Believing himself to be ugly, a young owl (the Howlat) decides to speak to the most handsome bird of all, the peacock, and ask his help so that nature can change him.
It’s up to a council of birds to decide whether to grant this request or not and as a result of their meddling, havoc is created and nature has to restore order.
Originally written in the 1440s by Richard Holland, a Scottish cleric to the Earl of Moray, this version, which features beautiful illustrations by Kate Leiper, is a more humorous ugly-duckling-type tale which is suitable for reading out loud to wee ones or good for readers aged over eight.
Also available, and at the same price, is a revamped version written in Scots called The Buke of the Howlat.
Published by Birlinn
Book Review: The Book of the Howlat by James Robertson
