Books by Betty Turnbull

A heartfelt story about believing in oneself. In Abigail and the Royal Thread, Papa tells his grandson Billy, dejected over his inability to hit a baseball, the memorable story of a young 18th century Scottish farm lass named Abigail Rutherford who learns that the combination of hard work, determination, and belief in oneself can make dreams come true.The Rutherfords, while poor, are respected for the superior wool, thread, and cloth they make. One day they receive the opportunity of a lifetime: to own the land they now live on in return for weaving a tunic for King James I of England. The problem is they have a short amount of time in which to complete this gigantic task. The entire family works together, but it appears they will fail until Abigail takes her mother's advice, devotes herself to quickly mastering a nearly impossible skill, and believes with all her heart and soul that she and her family, working together, can meet the deadline.

Billy's family is going to move, and he wants none of it. He loves his home, and he loves his Papa's stories. When they move, he and his grandfather will live far apart from one another. But, as Papa tells Billy, "I'll always have a story for ye."The touching, historical story of Isobel's New World traces the MacDougald family's move from Scotland to North Carolina, and in doing so traces the journey of thousands of Scots. Leaving behind a beloved land, embarking on a risky journey, and settling in a far away place--all for the hope of a fresh start and bright future. It's the story of Isobel, the story of Scottish immigrants, and the story of America.Isobel's New World teaches children that while moving can be a scary thing, home is with family. And when family sticks together, everything else seems to fall in place.

This beautifully illustrated book inspires children to discover the extraordinary potential within themselves; it's a celebration of resilience, purpose, and the power of embracing one's inherent gifts.In The Man Who Saved The King, Papa shares with little Billy the wonderful story of William who struggled with his size and strength as a child. As William grows into a man, the burden he once carried becomes the very thing that saves a king and shapes the destiny of Scotland.Woven around the historical narrative of William Rule and King Robert the Bruce, this enchanting story invites young readers to travel through the scenic landscapes of ancient Scotland, teaching a timeless lesson, that everyone is born with a unique purpose.

This heartwarming story is a salute to military families across the country, and a cheer for our nation's heroes.A Sergeant in the House, tells the story of Lenny who desperately wants a puppy. His father is in the military, the family must move frequently, and Lenny is still very young to care for an animal, so Lenny strikes a bargain: When his daddy becomes a sergeant, Lenny can have a puppy.When his father is deployed to war, Lenny learns what it means to be responsible, to care for his family, and to help around the house. A dreaded phone call brings the news that Lenny's father has been injured and is being sent home. When Lenny's father explains that this means he'll never become a sergeant, Lenny realizes that what he truly wants is his daddy--puppy or no puppy.