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New publisher Doric Books launches Kickstarter to get illustrated version of north-east poem 'The Puddock' on to shop shelves


By Lorna Thompson

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A NEW not-for-profit publishing house set up to encourage the use of Doric in all settings has launched a Kickstarter campaign to get its second book to print.

Doric Books was established in May to promote the development of the north-east Scots language through books and by providing workshops and Doric "Blethers" in schools, care homes and community groups.

Last month, its first book, "Aul McDonald Hid a Fairm", hit the selves.

The publisher now hopes to raise money for the first print-run of its second children's book, "The Puddock", through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.

The Puddock is an illustrated version of the popular poem by JM Caie about a big-headed frog.

Doric Books, a Community Interest Company, was founded by professional storyteller Jackie Ross, from Lumphanan, and author/illustrator Aaron Gale, from Huntly.

Jackie said: "We're fair trickit, really pleased with how things are going so far.

"Aul McDonald has had really positive feedback and we can't wait to publish The Puddock.

"It's a really popular poem loved by all ages and Aaron's illustrations really bring it alive.

"It's a favourite of ours here at Doric Books cause we both learned it at the school.

"Loads of folk remember The Puddock. That's been one of the nicest things when we've been speaking to folk about it. And people smile. It's a lovely reaction."

Jackie Ross, from Lumphanan, and author/illustrator Aaron Gale, from Huntly, co-directors of Doric Books, at Inverurie Farmers Market.
Jackie Ross, from Lumphanan, and author/illustrator Aaron Gale, from Huntly, co-directors of Doric Books, at Inverurie Farmers Market.
Doric Books hopes to raise funds to publish its second children's book, The Puddock.
Doric Books hopes to raise funds to publish its second children's book, The Puddock.

Over time the duo hope to publish Doric material for all ages.

Jackie added: "Our main focus at the minute is on younger bairns, who need to learn Doric from little.

"There are lots of dialects of north-east Scots. I'm Deeside, which is different from Huntly, which is different from the Broch.

"What we're trying to do is reflect as many of the dialects as possible and we're hoping that, over time, we'll attract authors from different areas so we can explore those differences."

Jackie added that Doric is spoken by nearly half the north-east's population, but few read in the dialect partly due to the lack of books written in the mither tongue, especially for children.

She added: "We want to be part of a world where Doric, as a dialect of Scots, is valued and enjoyed in homes, schools and communities across the north-east of Scotland and beyond."

If the Kickstarter is successful Jackie hopes "The Puddock should lowp ontae e shelves bi September".

Further information can be found at www.doricbooks.com, Facebook or the Kickstarter page.


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