgie in this great rhyming story full of fun and Scottish humour.

Matthew Fitt A Wee Book O Fairy Tales in Scots

Six of our most well-known fairy tales are brought to life in Scots in this short collection for slightly older children. Snaw White, Wee Reid Ridin Hood and Rumplestiltskin are amongst the selected stories that have been translated – each one showcasing the richness and diversity of the Scots language.

Susi Briggs William Gorman Wheesht!

Shug the dug loves tae sing – and thinks he's a fantoosh singer! But his family don't always agree, though they love him. They tell him to haud his wheesht, but Shug doesn't understand. This delightful picture book is bound to have grown ups and little ones laughing along together, and the repetitive, rhyming text lends itself well to learning lots of new Scots words, with the help of a brilliant glossary at the back.

James Robertson The Boy and the Bunnet

Get set for an adventure of the Scottish kind in this lyrical Scots story about a wee boy called Neil who lives in a wee white hoose wi his gran. Featuring a host of traditional Scottish animals - including a shy, sleekit Selkie and a muckle, handsome Stag - this imaginative tale has humour and peril in equal measure. (Watch out for the mysterious Urisk, lurking in the forest!) With a musical influence and plenty of Scots words for wee ones to pick up, this is a true celebration of the Scottish landscape, wildlife and language.

Claire Keay Mike Nicholson Thistle Street

This bright and bustling picture book is a great way for wee ones to pick up new Scots words. With bright illustrations that show off all the vibrance of a local community, you'll love to pick out all the little details on each page with children – and they'll love to point out all the characters they meet along the way.

Kathryn Selbert Ye Cannae Shove Yer Granny Off A Bus

Why not? Cause she's yer mammy's mammy, of course! The traditional Scots rhyme adored by children and grown ups alike at our Bookbug Sessions is brought to life magically in this stunning wee board book. With fun interactive elements for little hands, and bright colourful illustrations on each page, toddlers will love discovering new ways to engage with this book. Try pushing granny with the moveable sliding parts, or lift the flaps - the opportunities for fun are endless!