I would like to recommend Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

[Miaou]

.... It is aimed at aged 10 and up but my 8 year old couldn't put it down and is reading it chapter by chapter to the rest of us! (including dd2 aged 7).here is the blurb about it. It is the first of a series of six.

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I read Wolf Brother after Yorkiegirl's recommendation, but wasn't particularly struck by it. But ds1 (8) loved it.

He got the sequel (Spirit Walker) and couldn't put that down either. I read it too, and was more impressed - the writing and plot is superior to the first one IMO.

(I love the artwork on the covers too)

that's good to hear about the second one - will try to get hold of a copy.

Miaou - in case you check in again here. I need your advice on a completely different topic.

We are going to Mull in August. We are going to travel up on the Friday and stay overnight in a Travel Lodge either Fortwilliam or Glasgow, and then 'do something' on the Saturday before checking in at our cottage nr Tobermory after 3 pm. So ...

1. Recommendations please of good 'something to do's in your neck of the woods for a few hours.
2. Dh wants to go on the two little ferries rather than the long crossing from Oban (I can't remember the names but I'm sure you know what I mean), and he says you don't need to/can't book on those ones; there may be queues, but it will be fine/no problem. Is this correct? Even in August?

hi roisin! things to do, hmmm.... there is a fab little dusty museum in FW town centre, with all sorts of interesting bits and pieces in. There is also one out of the centre called treasures of the earth, all about gemstones, which I haven't been to but my mum has and she thinks dd1 would love it (so maybe your dses would too?) There is Aanoch Mor, next to Ben Nevis - you can ride up in the gondolas and have a walk at the top - not the cheapest day out but definitely a worthwhile experience.

Transport - the two little ferries - there are two options - one is Corran Ferry then Lochaline to Fishnish then a long drive up through Mull to Tobermory; the other is Corran Ferry then Kilchoan to Tobermory - you will have a long drive to Kilchoan then. It's as broad as it's long really - both drives are on beautiful, but narrow and windy roads!

(And the Corran Ferry runs approximately 200yards from our house so you have to call in and see us on your way through )

Dh says yes, your dh is correct re. the booking/queueing situation - even in August.

Hope this helps - feel free to ask any more questions!

Also you must visit the museum in Tobermory - it's tiny and fab!

Other possibilities are to visit the Ardnamurchan lighthouse at Kilchoan if you are going that way - there are some fab views of the islands from there, and a little museum too. You can go up the tower and look out from the top as well.

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Thanks Miaou! I think the gemstones in FW sounds right up their street.

Dh went to Iona last year, and drove back via Tobermory/Kilchoan - so he knows what the routes are like. I just needed reassurance that his opinion of the booking situation was correct too.

It would be great to call in and say hi to you if that works out! I'll contact you nearer the time!