Released as part of Oor Wullie's 90th anniversary celebrations, Oor Wullie's ABCs in Scots is a new children's picture book that celebrates Scotland's favourite wee laddie while introducing young readers to the Scots language.
The publication also arrives during the UK’s National Year of Reading, which shines a spotlight on the importance of reading for pleasure from an early age. Research from the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than half (46%) of parents read daily with children aged under five, despite them wishing they spent more time doing so.
Written by Kate McAuliffe, heritage brands content editor at DC Thomson, and illustrated by long-standing Oor Wullie artist Mike Donaldson, the 36-page paperback takes readers on a braw adventure through the alphabet, from A to Z, with a different Scots word or phrase on every page, says DC Thomson.
While the book is aimed at younger readers, DC Thomson says Scotland's Favourite Son retains his signature humour and cheeky charm. Clear explanations and colourful illustrations bring the language to life, while Oor Wullie and his pals – Bob, Soapy, Wee Eck, Primrose, Jada, Ollie and his faithful dug Wee Harry – share the fun of friendship, language and a wee bit of mischief.
Young readers can also enjoy spotting a hidden letter in every illustration, adding an extra layer of interactive fun. And for anyone new to the language, dinnae fash – there’s a glossary at the back!
Author Kate McAuliffe said: “While we have many older fans of Oor Wullie, we wanted to do more with kids. A flashback comic strip which Mike Donaldson drew of Wullie – aged five and with chubby cheeks – came to mind, and I thought it would be lovely to write a children’s book of Oor Wullie filled with illustrations like that.
“There’s a long tradition of gifting the annuals and passing them on to the next generation. An Oor Wullie children’s book that parents and grandparents can read to wee ones continues this tradition, while also introducing Scots words which connect us all in a shared language, heritage and community in the fun, humorous style which Oor Wullie is known and loved for.”
Interest in Scots-language publishing has grown in recent years, supported by high-profile advocates and authors including Len Pennie, Douglas Stuart, Iain Banks and Val McDermid, the publisher continued.
Endorsing the book, writer and Scots language advocate Len Pennie said: “It's wonderful that people of all ages have been able to engage with the Scots language for almost a century alongside Oor Wullie, and it's such a joy to see this legacy continue as younger readers are given the opportunity to learn new words and phrases through this accessible and beautifully illustrated new book.”
Children's picture books remain popular purchases for parents, grandparents and wider family members, particularly those that evoke the feelings of nostalgia and warmth which are commonly associated with the Oor Wullie brand, says DC Thomson.
Ideal for nurseries, early learning environments and school libraries, the publisher continued, the title promotes literacy development.
As part of the 90th anniversary celebrations, DC Thomson says it is also working with the National Library of Scotland to bring braw times to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee to showcase the enduring cultural impact of The Broons and Oor Wullie.
Over the weekend of 24–26 July, a series of pop-up displays will feature rare items from the national collections, alongside special costumed guests, family-friendly activities and giveaways, giving fans of all ages – from bairns to granpaws – the chance to celebrate Scotland's best-loved comic strip characters.
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