Suggested further reading
This page contains some suggested further reading on the Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness and Alexander Selkirk for upper primary stages. Please note, inclusion of these titles does not in any way represent endorsement by Learning and Teaching Scotland.
Young Loch Ness Explorers
Author: Maralyn Shine
Facts, games and puzzles for primary-aged children based on research by Adrian Shine from the Loch Ness Project. Extra pages can be downloaded free from the Loch Ness Project website.
Format: Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Loch Ness Project
Publication date: June 2008
The Loch Ness Monster: And Other Lake Mysteries
Author: Gary Jeffrey and Bob Moulder
Speech bubbles and strip-cartoon-style illustrations create a dynamic format that encourages readers to engage with the characters and get involved in the story. Detailed maps and information about Loch Ness, Lake Erie and Lake Champlain provide geographical context for the sightings. Legends surrounding these lakes and the origins of the tales and creatures are also examined. A 'fact or fiction?' section examines famous cases of fakes and hoaxes.
Format: Paperback, 48 pages
Publisher: Book House
Date of publication: 1 Jan 2007
The Mystery of the Loch Ness Monster (Can Science Solve...?)
Author: Holly Wallace
Looks at some of the evidence for some of the world's most mysterious phenomena, and how science can be used in an attempt to explain such mysteries. The magazine-style design and case studies bring the information to life. A Conclusion section offers the reader an opportunity to weigh up the arguments.
Format: Hardback, 32 pages
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Publication date: March 2006
Nessie the Loch Ness Monster
Author: Richard Brassey
Suitable for primary school pupils. A factual book about the Loch Ness Monster, its alleged arrival in the loch, and what people have seen - or thought they have seen.
Format: Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Publication date: May 1996
Loch Ness
Author: Adrian Shine
As a naturalist and a researcher for more than 30 years, Adrian Shine brings an environmental perspective to the investigation which sheds unexpected light on the controversy. This 32-page booklet has full colour illustrations and brings the Loch Ness story up to date with the modern thinking on the candidates behind the mystery. It is crammed with information on the natural environment and the investigation of Loch Ness. It is also a helpful resource for home educators, teachers and school projects.
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Loch Ness Project
Publication date: 2006
Loch Ness Monster Encyclopedia
Author: Paul Harrison
The product of over a decade of research, this reference guide brings together all the facts and fables surrounding Nessie.
Format: Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd
Publication date: July 2000
Loch Ness Monster: Scotland's Mystery Beast
Author: Jack DeMolay
Uncover evidence of Nessie's existence through historical sightings and present-day efforts to locate this mysterious beast. Age range 8 to 12.
Format: Hardback, 24 pages
Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Publication date: July 2006
Loch Ness Monster
Author: Peggy Parks
Does the monster really exist? This book tells Nessie's story, including where the monster allegedly lives, how people describe it, and the efforts to prove (and disprove) its existence throughout the years. Recent scientific explorations of Loch Ness are discussed briefly. Age range 8 to 12.
Format: Hardback, 48 pages
Publisher: Gale Group
Publication date: February 2005
Loch Ness Monster
Author: Terry Sievert
The book contains stories of sightings and information about scientific research to try to prove or disprove whether the mythical creature ever existed. It covers the doubts and hoaxes, but implies the monster could be found. Illustrations and photos enhance the text. Includes a glossary and an index. Age range 8 to 12.
Format: Hardback, 32 pages
Publisher: Edge Books
Publication date: September 2004
Loch Ness Monster
Author: Elaine Landau
This book introduces the folklore and reported sightings of the unidentified creature known as the Loch Ness Monster and evaluates the evidence for and against its existence. Age range 8 to 11.
Format: Hardback, 48 pages
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date: November 1993
Nessie: The Legend of the Loch Ness Monster
Author: Betty Kirkpatrick
Suitable for primary school readers.
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Crombie Jardine Publishing Ltd
Publication date: March 2005
Loch Ness Monster
Author: Jacqueline Laks Laks Gorman, Betsy Rasmussen (Editor)
With full-colour, full-page photographs, this book describes the beast of Loch Ness (affectionately known as Nessie), legends of lake monsters and how they grew, incidents of fake footprints and photographs, and efforts to find Nessie. Age range 7 to 10.
Format: 24 pages
Publisher: Gareth Stevens Audio
Publication date: July 2002
Alexander Selkirk: Survivor on a Desert Island
Author: Amanda Mitchison
This is the story of Alexander Selkirk, Scottish mariner and adventurer, who was rescued by passing sailors after four years alone on a Pacific island. The story tells how Selkirk came to be stranded on the island in 1705, and how he survived - the story of the real Robinson Crusoe. Ages 10+.
Format: Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: Short Books, London
Publication date: May 2004
Marooned: The Strange but True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe
Author: Robert Kraske and Robert Andrew Parker
Tells the true story of the real-life Scottish mariner Alexander Selkirk, who was the inspiration behind the fictional castaway Robinson Crusoe in the book by Daniel Defoe. In 1704 Selkirk was marooned on Juan Fernandez, an isolated Pacific island where he hunted, made tools and clothes and read his Bible before being rescued years later by passing sailors and returning to London. Includes full-page illustrations, a glossary, a bibliography, and a note on Juan Fernandez Island today. Age range 10 to 14.
Format: Hardback, 128 pages
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication date: October 2005
The Story of Loch Ness
Author: Katharine Stewart
Where did the name Loch Ness come from? What can be said of the wildlife that makes its home around the loch? Who determined the fate of the Loch Ness glen as we know it today? While the depths and secrets of Loch Ness may never be revealed entirely, this book discusses the answers to these and so many other questions in this guide to one of Scotland's most famous places.
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Luath Press
Publication date: May 2007