Originally from the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Flora Macdonald is the author of eight books in both English and Gaidhlig, spanning from educational children's television programming to chronicling her exciting and unique life growing up in one of the most remote places in the world. Her best selling novel, Coco and Crabs has been published in English, Japanese and Gaidhlig and placed between Ian Rankin and Ian Banks as the recipient of a Tesco Summer Read Award.
In collaboration with the Arts Centre of North Uist, Flora was invited to contribute her poetry collection resulting in the The Secret Sea.
Passionate about preserving her Hebridean heritage, Flora has published two dye books entitled Uist Crotal Colours and Uist and Global Dyes.
Flora is currently in the process of reprinting her children's book, Callum and the Magic Bean. The stories of Callum and his adventures with the Magic Bean were inspired and created by the Hebridean author’s knowledge of the sea, its Gaidhlig language, music and culture. It connects with ancient myths along with real live adventures of rescuing the seal pup. The story is shared with other island cultures i.e. the Molluca islands where the bean originates from.There are aspects of environmental issues, history and geography. These books are an exciting travel adventure and are available in English and Gaidhlig for all Gaidhlig learners wherever they live.
Reviews for Callum and the Magic Bean.
"Very fun and I am so excited for the next one! Five stars!"
Harry, age 11
"Flora's island heritage is at the heart of her writing. The language is rich, expressive and educational. The young readers have the opportunity for discussion and research on history, geography, natural life, and the arts."
Chrissie Mac Lean, educator and historian