The kelpie's pearls [Hardcover]

Mollie Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1976

Everyone thinks Morag MacLeod is a witch because of the strange things that have happened since she went to the shores of Loch Ness to see the monster rise. Only Torquil knows better, for her has seen the Kelpie, the supernatural water-horse whose magical powers can summon any beast, even Nessie. Tourists, reporters and professors all gather at Morag's croft, and Torquil fears that his secret collection of animals will be discovered. The fierce woman who looks after him will skin him alive if she finds out about the Kelpie, his animals or his friendship with Morag! And it all started with the Kelpie and his pearls. But just when Morag can't bear the crowds anymore, the Kelpie himself has a plan

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A triumph... what begins as a simple Highland story ends up as a touching plea for the recognition of natural magic in the midst of mundane things.' -- Times Literary Supplement 'Suspense, magic and excitement in all the right proportions... a superb book.' -- Books for Keeps 'This story neatly reveals the conflicting claims of three worlds: Morag's traditional Highland way of life, the modern world of media, tourism and greed, [...] and the uncanny world of the supernatural. Vividly described.' -- Treasure Islands: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Mollie Hunter has written more than 25 novels for children since 1953, incorporating a life-long exploration of Scotland's folklore and history into her stories. She has received numerous awards and honours for her books, including the New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Award. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 134 pages
• Publisher: Harper & Row; Foxing edition (1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060226595
• ISBN-13: 978-0060226596
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,027,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My absolute favorite book, October 18, 2007

By 

horse girl - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The kelpie's pearls (Hardcover)

A kelpie helps a misunderstood old woman to find a happier life. If you love horses then you would probably like this book. Extremely otherworldly. A real page turner that is my absoute favorite. Explore Scottish lore in this story, the setting of which takes place beside the Loch Ness, complete with an appearance by Nessie even. A timeless story that touched my soul. Intended for children, but it's a good read for adults with an open mind also.

Horse girl

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A water kelpie, the loch ness and a witch woman., May 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The kelpie's pearls (Hardcover)

This book was a treasure we found in a used book store. I read it aloud to my 9-year old daughter who was entranced. It's a book about an aging loner, whose ancestors were witches, who one day spies a kelpie in her pond. They become friends and reminisce together. The kelpie gives the woman a necklace of pearls from the bottom of the kelpie's lake. When a greedy wanderer finds out about the pearls, trouble begins. Included in the tale are the loch ness monster, an abused boy who loves nature, tourists, scientists looking for the l-n monster, magic, and a description of the peace which comes to the old woman riding away on the kelpie (transformed into the death horse) as she is returned to her youth and beauty. The words and phrasing made me try to imitate a Scottish accent, for they were too beautiful to read in my midwest voice.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great starter for kids wanting to learn about myths, April 12, 2002

By 

Patricia German (Hilliard, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Kelpie's Pearls (Hardcover)

I read this book when I was in the fourth grade and I was enrolled in the Scholastic Book Club - I loved it then and I still like it as an adult. I bought it for my son who also likes myths, legends, and fantasy; he enjoyed it very much as well. Great book for young adolescents, a good story to read to kids at bedtime, and a quick read for adults who just want to sample a story about a witch woman and a kelpie.