The Wild Beastie: A Tale from the Isle of Begg

By Author / Illustrator

Helen Kellock

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529523928

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-06-2025

Synopsis

The Wild Beastie is a story about finding courage through friendship, set on an enchanted Scottish island. In a forgotten part of the sea, there lies the Isle of Begg: its shores are wild and wonderful, with creatures of every kind... But there's one little creature, called Bumple, who has no interest in the island's wonders; she'd much rather stay put in her cosy home patch. It's only when a mischievous little beastie crash lands in her world that Bumple begins to realize - a little bit of wildness can be a LOT of fun!

Reviews

Laura

This beautifully eye-catching cover is the door to a secret island- the Isle of Begg - portrayed through stunning watercolour illustrations, in a soft colour palette. We meet Bumple, a timid creature who has no desire to explore the island's mysteries, but would rather stay where she knows it's safe from wild beasties. Then, a wild beastie appears and scares Bumple. But the wild beastie has a name, Little Mop, and wants to play! Soon, Bumple realises the joys that can come from exploring the wild with a friend by your side and being brave.

The Wild Beastie: A Tale from the Isle of Begg is a very sweet story and perfect to encourage little ones to take a walk on the wild side! It's a very gentle way of showing that playing out in the wild, making friends with new people, and doing things you're a little bit scared about, can bring great things.

Picture book / Reviewed by Laura Richards