For her first picture book Sorche Nic Leodhas, author of Thistle and Thyme, a runner-up for the 1963 John Newbery award, turns to her childhood and an enchanting Scottish nursery tale that was passed down from her own grandfather.

"There was a lad in Perthshire and his name was Sandy . ." the tale begins, inviting children into the picturesque world of old Scotland. With lilting, infectious rhythms, Miss Nic Leodhas recounts what happens to Sandy when he starts out for the mill with a sack of corn, "all in the morning early."

Evaline Ness has filled each page with illustrations that evoke the delightful collection of characters that join Sandy on his journey.

The result is a picture book of timeless beauty, flavored with Gaelic charm, that will delight the eye and warm the heart of any child.

From the dust jacket