Perhaps you’re planning a family trip to visit some of Scotland’s world famous sites and monuments. Or maybe you’ll be joining Nessie hunters, Kelpie spotters, campers and cyclists in the great Scottish outdoors as you venture further afield. How soon after you’ve started the engine will the kids be asking ‘Are we there yet?’ Cue Kelpies HQ to the rescue with a stack of brand new bumper boredom-busting, all-engrossing books; the perfect antidote to those long journeys this summer.

A Super Scotland Activity Book

The companion to A Super Scotland Sticker Book is the latest instalment in the Kelpies World range of fun and engaging Scottish activity books for children takes young readers on a whirlwind tour of Scotland and Scottish culture. From dot to dot and spot the difference, to colouring in and word searches, the new activity book can help teach kids about Scottish food, animals and even Scots words. Readers can walk the corridors of Edinburgh Castle, visit the pandas in Edinburgh Zoo and climb aboard Glasgow’s Tall Ship in the Clyde. They can plot their way round Glasgow and get up close and personal with one of George Square’s majestic lions. And the book looks far beyond the cities too, taking readers to Loch Ness in the Trossachs, up around the North Coast 500 and even as far as Skara Brae.

Discover more about Barcelona-based illustrator Susana Gurrea in our #FlorisDesign interview here.

The Treasure of the Loch Ness Monster

Nessie hunters on a pilgrimage to Loch Ness can whet their appetite with this new monster story inspired by local folklore. Children can join Ishbel and Kenneth as they set sail across the loch in search of hidden treasure under Urquhart Castle. Will they find the fabled treasure or something more ancient living in the depths of the loch? This stunning picture book from award-winning author Lari Don features Nataša Ilinčić’s atmospheric illustrations of the Scottish Highlands.

Young monster spotters can enter our Map My Monster art competition to win a bundle of signed books! Visit our blog to find out how to enter.

Mary, Queen of Scots: Escape from Lochleven Castle

For those heading east to Perth and Kinross journey back in time with our latest Traditional Scottish Tale. The true story of the daring escape of Mary, Queen of Scots from the island castle in Loch Leven will captivate young readers as they feel the tension of Mary’s imprisonment and the excitement of her escape plans, gaining insight into this fascinating period of Scottish history.

Museum Mystery Squad and the Case of the Roman Riddle

The Squad are back in the latest Roman-related case as they investigate ancient treasure, mystery mosaics and suspicious centurions. Perfect for amateur sleuths, this fun series charts the many baffling and bewildering cases a junior detective squad must solve when faced with mysterious happenings at their local museum. Mike Nicholson, teamed with Mike Phillips’ animated illustrations, blow the (metaphorical) cobwebs off the museum glass and reveal the hidden potential for adventure, excitement and discovery that lies in every museum. Packed with fun quizzes and activities to test your knowledge between the chapters, these books will engage from the first page to the last.

Teachers looking for a fun way to introduce the Romans to their class can check out our Roman Riddle Features for Teachers Resources.

Wee Granny’s Magic Bag and the Pirates

Climb aboard the ferry to Arran, or in this case a pirate ship, in the latest adventure from the hugely popular Wee Granny’s Magic Bag series! Join Wee Granny as she sets sail on the big blue sea, picnics on the beach and helps a band of pirates hunt for buried treasure. A perfect read for any family heading to the Scottish seaside this summer, the book is a tartan-Jolly Rodger mash-up with plenty of fun for pirates and landlubbers alike.

For more location-based Kelpies books check out our interactive map.