First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts (Contemporary Kelpies)
'This was a very clean book, absolutely nothing inappropriate in it so parents could hand it to a young reader with no fear... The British, or Welsh, setting was very new to me and enjoyable. It seemed to be one of those books that could be read in any time---just a good, old-fashioned fantasy adventure story.' -- I Know Good Books blog 'This is a wonderful fantasy story that will be enjoyed by both children and adults ... the transition between Helen's normal world and her conversion to the land of myth and fable was spotlessly done. There was just enough wonder, quarrel and disbelief to bring me right along with her.' -- myshelf.com 'Even though this book is intended for a younger audience, the pace, writing, and content do not in any way diminish the entertainment that an older reader can get from this story!' -- NetGalley, May 2012 'Lari Don, a Leith-based professional storyteller, took the younger reader award with a tale of her own... It beat Eleventh Orphan from Joan Lingard who is regarded as the dowager queen of children's books in Scotland.' --Anne Johnstone, The Herald '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 'Lari Don is the next big thing in the world of children's books.' -- The Five Thirty Show, STV 'This book was fantastic. A wonderful fantasy story with lots of unexpected twists and turns, and fairy laws making things overcomplicated. I would recommend this to anyone in their early teens who likes a good fantasy.' -- Eleanor Williams, from Boroughmuir High School, writing for Teen Titles magazine 'It is a world where anything can happen - where centaurs roam, dragons fly and evil enemies must be defeated.' -- Linda Summerhayes, The Edinburgh Evening News 'I'm not quite sure what age group this is aimed at (probably young teenagers), but take my word for it, grandmothers will love it too! ... Sometimes comic, sometimes sad, but always full of excitement.' -- Stewart Peterson, The Greenock Telegraph '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. The author, a professional storyteller, and the publishing company are both Scottish and the setting of present day Scotland perfectly complements a story with folkloric elements. 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.' -- Sue Roe, The School Librarian 'I really enjoyed the book overall and I believe that it would be a great book for older kids 10+ to read, but I also think it would be a good aloud book perfect for bedtime ... I liked the sense of adventure and I love how the author wove scottish folklore into the story and made it accessible for younger readers/listeners ... this was a well written book that I would recommend parents to buy.' -- Turning the Pages blog 'First Aid for Fairies is appealing on a number of levels. It is a fantasy adventure but introduces young readers to traditional Scottish mythological characters, and explores some of the Scottish countryside as well. And while Helen is surrounded by creatures of magic, she herself is solidly grounded in science and reality, heals based on the advice from books, and is usually the voice of reason and good sense. She's a good character for her young readers to relate to, because the choices she makes are so well-considered, and every decision comes with a lesson/consequence that isn't so heavy-handed that it will be ignored. On the publisher's website, the book is considered to be an 8-12 reader; but there is no reason to limit readership to an age-group. Consumers of good vs evil quest-style fairy tale and fantasy will find the unexpected on every page, and love this book regardless of age.' -- Novelspot 'The story is both an interesting and informative one ... Young readers will be absorbed in the adventure, and they may just learn a thing or two about real friendship.' -- Indie Reader Houston blog