Here is the full list of our Gaelic resources for Nova Scotia educators that are available from the Nova Scotia School Book Bureau. We’ll continue to update this list as new books are published and approved.
Click on each title below to learn more. Many of our titles have free online teacher’s guides, YouTube videos, and other resources!
Gaelic Resources in English
NSSBB # 2002757 – Iain of New Scotland (paperback, 2021)
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.
NSSBB # 1004775 – G is for Gael : An Alphabet of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic Culture (paperback, 2020)
An alphabet book focusing on the Scottish Gaelic langauge and culture of Nova Scotia. Each letter of the English alphabet features a corresponding English word that relates to an aspect of Gaelic culture, an explanation of the concept or story behind the word, the equivalent word in Scottish Gaelic …
NSSBB # 2002776 – Luran and the Mermaid (paperback, 2021)
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…
NSSBB # 2400248 – Bodkin Beag and Bodkin Mòr (English, paperback, 2020)
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. lIllustrated by Cape Breton artist Emily MacDonald…
NSSBB under review – Fionn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge (English, paperback, 2022)
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.
NSSBB # 1003470 – Fionn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge (English, paperback, 2017)
Fionn MacCool and the Salmon of Knowledge is the story of why the great Gaelic hero Fionn MacCool sucks his thumb. A traditional Gaelic tale retold by Nova Scotia trained educator Terri M. Roberts, perfect for reading aloud to children.
NSSBB # 2400249 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking Audiobook (2 CD set, 2018)
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…
NSSBB # 2002047 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking (paperback, 2017)
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…
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF NSSBB-APPROVED GAELIC BOOKS FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 1 Nov 2022)
Gaelic Resources in French
NSSBB – under review – Fionn MacCool et le saumon de la sagesse, deuxième édition (paperback, 2022)
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.
NSSBB # 3002168 – Fionn MacCool et le saumon de la sagesse (paperback, 2019)
Il s’agit de l’histoire du grand héros gaélique Fionn MacCool et de la raison pour laquelle il suce son pouce. Le conte présente aux enfants la tradition orale gaélique et il s’agit du conte parfait pour une lecture à haute voix dans une classe ou en groupe. Les exploits de Fionn MacCool sont …
NSSBB # 3002409 – G comme Gaël : L’alphabet de la culture gaélique en Nouvelle-Écosse (paperback, 2020)
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 NSSBB-APPROVED GAELIC BOOKS FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 1 Nov 2022)
Gaelic Resources in Gaelic
NSSBB # 2002775 – Luran agus a’ Mhaighdeann-mhara (paperback, 2021)
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… (Nova Scotia Gaelic edition)
NSSBB # 1006163 – Mòr-thubaist aig na Geamannan Gàidhealach (paperback, 2021)
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?
NSSBB # 2400246 – Bana-phrionnsa a’ Phoca Phàipeir (Gaelic, paperback, 2020)
The authorized Scottish Gaelic translation of the beloved Canadian classic The Paper Bag Princess. 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 th …
NSSBB # 2400247 – Biorachan Beag agus Biorachan Mór (Gaelic, paperback, 2020)
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…
NSSBB # 2400249 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking Audiobook (2 CD set, 2018)
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…
NSSBB # 2002047 – Ràithean airson Sireadh / Seasons for Seeking (paperback, 2017)
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…
DOWNLOAD THE FULL LIST OF NSSBB-APPROVED GAELIC BOOKS FROM BRADAN PRESS (updated 1 Nov 2022)
