Reviews of Bramble and Coultoon: Their Sky Dragon Adventure
------------------------------------------------
Claire Ballantyne's review from the Ileach newspaper;
Bramble and Cultoon were introduced to us in Catherine Wilson and Ruth MacLean's previous picture book 'Their Hebridean Adventure'. They return in a new story 'Their Sky Dragon Adventure'. The imaginative use of different textures of paper produces charming and atmospheric pictures which engage the reader and companion immediately. The naive and simplistic medium used to create the illustrations are reflected by the text, which relates the story of the curious ponies and their kind response to the predicament of a Sky Dragon in distress and breathes life into a new myth.
------------------------------------------------
Ciara Irving of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada age 5 says;
I wanted to tell you I love your story "Bramble and Coultoon, Their Sky Dragon Adventure". I loved the adventures that the ponies took. How nice it was that they took such good care of the dragon. I enjoyed the bumpy hills in the story and I liked how the dragon went back to his land. I love Bramble & Coultoon.
Thank you to the Chocolate shop in Bridgend for selling this book to my mom.
------------------------------------------------
From Margie Logan, Cupar, Fife:
Bramble and Coultoon: both books, Their Hebridean Adventure and Their Sky Dragon Adventure, are quite delightful stories, and make us all laugh, for different reasons, young and old. Charlie, my three year old Grandson, says they are his favourite books, especially Bonnie Prince Charlie, whom he is hoping to meet soon. The illustrations are so charming, and like Islay Whisky, Bramble and Coultoon have plenty of Spirit. We look forward to their next Adventure...
Well done Catherine and Ruth!
------------------------------------------------
Reviews of Bramble and Coultoon: Their Hebridean Adventure
------------------------------------------------
Anne Johnstone in The Herald 11/04/09
Two ponies from Islay set off with a tent, a kettle and a bag of peat to see what happens on the other side of Jura. They end up trotting all over the Hebrides, with some help from CalMac and a reincarnated Bonnie Prince Charlie. This quirky story is full of amusing detail. For instance, on the ferry they picnic on hay and chocolate and they make a campfire by enterprisingly striking their hooves against stones. The charming illustrations, made entirely from paper collage, are full of character. This would make a great introduction to the Hebrides for a child going on holiday there. More Bramble and Coultoon stories are planned.
Ileach Newspaper Review
by three Islay children aged 9, 11 and 13 years.
11/04/09
This is a story about two ponies, Bramble and Coultoon, who set off on
a journey. It is about their adventures together as friends, their travels,
the people they meet and their experiences along the way. They
leave their farm on Islay to decide to find out what is on the other side
of Jura. However, a small problem of getting on the wrong ferry and
... all sorts of odd things happen, including bumping into a famous
prince back in 1746.
This is a beautifully illustrated book; we really like the collage effects
and these give it a simple and colourful feeling which small children
would love to look at again and again. The book is for 5 to 7 year olds,
and a confident reader could manage it independently although some
of the words are quite difficult. It could also be read by an older sibling
or adult. The story may also be told simply as wee ones may be a bit
impatient to listen to all the words every time.
mh, mh, mh.
------------------------------------------------
Reviews of The Tail of Ailsa
Carl Reavey,
Editor of The Ileach,
"This beautifully produced little book is...accurately aimed at that most dedicated band of pet owners - the cat lover. The elegantly sparse layouts and strong, yet subtle colours of the block drawings make for a real page turner. It is a sunny book - a little ray of sunshine - a feelgood book that purrs and bounces along just like Tabitha, Marmalade, Rhubarb and of course Ailsa. Those of you who have cats will understand. Those of you who don't, should buy one for someone who does. They will thank you and perhaps try to explain..."
Victoria Murchie
The Press & Journal
"With the honourable exception of tabbys, domesticated cats tend to come in the darkest of hues, but that doesn't stop this collection of poems and illustrations from being a riot of colour.
"Seventeen years in the life of Ailsa, a spirited and inquisitive feline, are depicted in technicolour style by Canadian artist Ruth MacLean, Ailsa's adoptive owner, and Islay dwelling writer, Catherine Wilson.
"The one-time stray is shown breaking eggs, topplings vases and eaping in the shower, and her pawprints are, literally, all over this book, adorning the pages which aren't lit up by the cut-out illustrations.
"The pun in the title is, unfortunately, all too appropriate, as Ailsa lost her tail after an unexplained incident, but her zest for life was undimmed, and she had the companionship of a mate who became the father of her kittens.
"Poems about cats will always evoke thoughts of TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but while the Tail of Ailsa is rather different in essence, Ailsa's mischief and character mean she could easily slot in alongside Macavity and Mr Mistoffelees in the parade of enchanting puss poetry."
Terry Samuel
"A rare treat! Artistically and colourfully delightful. The storyline is both linear and timeless - sure to enthrall imaginative readers of all ages.
As for stars, I'd have to give Ailsa a full rating: Five stars."
Sarah, a publisher friend
"It's gone midnight and I have just realised that I did not manage to call you back today re your query. Nor have I written to thank you for the wonderful copy of the book, The Tail of Ailsa is fabulous. You have achieved something with the project - the quality of the print and design, the story and all of it. I just think you two are really onto something with this, and I hope you pursue it. Two things are rare these days in publishing - beauty and originality, and your book has both."
Mukami Ireri
Ailsa is witty, courageous, playful and loving. I recommend this book to children and adults of all ages. It will make you think, laugh out loud and thank heaven for all colours.
T.Samuel
...a marvelously captivating storyline - linear and also timeless - illustrated with artistic skill and colourful insight. A treasure for storytellers of all ages.
Johanna H. Brown
A friend introduced me to "The Tail of Ailsa", hoping I'd enjoy it. I can't thank her enough. This wonderful book, perfect for both adults and children, combines the best of visual art and verses. Each time I turned a page, I laughed with recognition - "Hey! My cat does that! And my OTHER cat does THAT!" Now, of course, I'm recommending it to all of my cat-people friends.
Matthew Williams
Bookshop Manager
Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh
"The Tail of Ailsa" is a great book for cat-lovers and art-lovers of all ages. A gallery bestseller that has been enchanting my customers and has them purring with satisfaction and delight.
Colin Duncan
"I am happy to endorse this book. I read it on my own - without the help of my children! It is delightful. I chose the book [for the National Galleries of Scotland] because I feel the artwork/imagery make up a substantial proportion of the impact of the book. Normally we stock only art/design/photography based titles for kids. In this case, the book is suitable because it is 'art led'. "
What about you?
This space could be yours! Please write and tell us what you think of the book