Scarborough Lights Story Trail

If you’ve landed on this page, we hope it’s because you’ve enjoyed our Scarborough Lights story trail and managed to meet most, if not all, of the characters in the plot.

If you’ve worked out the secret word from the trail, complete the form below to submit your entry and be in with a chance of winning an exciting book bundle. It includes a copy of Ian Livingstone’s The Forest of Doom, along with other brilliant titles.

Who was your favourite character? Keep reading to discover brilliant books inspired by each one.

Stella and the Seagull by Georgia Stevens, illustrated by Izzy Burton

If you enjoy uplifting stories about protecting wildlife, follow Stella as she tries to help her little seagull friend after it becomes poorly from swallowing plastic. From organising beach clean-ups to campaigning against plastic straws, Stella inspires her community to make a big difference. Thanks to their efforts, the seagull and its animal friends can enjoy a cleaner, safer home.

Interest age 2–6
Reading age 5+

Where’s Walrus? by Stephen Savage

If you enjoy stories told through pictures, this wordless book is full of fun for younger children and grown-ups alike. When Walrus escapes from his small pool at the zoo, the zookeeper follows close behind. Can you spot Walrus hiding in all sorts of unlikely places — disguised as a mermaid in a fountain, sitting at a diner counter and posing in a window display? His adventure ends on a diving board, complete with a red swimming cap and a wonderfully satisfying finale.

Interest age 2–6
Reading age 0–6 (wordless book)

The Time Travel Twins: The Viking Attack by Josh Lacy, illustrated by Garry Parsons

If you’d like to discover two sides of history, join twins Scarlett and Thomas on a time-travelling adventure. They’re learning about the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons at school, but Thomas is struggling to find inspiration for their homework project. Luckily, Grandad has just the thing to help: a time machine.

Interest age 6–8
Reading age 7+

The Secret Diary of Queen Victoria by Terry Deary

If you like your history with plenty of humour, this fictional diary brings the Victorian era to life in the signature style of Horrible Histories. Forget dry biographies: here, Queen Victoria is witty, stubborn and just a little dramatic.

Interest age 7–11
Reading age 8+

Blackbeard’s Treasure by Iszi Lawrence, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

If you’re ready for an action-packed adventure, climb aboard for narrow escapes, high-seas chaos and brilliant illustrations. When eleven-year-old Abigail and her best friend Boubacar accidentally find themselves on a legendary pirate ship, they face a huge mission: navigate the Golden Age of Piracy, outsmart a ruthless crew and escape the world’s most terrifying captain before time runs out.

Interest age 8-11
Reading age 10+

Wigglesbottom Primary: The Popcorn Puppy by Pamela Butchart

If you love laugh-out-loud school stories, join the pupils of Wigglesbottom Primary for plenty of mayhem, chaos and brilliant two-colour illustrations. Each book contains three hilarious adventures in which their imaginations run riot. In this story, Lauren brings her puppy to school and Class 2R have an important mission: hide it from Miss Riley.

Interest age 6–8
Reading age 6+