The Wild Beastie

Far away off the coast of Scotland is the Isle of Begg. It’s home to young Bumple and her parent. Bupble is content to play beside the stream close to where she lives but her mother suggests she should try exploring the entire island. This, Bumple refuses to do on account of the scary wild beasties. Instead she returns to her safe location and to her surprise there’s a splash in front of her and there before her eyes is a little green beastie eating an acorn. Bumple demands to know who he is and what he wants. “I’m Little Mop,” comes the reply and … I want to play.’

Having introduces her toy, Peedie too, the two creatures start playing with the toy, Little Mop way too enthusiastically. Off sails the tiny boat containing Peedie with Bumple and Little Mop paddling their fastest in pursuit. By the time they reach the boat they’re far from Bumple’s safe place and Little Mop tells her they’ve arrived at the sea. Bumble insists she must get home before dark; Little Mop sets off, leading Bumple back into the woods. There, the two have a falling out but eventually Little Mop explains the reason for his exuberant, seemingly uncaring actions and they make up. Then, energised by Little Mop’s underground acorn store, the friends make their way towards Bumple’s home. When almost at the cottage they come to a gorge. What will Bumple do? Dare she make a leap?

A magical tale about facing your fears and being brave enough to embrace a bit of wildness: sometimes expanding your boundaries brings rewards you’d never dreamed of.

Helen Kellock’s ending leaves the way open for further adventures set in this beautiful Isle of Begg that are so alluringly depicted in her watercolour illustrations.