Mary, Queen of Scots: Escape from the Castle

by Theresa Breslin, Teresa Martínez (Illustrator)

The true story of the daring escape of Mary, Queen of Scots' from the island castle in Loch Leven is well-known throughout Scotland and the world. Multi-award-winning author Theresa Breslin, who has carefully researched Mary's life, has adapted this famous adventure into a picture book for children. Through stunning illustrations and a gripping story, both packed with historical detail, children will feel the tension of Mary's imprisonment and the excitement of her escape plans, gaining insight into this fascinating period of Scottish history. A full and engaging historical tale for children from a fabulous Scottish storyteller.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Scotland

32 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2018

About the author

Theresa Breslin is a Scottish author of over 50 books, known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. She won the Carnegie Medal in 1994 for Whispers in the Graveyard, which tells the story of a dyslexic boy overcoming personal struggles. Born and raised in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, she started writing as a teenager and later worked as a librarian before becoming a full-time author.

Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very well done picture book, read this in the national library of scotland in edinburgh, where they have a shelf of books to peruse in one of their exhibits, really lovely

[Lidia Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastante cortito, pero lo compre sobretodo por la ilustradora.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing episode from the lie of Mary, Queen of Scots.

American readers will find the set-up of this book a bit odd. It begins with a preface/introduction of five paragraphs over two pages with lovely illustrations, that set up the background for this story. Then, with the turn of a page, the font changes size, and this story drawn from Mary, Queen of Scots' life begins. When the story ends, a short afterward/summary of what happened to Mary after her escape is briefly described over three pages, again in smaller font and with lovely illustrations.

Summary of the story: George, the brother of Mary's lady-in-waiting (Lady Seton), plots to help her escape the confines of Loch Leven Castle, home of Sir William Douglas. When she has reached the shore, she gallops away for freedom.

Breslin weaves a very suspenseful tale that will make readers wish it extended longer. Illustrations by Teresa Martinez are reminiscent in style of the works of Henry Cole and Edwin Fotheringham. They are realistic drawings, filled with color and life.

It is difficult to pinpoint who the audience is for this. While the story itself is appropriate for grades K-5, the format skews it toward the younger grades, however the content of the preface and the afterward reveal her gory history - which may be a bit much for sensitive readers. This will appeal to Anglophiles.

Recommended for Anglophiles of all ages.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT BOOK that sort of glosses over *why* Mary wound up in prison (i.e. she and her third husband blew up her second husband) to focus on how she felt trapped there and then planned an escape dressed as a washerwoman. There is also an epilogue that sort of also glosses over how she was later caught, and then executed (for plotting in writing to assassinate her cousin Queen Elizabeth I). This is a tricky balance, but the story itself -- of her being trapped and then her daring escape -- is fun and interesting, and this is a great intro for young history fans about a real-life queen. The pictures are lovely, too!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but stimulating narrative of Mary Stuart’s escape from Lochleven. The illustrations contribute much to this story, conveying the reader to Scotland for a short time as we learn of the French-raised lady held captive there.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary, Queen of Scots' daring escape of from captivity in the island castle in Loch Leven.

[Brenda Hasse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. However, the pages seemed out of order. I believe the page that begins "On a tiny island..." should have preceded the two previous pages.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.