Here is the full list of our Gaelic resources for Nova Scotia educators that are available through the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau. We’ll continue to update this list as our new books are published and become approved listed resources. This list was most recently updated on 21 August 2025.
Click on each title below to learn more. Many of our titles have free teacher’s guides, YouTube pronunciation videos, and other resources!
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Gaelic Resources in English
MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS FOR GRADES 4–9
Lisette of Louisbourg (paperback, 2024) – Submitted for review Oct. 2024
When the convent where she has been living burns down, twelve-year-old orphan Lisette barely escapes with her life. The nuns think she died in the fire, but Lisette sees a chance to escape the drudgery of lacemaking under a cruel, greedy Mother Superior. She sets out alone to find the uncle who left her at the convent when she was six, yet things don’t go quite as she planned. When an opportunity arises to escape her troubles in France and start a new life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, clever and resourceful Lisette jumps at the chance. But is someone following her? This middle-grade novel by the Nova Scotian author of Iain of New Scotland is set in 1749-50 when the British have handed the Fortress of Louisbourg back to the French.
Iain of New Scotland (paperback, 2021) – NSSBB # 2002757
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.
PICTURE BOOKS FOR GRADES P–3
G is for Gael : An Alphabet of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic Culture (paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 1004775
An alphabet book focusing on the Scottish Gaelic language and culture of Nova Scotia. Each letter of the alphabet has an English word that describes an aspect of Gaelic culture, and a brief explanation of the concept or story behind the word. The equivalent word in Scottish Gaelic is also given with a phonetic pronunciation. A free Gaelic pronunciation YouTube video offers extra help.
Luran and the Mermaid (paperback, 2021) – NSSBB # 2002776
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…
Bodkin Beag and Bodkin Mòr (English, paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 2400248
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. Illustrated by Cape Breton artist Emily MacDonald…
Fionn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge (English, paperback, 2022) – NSSBB # 1007730
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.
Catastrophe at the Christmas Ceilidh (English, paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jan. 2024
Kate the Highland dancer is back in the sequel to Disaster at the Highland Games! It’s December, and Kate is excited to perform her first solo in the Christmas ceilidh. But as she waits her turn backstage, she starts to fear a catastrophe. Kate’s imagination runs wild as she pictures every possible mishap in vivid detail, from forgetting her dance moves to knocking over the Christmas tree. Will she remember the advice of her dance teacher in time to prevent a Christmas ceilidh catastrophe? Whimsical watercolour illustrations by Nathasha Pilotte complement award-winning author Riel Nason’s rhyming verse with a reassuring message for every dance student.
Disaster at the Highland Games (English, paperback, 2023) – NSSBB # 1006149
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.
Lugh and the Fortress of the Gods (English, paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jan. 2024
When Lugh of the Long Arm grew up, he went to King Nuada’s fortress on the Hill of Tara to try to take his place with the other gods and goddesses. When Lugh arrived at the fortress, the guards wouldn’t let him in without a unique skill. Lugh had many skills—but would any of them be enough to get him into the Fortress of the Gods?
BILINGUAL POETRY FOR GRADES 10–12
Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking Audiobook (2 CD set, 2018) – NSSBB # 2400249
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…
Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking (paperback, 2017) – NSSBB # 2002047
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…
Òr a Mhaireas / Lasting Gold: New Nova Scotia Gaelic Poetry (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jun. 2023
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.
Cridhe ’s Anam / Heart & Soul (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jun. 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. This collection features poems in Scottish Gaelic with English translation on the facing page.
NONFICTION FOR GRADES 10–12
The Scottish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook – NSSBB # 2002810
A nonfiction guide to how to choose an appropriate word or phrase in the Scottish Gaelic language for a tattoo. The glossary suggestions are good for tattoos, jewelry, art, and crafts, as well as people who have an interest in Scotland, Nova Scotia, Celtic roots, and Scottish Gaelic language and culture. The book contains a brief history and description of the Gaelic language; illustrations of real-life Gaelic tattoos that went wrong and advice on how to avoid making common mistakes; insights on how to incorporate Gaelic words into a tattoo design that honors and supports the culture; and a glossary of over 400 authentic Scottish Gaelic words and phrases and their English translations. The book focuses on language and does not contain any artwork.
The Irish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook – NSSBB # 2002809
A nonfiction guide to how to choose an appropriate word or phrase in the Irish Gaelic language for a tattoo. The glossary suggestions are good for tattoos, jewelry, art, and crafts, as well as people who have an interest in Ireland, Irish culture, and the Irish language, but who cannot speak the language. The book contains a brief history and description of the Irish language; illustrations of real-life Irish tattoos that went wrong and advice on what mistakes to avoid; tips on how to incorporate Irish words into a tattoo design that honors and supports the culture; information about the Irish language writing system and popular Irish symbols; and a glossary of over 400 authentic Irish words and phrases and their English translations.
Ás an Abhainn Mhóir: English-Gaelic Recipes from Pictou County – Submitted for review Aug. 2025
This bilingual cookbook contains over 50 recipes both modern and traditional, in English and Scottish Gaelic, from Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Interspersed with the recipes are traditional Gaelic proverbs, tales, and songs, along with photos of the region’s natural beauty and Gaelic cultural heritage. The contents are presented in a bilingual format with English on one side and Gaelic on the facing page. “Ás an Abhainn Mhóir” means “From the Big River.” An t-Abhainn Mhór, the Big River, is the Gaelic name of the East River.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF ALR GAELIC RESOURCES FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 21 Aug. 2025)
Gaelic Resources in French
FRENCH PICTURE BOOKS FOR GRADES P–3
Fionn MacCool et le saumon de la sagesse (paperback, 2022) – NSSBB # 1007731
French-language edition 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.
G comme Gaël : L’alphabet de la culture gaélique en Nouvelle-Écosse (paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 3002409
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…
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF ALR GAELIC RESOURCES FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 21 Aug. 2025)
Gaelic Resources in Gaelic
GAELIC CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS FOR GRADES P–3
An Stàball [The Stable] (board book, 2025) – Submitted for review Oct. 2025
An Stàball is the first original board book written in Gaelic (not translated from English). This Scottish-Canadian collaboration was written by Anne Ramsay who developed and tested the story with pupils at Sgoil-Àraich Lacasdail in the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, and illustrated by artist Kate Phillips of Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Each 2-page spread of this board book has a stable door flap to lift. Cò tha anns an stàball aig Iain an tuathanach? Tog gach flap gus fhaicinn! Who is in farmer Iain’s stable? Lift each flap to see!
Luran agus a’ Mhaighdeann-mhara (paperback, 2021) – NSSBB # 2002775
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…
Biorachan Beag agus Biorachan Mór (Gaelic, paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 2400247
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…
Bana-phrionnsa a’ Phoca Phàipeir (Gaelic, paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 2400246
The authorized Scottish Gaelic translation of the beloved Canadian classic The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. 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 tha i am beachd pòsadh, tha Ealasaid a’ gabhail ghnothaichean os làimh.
Mòr-thubaist aig na Geamannan Gàidhealach (paperback, 2023) – NSSBB # 1006163
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?
Na Trì Mathain (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jun. 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.
A’ Chearc Bheag Ruadh (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jan. 2024
Once 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.
Na Trì Mucan Beaga (paperback, 2024) – Submitted for review Oct. 2024
Once there were three little pigs who left their mama to build new houses of their own. The first little pig built a house with straw, and the second little pig built a house with gorse twigs, but the Big Bad Wolf blew them down and ate up the little pigs! The third little pig built a house with bricks, and the Big Bad Wolf couldn’t blow it down. So he started playing tricks on the third little pig in order to catch him and eat him—but the pig was just as cunning as the wolf! Who will emerge victorious, and who will be eaten? Accompanied by the Edwardian vintage illustrations of Leonard Leslie Brooke.
GAELIC FICTION FOR GRADES 10–12
An Cat Coigreach [The Foreign Feline] (paperback, 2024) – Submitted for review Aug. 2025
This children’s novel is entirely in Gaelic, at a middle-grade or intermediate level. Pangur is a black cat living happily with his family in Bern, a beautiful city in Switzerland – until the day they decide to return to Scotland! Now he is a foreign cat in Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis, and the other cats are not kind to him. Pangur decides to leave the island and return to Bern. Surely his family will return too when the autumn storms start…won’t they? Follow Pangur’s adventures across the country, escaping from one danger after the next, until he learns the importance of friends and family.
Anna Ruadh, the Gaelic translation of Anne of Green Gables (paperback, 2020) – NSSBB # 2003192
Canadian author L.M. Montgomery’s fictional story of the red-haired orphan Anne Shirley is beloved by generations of children and adults worldwide. First published in 1908, the story is set in the Maritime provinces of Canada. From an orphanage in Nova Scotia, Anne is sent by mistake to rural Prince Edward Island, to aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted to adopt a boy to help on their farm. Gaelic is the language with the closest cultural and historical connections to L.M. Montgomery and Prince Edward Island after English. Anna Ruadh means “Red-haired Anne,” a typical Gaelic nickname. (The cover of Anna Ruadh is now on display in the Parks Canada Green Gables Heritage Place exhibit on translations of Anne!)
GAELIC POETRY FOR GRADES 10–12
Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking Audiobook (2 CD set, 2018) – NSSBB # 2400249
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…
Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking (paperback, 2017) – NSSBB # 2002047
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…
Cridhe ’s Anam / Heart & Soul (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jun. 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. This collection features poems in Scottish Gaelic with English translation on the facing page.
Òr a Mhaireas / Lasting Gold: New Nova Scotia Gaelic Poetry (paperback, 2023) – Submitted for review Jun. 2023
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.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF ALR GAELIC RESOURCES FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 21 Aug. 2025)
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