This is a tale about elderly men trout fishing on the Island of North Uist.
I have hoped to catch the Hebridean ‘lilt’ in my words.
It is suitable for older children of all ages.
It complements another tale called “Murphy’s Midnight Manuevers” about two dogs.
If you find yourself on North Uist do try “Langass Lodge” for excellent food and comfortable friendly accommodation.
This is a simple tale of a Labrador called Murphy.
Murphy is led astray, by another dog called The Corgi, who is his brother.
It is set on the Island of North Uist, where I go fishing each June.
It complements another different tale, also set on North Uist, called “Three Men and a Minnow”.
Both stories are suitable for children of all ages.
I unreservedly recommend “Langass Lodge” as the place to stay/eat, if you are in this area.
Some years ago we were in Milngavie Precinct near the Children’s Play Park.
Kirsty our friend Jo’s daughter, and Molly her grand -daughter, were already there.
Margaret chatted to Kirsty about the new baby (Emily) soon to arrive.
I had a long conversation with three-year-old Molly about her taste in Stories and about the Stories read to her at Nursery.
“It always about silly Frogs who turn into silly Princes,” Molly opined.
“Will I write you a story about a real Frog?”
Molly thought about it, then agreed. I suggested Frederica. Again she thought about it.
‘“Frederica the Frog? Will she be a real Frog?”
The story more of less wrote itself.
Margaret has hacked bits off it over the years but I warn you, it is still too long!
This exists in print form (A4 in colour). If you wish a copy, fill in the contact from with your request. I will be happy to send you a copy, if you are not too expensive to reach!
Here are three songs for children to sing or have sung to them.
The original version was written for our Grandson Matthew.
This version is for all children, everywhere.
This is another Ode.
We heard a ‘ding-dong’ from the delivery man.
“Would you take this for next door, please?”
Laura, Ruaridh and Anya came for the huge box.
“It’s a Bumblebee outfit, John,” said the glamorous Laura.
“Ruaridh’s class is having a Mini-Beastie Party tomorrow.”
This was written originally for our grandson Matthew, modified to be suitable for both Matthew and Ethan.
It was written in Keswick, in 2011, when we were on holiday, in our caravan.
It seems we must have come across some pigs.
I do really love pigs. They are so smart, so energetic, when they are not sleeping.
This is a story about a little field mouse called Topolina and a big black Farm cat called Nerone.
The action occurs on the evening of Halloween.
It is set in Italy, I think, but it could be Scotland.
It started as a much longer, more complicated tale.
This version is ‘much trimmed’, revised again on 1 April to include more images and a tighter script.
Hopefully it will serve as a ‘read to’ bedtime story for younger children, say aged 4 to 6?
Perhaps as a self-reader for those aged 6 or 7 plus?
I will soon be available in hard copy. Contact me if you wish a copy.
Normally this will be provided free of charge.
This was written for Julia Ailsa, daughter of Francesca my long-suffering Italian tutor.
It is a Birthday Party Story, intended to be read aloud by parents and grandparents.
This was written for Julia Ailsa who is the daughter of Francesca, my long-suffering Italian tutor of many years.
It is intended as a Bedtime Story read aloud by a parent or grandparent.
Julia Ailsa is now (March 2015) two and three-quarter years old and is already tri-lingual, English, Italian and French!
Maybe soon she will read this story to me!
A favourite walk of ours is along the River Allander, heading from Milngavie to Dobbie’s Garden Centre and their cheese scones.
One day we met Stephen and his Dad with their Dalmation called Dupree, (a name made famous by the film “Dupree and Me”).
Stephen was racing Dupree, training for his school’s sports day.
My brother Brian has a Whippet called Bonnie.
As far as I know, Dupree and Bonnie have only met on the pages of this little tale.
Suitable for children of all ages.
(1600 words, 8 mins, good for a bedtime tale?)