| In Time Tram Dundee, the tram driver and conductor meet characters from the Mesolithinc middens 8000 years ago, when Dundee was founded, Iron and Stone Age Dundonians, William Wallace, 19th century missionary Mary Slessor and even Desperate Dan.
Written by Dundee author Matthew Fitt and illustrated by Keith Robson, Time Tram is a funny and informative read designed to appeal to all ages.
The project behind the book, Dynamic Dundee, was launched last year with grant aid of £48,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to produce a quality book on Dundee’s rich heritage that was fun and accessible with appeal to children and young people. The aim was to include landmarks, buildings, industry, famous people and events.
Matthew is a qualified teacher who works in schools across the country promoting creative writing and the Scots language.
Keith, who lives in Newport, worked as an illustrator with D C Thomson & Co Ltd on publications such as The Beano and The Dandy. He is now a freelance illustrator and model-maker who has worked on various children’s TV programmes.
Mr Letford said, “This project was launched last June and I am delighted to say the aim has been surpassed. What we have is a marvellous achievement. The book is a fascinating and very funny read which both children and adults will enjoy. It is a credit to Matthew Fitt, Keith Robson and project managers Moira Foster, Stuart Syme and Lynn Moy.”
Best selling children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who began her career in Dundee, said, “I grew to love the city especially the old Victorian buildings. I wanted to learn more. I wish this fantastic, lively book had been available then.”
Copies of the book are to be given free to all of the city’s local authority schools and libraries. An interactive educational resource has been added to the council’s website www.dundeecity.gov.uk/timetram |
