A Kirkcudbright illustrator-artist and a Gatehouse writer in Scots have launched their second children’s book.
Nip Nebs and the Last Berry is Ruthie Redden and Susi Briggs’ follow-up to their debut book Nib Nebs which won rave reviews last year.
The dynamic duo are hoping for another hit – and have already signed up one of Scotland’s leading actors as a fan.
Gary Lewis, who is currently appearing in the BBC’s Sunday evening series His Dark Materials, has written a foreword for the new book.
Famous for his roles in Billy Elliot, Gangs of New York and Outlander, Gary said: “Let me tell you straight up – I love their work.
“It’s personal. I’m a fan. When I read the Nip Nebs stories I feel the rhythms o’ my ain folk, my grannies and grandas and those before them.
“The absolute charm of the book crosses generations and cultures.
“This is the magic and sheer Nip Nebbery of it!”
Author Susi said: “I was only ever taught to read and write in English even though I spoke Scots at home from the age I could speak.
“About ten years ago a publisher rejected my English written story The Wee Sleepy Sheepy and told me they would publish this if I omit the Scottish flavour”.
“The only Scottish word it in was the word wee.
“I knew then that Scots speaking children were not represented in the mainstream.”
She added: “I had to teach myself to read, write and create in Scots language in order to make some remedy to such a sad truth.”
Wigtown-based Curly Tale Books, who teamed up with Susi and Ruthie in 2018 to produce Nib Nebs, are publishing Nip Nebs and the Last Berry.
Illustrator Ruthie said: “It has been a joy to work with the Curly Tale team again to bring the second Nip Nebs book to life.
“Listening to folk, both old and young, reading the story aloud and hearing this beautiful lyrical language brought to life through the pages of our book is the icing on the cake.
“Nip Nebs and the Last Berry was awarded the Scots Publication Grant from the Scottish Government.
“This brings great validation to Curly Tale Books, Susi Briggs and myself.
“We are proud to be part of a growing consciousness of the expressive beauty and validity of Scots language in children’s literature.”
The new book was launched at Moat Brae, the National Centre for Children’s Literature in Dumfries.
