Shadows & Light

The smallest of three brothers, Keenan Mowat had a priceless talent: he loved the sea and the sea loved him right back. In this supernatural tale, Keenan Mowat takes on the sea. Beautifully illustrated throughout. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.

Azin and his nomadic family rely upon the Moonflowers to keep them alive. When his elders are taken ill, young Azin is left to guide the bees to these rare flowers and return with their precious honey, but he is not the only one seeking out their magic... The fifth in a series of six illustrated folk tales for children which explore the supernatural world, inspired by ancient folk tales and a love of nature. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.

Bound to serve a cruel master, Nant's curiosity never fails to get her into trouble. Her dreams of a life beyond her marshland home intensify each autumn when the silver eels return, along with her questions. Where do they come from? And where do they go? The last in a series of six illustrated folk tales for children which explore the supernatural world, inspired by ancient folk tales and a love of nature. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.

In a land where people flow between ocean and land, a seal and a fisherman sing together under a flowing moon. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine. - Lyrical text is enhanced by evocative watercolour illustrations in this heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and trust. Inspired by Selkie legends from around the world, this haunting story is part of the Shadows and Light series, ideal for mature readers who are looking for something a bit different.' BookTrust's Watery Reads for 8-12s - This is a delicate story, and in the wrong hands may be experienced as a rape and false imprisonment story. However, here is it sensitively told, with the seal woman choosing to spend time with the crofter after they have sung together under the moon. [...] The emphasis on the thoughts behind each of their actions could be used in a discussion about relationships, how people have different expectations and how far do we allow our own needs and wants to dominate relationships. The illustrations are elegant watercolours, complementing the storytelling. The stand out one for me is of two silhouette heads, placed so that they are almost heart shaped, yet looking in different directions. Pulled together by love, but their outlooks are very different.' Janet Dowling, School Library Association (65:3, Nov 2017)

Elias Martin lives a scowling, solitary life for a decade until a small, lost child wanders into his path. One in a series of tales that explore the deeper, darker side of our connection with the natural world. Be ready to feel a little bit of magic, and perhaps a few shivers down the spine.