Approved Gaelic Resources in the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau

Gaelic Resources in English

NSSBB under review, submitted June 2023 – Disaster at the Highland Games (paperback, 2023)
Kate loves going to Highland dance class each week and is thrilled when her teacher suggests she compete at the Highland Games for the first time. Kate agrees to practice, but quickly changes her mind when she finds out that dancing at home by herself is not as much fun as dancing with friends in her class. Besides, she figures her dancing is already good enough. Everything will be fine. Or will it? A single misstep sets off a hilarious chain of events across the whole Highland Games field in this over-the-top tale. 2nd edition.

NSSBB under review, submitted August 2022 – Fionn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge (English, paperback, 2022)
This is the story of why the great Gaelic hero Fionn MacCool sucks his thumb, in a revised and expanded 2nd edition with engaging new illustrations. This 1000-year-old Gaelic tale, retold by Nova Scotia-trained educator Terri M. Roberts, tells the story of Nova Scotia’s official Gaelic flag and teaches Gaelic linguistic awareness.

NSSBB # 2002757 – Iain of New Scotland (paperback, 2021)
Thirteen-year-old Iain Robertson is homesick for the Highlands of Scotland. It’s September 1773, and he has just arrived in Nova Scotia with his parents and little sister after the long, disastrous, Atlantic voyage of the ship Hector. They wanted a new life in New Scotland—but the land agent lied to them. With no money, no food, no shelter, and winter fast approaching, how will they survive? Author Margaret MacKay of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, draws on the experiences of her ancestors to weave a tale of the first Gaels to settle in Nova Scotia. Suitable for Grades 4+ and historical fiction lovers of all ages. Foreword by Diana Gabaldon, author of Outlander.

NSSBB # 1004775 – G is for Gael : An Alphabet of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic Culture (paperback, 2020)
An alphabet book focusing on the Scottish Gaelic langauge and culture of Nova Scotia. Each letter of the English alphabet features a corresponding English word that relates to an aspect of Gaelic culture, an explanation of the concept or story behind the word, the equivalent word in Scottish Gaelic …

NSSBB # 2002776 – Luran and the Mermaid (paperback, 2021)
Long ago, the Gaels brought this folktale from the Isle of Barra, Scotland, to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. A favourite of Cape Breton Gaelic tradition bearer Michael “Mickey” MacNeil, this tale tells the story of Luran, a farmer and fisherman. Luran had cattle, sheep, and horses, and a good boat too. But one thing was bothering him: the fairies kept coming every night and stealing his animals. He didn’t know what to do. But one day when he was out fishing, a mermaid came to his boat…

NSSBB # 2400248 – Bodkin Beag and Bodkin Mòr (English, paperback, 2020)
In this traditional Scottish Gaelic folktale, translated into English for the first time, Bodkin Mòr sets out to teach a lesson to his greedy friend, unleashing a long chain of unintended consequences. lIllustrated by Cape Breton artist Emily MacDonald

NSSBB # 2002810 – The Scottish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook: Authentic Words and Phrases in the Celtic Language of Scotland (paperback, 2016)
The book is a nonfiction guide to how to choose an appropriate word or phrase in the Scottish Gaelic language for a tattoo, jewelry inscription, or crafts. The guide is aimed at adult tattoo enthusiasts and people who have an interest in Scotland, Nova Scotia, Celtic roots, and Scottish Gaelic language and culture. The book features illustrations of real-life Gaelic tattoos gone wrong; tips on how to incorporate Scottish Gaelic words into a tattoo design that honours and supports the culture, language, and speakers; a brief history and description of the Gaelic language; and a glossary of nearly 400 authentic Scottish Gaelic words and phrases suitable for tattoos, jewelry, crafts, or art projects.

NSSBB # 2002808– The Irish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook: Authentic Words and Phrases in the Celtic Language of Ireland (paperback, 2017)
The book is a nonfiction guide to how to choose an appropriate word or phrase in the Irish Gaelic langauge for a tattoo, jewelry inscription, crafts, or art projects. Featuring a brief history of the language, a glossary of over 400 authentic Irish Gaelic words, phrases, and sayings, illustrations of real-life Irish tattoos gone wrong, and tips on how to use the internet to your advantage when designing your tattoo.

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Gaelic Resources in French

NSSBB – under review, submitted August 2022 – Fionn MacCool et le saumon de la sagesse, deuxième édition (paperback, 2022)
Il s’agit de l’histoire du grand héros gaélique Fionn MacCool et de la raison pour laquelle il suce son pouce. Le conte présente aux enfants la tradition orale gaélique et il s’agit du conte parfait pour une lecture à haute voix dans une classe ou en groupe. This French-language edition is suitable for French immersion and langue maternelle French instruction. This is the story of why the great Gaelic hero Fionn MacCool sucks his thumb, in a revised and expanded 2nd edition with engaging new illustrations. This 1000-year-old Gaelic tale, retold by Nova Scotia-trained educator Terri M. Roberts, tells the story of Nova Scotia’s official Gaelic flag and teaches Gaelic linguistic awareness.

NSSBB # 3002409 – G comme Gaël : L’alphabet de la culture gaélique en Nouvelle-Écosse (paperback, 2020)
Fàilte signifie « bienvenue » : bienvenue au monde de la culture gaélique en Nouvelle-Écosse! Ce livret est une première étape pour les enfants et les adultes qui souhaitent découvrir et comprendre l’histoire, la culture et l’identité gaéliques en Nouvelle-Écosse. Grâce à des illustrations joyeuses et des concepts créatifs, les lecteurs pourront explorer et célébrer l’identité gaélique…

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Gaelic Resources in Gaelic

NSSBB – under review; submitted September 2023 – A’ Chearc Bheag Ruadh [The Little Red Hen] (Gaelic, paperback, 2023)
Once upon a time, there was a little red hen in a barnyard who spent most of her time looking for worms to feed her chicks. One day, she found a grain of wheat. She wanted to plant it in order to grow wheat and make bread, but would any of the other animals help her? The Gaelic translator of Goldilocks and Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit brings us another tale perfect for Scottish Gaelic language learners of all ages. Accompanied by vintage American illustrations from 1918.

NSSBB – under review; submitted June 2023 – Na Trì Mathain [Goldilocks and the Three Bears] (Gaelic, paperback, 2023)
Once upon a time, a family of three bears lived in a house in the woods. One day while the bears were out, a girl named Goldilocks walked into their house… The Gaelic translator of Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit brings us another tale perfect for Scottish Gaelic language learners of all ages. The formulaic repetition naturally teaches basic points of Gaelic grammar while expanding vocabulary. Accompanied by the charming Edwardian vintage illustrations of Leonard Leslie Brooke and William Morris.

NSSBB – under review; submitted June 2023 – Cridhe ‘s Anam / Heart & Soul (Gaelic/English, paperback, 2023)
Catrìona NicÌomhair Parsons’ poems transport us from her upbringing in the Isle of Lewis to North America and New Zealand, with a focus on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia where she has made her home. Her work contemplates emigration, the endurance of Gaelic language & culture, Christianity, aging, nature, and the changing seasons. Hymns and translations of Canadian, Nova Scotian, and Cape Breton songs round out the collection, including “In Flanders Fields,” “My Nova Scotia Home,” and “Cape Breton Lullaby.” This collection features poems in Scottish Gaelic with English translation on the facing page.

NSSBB – under review; submitted June 2023 – Òr a Mhaireas / Lasting Gold: New Nova Scotia Gaelic Poetry (Gaelic/English, paperback, 2022)
This collection features new Gaelic poetry from eleven writers with Nova Scotian connections. In formats both modern and traditional, the authors explore joy and loss, connection and disconnection… and cookies! The poems demonstrate the tenacity of the Gaels and their language in the diaspora. Poems are presented in Scottish Gaelic with parallel English translations.

NSSBB – under review; submitted June 2023 – G airson Gàidheal: Aibidil de Chultar nan Gàidheal an Albainn Nuaidh (Gaelic, paperback, 2021)
This is the Gaelic-language edition of G is for Gael. This picture book is a first step for children and adults looking to understand and connect with Gaelic history, culture, and identity in Nova Scotia. Through joyful illustrations and creative concepts, readers will have the opportunity to explore and celebrate what it means to be a Gael. The book is for children, teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone who wants to learn more about Gaelic language and culture in Nova Scotia.

NSSBB # 2002775 – Luran agus a’ Mhaighdeann-mhara [Luran and the Mermaid] (Gaelic, paperback, 2021)
Long ago, the Gaels brought this folktale from the Isle of Barra, Scotland, to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. A favourite of Cape Breton Gaelic tradition bearer Michael “Mickey” MacNeil, this tale tells the story of Luran, a farmer and fisherman. Luran had cattle, sheep, and horses, and a good boat too. But one thing was bothering him: the fairies kept coming every night and stealing his animals. He didn’t know what to do. But one day when he was out fishing, a mermaid came to his boat… (Nova Scotia Gaelic edition)

NSSBB # 1006163 – Mòr-thubaist aig na Geamannan Gàidhealach [Disaster at the Highland Games] (Gaelic, paperback, 2021)
This is the Gaelic translation of Disaster at the Highland Games by award-winning Atlantic Canadian author Riel Nason. Kate loves going to Highland dance class each week and is thrilled when her teacher suggests she compete at the Highland Games for the first time. Kate agrees to practice, but quickly changes her mind when she finds out that dancing at home by herself is not as much fun as dancing with friends in her class. And, besides, she figures her dancing is already good enough. Everything will be fine. Or will it?

NSSBB # 2400246 – Bana-phrionnsa a’ Phoca Phàipeir [The Paper Bag Princess] (Gaelic, paperback, 2020)
The authorized Scottish Gaelic translation of the beloved Canadian classic The Paper Bag Princess. Nuair a tha an dràgon as fiadhaiche air an t-saoghal a’ briseadh caisteal na Bana-phrionnsa Ealasaid na bhleideagan, a’ losgadh a h-uile stiall aodaich a th’ aice, agus a’ falbh leis a’ Phrionnsa Raghnall, a th …

NSSBB # 2400247 – Biorachan Beag agus Biorachan Mór [Bodkin Beag and Bodkin Mòr] (Gaelic, paperback, 2020)
Chaidh Biorachan Beag is Biorachan Mór a-mach do’n choille, a bhuain chnothan…ach cha sguireadh Biorachan Beag gan ithe! Bha Biorachan Mór ag amas air leasan a theagasg dha a charaid gionach, sanntach, agus sin mar a thòisich sreath de bhuilean gun dùil. Air aon àm bha an sgeulachd air tè den…

NSSBB # 2400249 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking Audiobook (2 CD set, 2018)
This 2-CD audiobook features Nova Scotia poet Lewis MacKinnon’s journey through the Celtic year with the Sufi mystic Rumi. Scottish Gaelic translations of Rumi’s poetry, read aloud by the author in Gaelic and English, are accompanied by original poems for the Gaelic seasons and holidays of Nova Scotia…

NSSBB # 2002047 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking (paperback, 2017)
Lewis MacKinnon’s fourth Scottish Gaelic poetry collection features translations of selected poems by Coleman Barks, interpreter of the renowned 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, alongside MacKinnon’s own original poems. The poems in this bilingual collection are grouped thematically in sections…

DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF NSSBB-APPROVED GAELIC BOOKS FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 20 Sept 2023)