This book, written specially by Alexander McCall Smith for young readers, is unique for two reasons. First, it is a completely new story about how Precious Ramotswe, aged eight, solves a mystery at her school. Second, it has been translated into Scots by James Robertson, and will not be available in any other language, including English, during 2010.

The No.I Ladies’ Detective Agency stories have been translated into more than 45 languages but, for Alexander McCall Smith, the fact that this new story is appearing in Scots is ‘the icing on the cake’. He writes in his introduction to the book:

“Language is one of our great treasures. It is a great pity in my view that some languages are dying out, because that means that the richness and the variety of human life are diminished. Every language has something to offer – a way of looking at the world, a story to tell about a particular group of people, a stock of poetry and song. The disappearance of a language is like the silencing of some lovely bird.

“I have long admired the Scots language. I was brought up with a few Scots words – not many enough – but those that I did know, I liked. I have always enjoyed reading the Scots language and I admire people who are determined that we should not forget how to speak and read the Scots language.”

Precious and the Puggies, which is lavishly illustrated by Iain McIntosh, is published on 25th February 2010 by Itchy Coo, the Edinburgh-based publisher specialising in books for young readers written in Scots. For more information, go to www.itchy-coo.com.

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One comment on this article so far:

1. Marigold Brown says:

   August 15, 2010 at 10:38 am

   What a great idea to be in touch with folks who so enjoyed Alexander’s books.
   My husband and I dearly want to visit Botswana,( especially the locations a nice relaxing holiday with not too much safari just a little to get the flavour of this lovely country.( after reading all No1 Ladies Detective Agency Books.any help with that would be very much appreciated.

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