An image of four children's books set in Scotland or by Scottish authors. They sit side by side on a dark and light blue montage background 

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Children's reading lists

16 of the best Scottish children’s books and authors

Greyfriars Bobby

Eleanor Atkinson was born in Indianapolis in 1863. Her most famous book is Greyfriar's Bobby, published in 1912. Prior to her marriage to Francis Blake Atkinson in 1891 she worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, under the penname of Nora Marks, championing women's issues of the time. She died on Long Island, USA, in 1942.

The famous true story about a devoted dog. Bobby, an active Skye terrier, adores his master Auld Jock, and when the old man dies, Bobby refuses to leave his grave in Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh. By day, he plays with the local orphans and eats at a nearby tavern, but, in spite of anything even the Lord Provost himself can do, every night for fourteen years Bobby returns faithfully to sleep by his master.

Eleanor Atkinson

Rediscover the Puffin Classics collection and bring the best-loved classics to a new generation - including this charming edition of Greyfriars Bobby. 
 
Relive the classic Scottish tale, based on a true story, of a dog's devotion to his master. 
 
Bobby, a sparky silver-haired Skye terrier, adopts lonely shepherd Auld Jock, for his master and the two become inseparable. When Jock is dismissed by the farmer he tries to find work in the city, but sinks into poverty and dies, having suffered one cold winter too many. 
 
The farmer tries to reclaim Bobby as a pet for his daughter but the little dog remains faithful only to Auld Jock, guarding his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard in the heart of Edinburgh's old town. 
 
By day, he plays with the local orphans and eats at a nearby tavern but, in spite of anything even the Lord Provost himself can do, Bobby returns each night to sleep by his master. 
 
Bobby's devotion changes the lives of those around him and ultimately the conditions of the poor in Edinburgh. And as the years go by, the little dog's loyalty is rewarded in a very special way.

Eleanor Atkinson

Books by Eleanor Atkinson

Articles featuring Eleanor Atkinson

16 of the best Scottish children’s books and authors

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