Vote for Let’s Explore Oor Richts

We are thrilled to announce that ‘Let’s Explore Oor Richts’, our special illustrated book for little ones about children’s rights, has been nominated for the Scots Bairns Book o the Year award! This recognition is part of the Scots Language Awards, led by Hands Up For Trad and celebrates the best in Scots language and culture. The awards ceremony will take place on 14th September at Cumnock Town Hall. 

Let’s Explore Oor Richts is aimed at children up to five years old and takes them on an exciting journey to learn about their rights, such as the right to a safe home, to be healthy, to learn, and to play. The book, beautifully illustrated by Corinna Campbell from Inverness, features well-known Scots landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow’s Clydeside, and Tarbat Ness Lighthouse.  

Commissioner Nicola Killean launched the book last November to coincide with St Andrew’s Day, making it freely available to nurseries across all 32 Scottish local authorities. Since then, thousands of children have enjoyed the story as schools use it to introduce the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in a clear and age-appropriate way.    

The Scots version of the book was expertly translated by Laura Green from the Scots Language Centre. Laura, who has a deep passion for the Scots language, shared her thoughts on the nomination:  

“I’ve been delighted with the success of the book with it being used in schools and nurseries across Scotland. Given that one of the rights children have is to use their own language, it is great that the Children’s Commissioner is supporting children’s Scots by making the book available in one of the most widely spoken languages in our country.” 

 “When the Commissioner approached me about translating the book I saw it as an opportunity to make the idea of rights relatable to children by using the words they hear at home, in their families or within their communities.” 

Commissioner Nicola Killean, added: 

 “Let’s Explore Oor Richts explains to very young children in a way they can understand what rights are and why they are important, and we are delighted that we now have a Scots edition. All children should be able to access information about their rights in their own language and this book helps teachers to have those first conversations – in Scots – about human rights with young children.’ 

Now we need your help!  

Voting for the Scots Bairns Book o the Year is open until 8th September. You can support ‘Let’s Explore Oor Richts’ by casting your vote today! To vote, visit the Scots Language Awards website.