Description

Book Synopsis

"Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
'Onward!' the sailors cry;
Carry the lad who's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye."

Sung throughout the world, the Skye Boat Song evocatively brings alive the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's famous journey from the Outer Hebrides to Skye, off Scotland's west coast, after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

This stunning picture book, inspired by the lyrics of the traditional Scottish folksong, illustrates the true story of one of Scotland's most famous heroes and introduces children to this dramatic period of Scottish history.

The beautiful landscapes and seascapes of Scotland's west coast are captured by Alfredo Belli's stunning illustrations.



Trade Review

'A simply stunning picture book... unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school and community library picture book collections for young readers.'
-- Midwest Book Review, March 2017

'The images are sweeping and yet personal, and the loyalty of the prince's followers is evident in their actions and demeanor. '
-- Goodreads

'Faithfully and skillfully illustrated.'
-- Youth Services Book Review

'A rendition more poignant than patriotic with, at least in the rhymed portions, the cadence of a lullaby.'
-- Kirkus

'Alfredo Belli [...] has captured the dangers of the sea-journey to Skye and the loyaty, comfort and hope that were given to the young prince by the spirited Flora.'
-- School Library Association

'The verses are brought to life by Alfredo Belli's atmospheric illustrations, with simple historical explanations about Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald's voyage from Benbecula to Skye, adding a welcome dimension.'
-- West Coast Review

'... this picture book is seeped in drama too. The illustrations show the power of the waves and storms, giving the whole journey the drama that it needs. It also includes a little Scottish history. This really is a lovely book but BookBairn is probably a little young to fully appreciate it so we'd recommend holding off until your bairn is school-age.'
-- BookBairn, blook blogger

Speed Bonnie Boat: A Tale from Scottish History

Product form

£7.59

Includes FREE delivery

RRP £7.99 – you save £0.40 (5%)

Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 3 Jan 2026.

A Paperback / softback by Alfredo Belli

15 in stock


    View other formats and editions of Speed Bonnie Boat: A Tale from Scottish History by Alfredo Belli

    Publisher: Floris Books
    Publication Date: 16/03/2017
    ISBN13: 9781782503675, 978-1782503675
    ISBN10: 1782503676

    Description

    Book Synopsis

    "Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
    'Onward!' the sailors cry;
    Carry the lad who's born to be king
    Over the sea to Skye."

    Sung throughout the world, the Skye Boat Song evocatively brings alive the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie's famous journey from the Outer Hebrides to Skye, off Scotland's west coast, after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

    This stunning picture book, inspired by the lyrics of the traditional Scottish folksong, illustrates the true story of one of Scotland's most famous heroes and introduces children to this dramatic period of Scottish history.

    The beautiful landscapes and seascapes of Scotland's west coast are captured by Alfredo Belli's stunning illustrations.



    Trade Review

    'A simply stunning picture book... unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school and community library picture book collections for young readers.'
    -- Midwest Book Review, March 2017

    'The images are sweeping and yet personal, and the loyalty of the prince's followers is evident in their actions and demeanor. '
    -- Goodreads

    'Faithfully and skillfully illustrated.'
    -- Youth Services Book Review

    'A rendition more poignant than patriotic with, at least in the rhymed portions, the cadence of a lullaby.'
    -- Kirkus

    'Alfredo Belli [...] has captured the dangers of the sea-journey to Skye and the loyaty, comfort and hope that were given to the young prince by the spirited Flora.'
    -- School Library Association

    'The verses are brought to life by Alfredo Belli's atmospheric illustrations, with simple historical explanations about Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald's voyage from Benbecula to Skye, adding a welcome dimension.'
    -- West Coast Review

    '... this picture book is seeped in drama too. The illustrations show the power of the waves and storms, giving the whole journey the drama that it needs. It also includes a little Scottish history. This really is a lovely book but BookBairn is probably a little young to fully appreciate it so we'd recommend holding off until your bairn is school-age.'
    -- BookBairn, blook blogger

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