Reading Bus Books

An introduction

Commercial Publications

The Reading Bus has developed its on in-house publishing company called Reading Bus Press. The first book to be published was 'Fit Like, Yer Majesty?' This was published on 11th September 2008 at a glittering ceremony at Fyvie Castle. The anthology contains 47 Doric poems from “scrievers” all over Scotland. Since the launch over 11,000 copies have been sold!

In 2009 two more books were published. Nae Bad Ava' is our second Doric Book and is aimed at younger children from 4 - 8 years old and 'Fit's for Supper?' is a beautiful cookbook full of healthy, simple recipes with a Scottish flavour. In 2010, Millie was launched and is our first commercial picture book. Millie tells the tale of a beloved Dalmation dog who loves to steal sandwiches from locations across the North-East of Scotland.

These four commercial books have two aims: firstly as a resource for use in schools and many rich resources have been developed to complement the books, and secondly to bring enjoyment to folk of all ages. These books also generate income to support our book publishing strand.

Children's Books
The Reading Bus has also published ten books by children. The pupils involved have worked with a team of storytellers, poets, authors and artists to write and illustrate their own books.

Apardion

by Sheena Blackhall with illustrations by Julie Lacome and edited by Bill Burnett. The book will be on sale from 27th October 2011 but orders are being taken now. The book tells the tale of a spirit from the Northern Lights who visits Aberdeen to discover if this might be his birth place. Apardion visits fourteen heritage landmarks on his travels and at each discovers secrets from the past. With a forewrod by HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, the book will be a springboard to engage over 3,000 pupils across schools in Aberdeen in a journey of discovery about the history of their Granite City.

Millie

by Sheena Blackhall and Bob Dewar Edited by Bill Burnet Millie is the tale of a beloved Dalmatian dog who loves to steal sandwiches. She travels to locations around the North-East of Scotland and has a fine feast of stolen goodies from unsuspecting fishermen, golfers ramblers and posties. Written in Doric, with an English translation, Millie will be launched on 4th November, 2010. Price £5.99 Visit the Millie website to find out more - web.me.com/readingbus/Millie

Fit's for Supper?

The Reading Bus is very excited to be launching its first cookbook, Fit's for Supper? The book was launched at the Royal Highland Show on the 25th June, 2009.

There are 49 recipes and over 140 fantastic illustrations by the renowned cartoonist Bob Dewar.

Nae Bad Ava!

Nae Bad Ava was launched on 14th May 2009 at a sparkling ceremony at King’s College Conference Centre at the University of Aberdeen. The anthology contains 44 poems from “scrievers” all over Scotland aged from 9 to 92 years old.

Beautiful and often humorous illustrations are again by the highly talented Bob Dewar. Alex Salmond, First Minister, has kindly written the foreword.

Fit Like, Yer Majesty?

This was published on 11th September 2008 at a glittering ceremony at Fyvie Castle. The anthology contains 47 poems from “scrievers” all over Scotland. Vibrant illustrations by renowned artist Bob Dewar, complement the poems. Maureen Watt, MSP, has kindly written the foreword.

Since the launch in September over 11,000 copies have been sold. Following a very successful marketing campaign, Fit Like, Yer Majesty? has reached every continent in the world! Copies are still available to purchase.

About us

The Reading Bus is driving to promote reading as a source of life long pleasure, raise attainment and achievement of children at risk of early failure, encourage family learning in a non-school environment, involve and empower parents in their children's learning

Events

Harbour Tour
As part of the Apardion project, Primary 6 at Walker Road had a journey of discovering around Aberdeen Harbour with Allan Paterson.  Three Primary 6 classes from Torry are writing their own book, Aberdeen Harbour Today.  Each class has enjoyed a session onboard the bus as well as an...

Doric onboard The Reading Bus
Pupils at Tullos enjoyed action packed sessions onboard The Reading Bus with Sheena Blackhall.  The classes heard Doric poems, songs and stories and the much loved puppets helped them along! A great day - thank you Tullos!

Fittie Hooses
Primary 6 at St Peter's RC School have created a Doric song to describe their lovely Fittie Hooses.  Julie Lacome visited the school and inspired the class to make their own collage houses.  Their song was recorded today, photographs taken of their houses and they will be all clipped...
see all upcoming events