When Finn Learson literally stumbles out of a stormy sea into a small village on the Shetland Isles, he steals the villagers' hearts. He's handsome and charming, he helps with the fishing and the harvest, and he's particularly drawn to Robbie's older sister Elspeth, with her beautiful long golden hair.

Yet there's something about Finn that makes Robbie and his dog Tam feel uneasy. Haunted by local tales of the Selkie folk, Robbie suspects there's more to Finn than meets the eye. But who would believe Robbie's wild suspicions?

As the story reaches its explosive finale at the fire festival of Up Helly Aa, can Robbie reveal the truth in time to save his sister?

One of Mollie Hunter's most popular novels for children, A Stranger Came Ashore was first published in 1975 to great acclaim. This new Kelpies Classics edition brings this much-loved Scottish classic to a new generation of children.

About the Author
Mollie Hunter (1922-2012) wrote more than 25 novels for children since 1953, incorporating a life-long exploration of Scotland's folklore and history into her stories. She 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 and the Carnegie Medal.

Reviews

'Strange and chilling... it captures that sense of unease that springs from old, old superstitions that might yet harbour a grain of truth.'
--Den of Geek

'Stunning in its blend of local tradition and belief, legend and life.'
-- Elizabeth Wein, The Guardian, What are the best Scottish children's books?

'First published nearly forty years ago, Mollie's story remains as intriguing and beguiling as ever.'
-- The Scotsman

'The haunting mystery of this story grips the reader to the end.'
-- Sunday Telegraph

'A fantastic, gripping tale... set on the beautiful, windswept Shetland Isles... they are perennial favourites and deservedly so.'
-- Scottish Children's Books, Winter 2002

Book Information
ISBN 9780863158834
Author Mollie Hunter
Format Paperback
Page Count 136
Imprint Kelpies
Publisher Floris Books
Weight(grams) 145g