Steven Tod

I have written and illustrated a picture book for early readers called An Island Tail, aimed at Primary 2 and 3 classes. The story is set on the Isle of Lewis and features a cat, a young boy and a big sheep dog. It is about friendship and belonging. The full colour pictures are filled with many of the elements that make the Outer Hebrides unique and fascinating: the dry stone walls, peat cutting, sheep, the moor, Harris Tweed, the rivers, the old stone built houses, the Massey Ferguson tractors and the rickety old gates. The islands are a living museum and I have covered some of the traditional customs that still take place in the book.

I have 16 years teaching experience in England and Scotland. I have taught art to both primary and secondary classes. I have retired from teaching full time and now at 60 I am starting a new career as an author/illustrator. In March 2019 I signed with Cranachan Publishing and An Island Tail will be launched in November. It is the first of a series of four.