As part of Faclan: The Hebridean Book Festival, a number of inspiring author talks are available for schools.
The Great Auks Great Escape by Louisa Macdougall
When a rare seabird is snatched from her ocean home, she seems destined to end her days as a museum exhibit – until the great auk befriends a young cabin boy, who sees her future differently. Can Auky and Finn outwit her captors and find a way to reclaim her freedom before it’s too late?
Inspired by real events, this story (produced entirely in the Western Isles) is set in St Kilda and around the Hebrides (including Scalpay, Staffa and Arran). Its themes include wildlife conservation (especially endangered species) unlikely friendships and local history. Louisa will introduce the great auk, a now-extinct bird that was once a feature of Britain’s coastline. She will discuss what we know (and can’t know) about the bird dubbed Scotland’s Dodo, and encourage students to imagine what it was like to meet one.
Dates: w/c 28th October
Suitable for: P2 – P5 (environmental themes suitable for whole school)
Language: English
Location: Your School
Cost: Free
Louisa Macdougall is the author of three children’s fiction books: Rory and the Snack Dragons, The Great Auk’s Great Escape and The Highland Cowgirl (both picture books). Her writing has been shortlisted for the Kelpies, Writing Magazine and Searchlight prizes. Louisa’s stories, aimed at children of primary-school age, feature adventures and friendships and are inspired by family life and Scotland’s landscape and heritage. She lives on the Isle of Harris. Louisa’s events aim to inspire and celebrate reading for pleasure.
To book a talk in your school, email moira@anlanntair.com
Faclan Òga is supported by the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Fund