Books by Helen

The Lost Gemstone: A Tale from the Isle of Begg

Walker Books, April 2026

It’s a perfect day on the Isle of Begg. Perfect, that is, until Bumple and Little Mop discover that a fearsome beastie has stolen a magic gemstone from their friends the rocklings. If the gemstone isn’t returned before sunset, the rocklings will turn back into ordinary rocks. Bumple and Little Mop are determined to solve the mystery – but can they find the thief in time to save their friends? A story about courage and friendship, set on an enchanted Scottish island.

The Wild Beastie: A Tale from the Isle of Begg

Walker Books, June 2024

In a forgotten part of the sea, there lies a secret island: the Isle of Begg. Its shores are wild and wonderful, with creatures of every kind… But there’s one little creature, called Bumple, who has no interest in the island’s wonders – she’d much rather stay put in her cosy home patch. It’s only when a mischievous little beastie crash lands in her world that Bumple begins to realize … a little bit of wildness can be a LOT of fun!

Praise for The Wild Beastie

A lovely, magical tale showing how stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering that letting yourself go and trying a bit of wildness can be a whole lot of fun. From endpaper to endpaper, the watercolour illustrations are a marvellous mix of playfulness and beauty.
― Red Reading Hub

This is a book for younger children who might be a bit wary of stepping out into the world and who need to be convinced that there’s fun to be had by taking a few chances and making some new friends. Growing up is about problem solving and that can’t be done without sometimes going into territory you’re not familiar with – and meeting people you don’t already know.
― The Letterpress Project



A magical tale about facing your fears and being brave enough to embrace a bit of wildness: sometimes expanding your boundaries brings rewards you’d never dreamed of. Helen Kellock’s ending leaves the way open for further adventures set in this beautiful Isle of Begg that are so alluringly depicted in her watercolour illustrations.
― Books for Keeps

Helen Kellock has illustrated a chapter on Haunted Scotland in the book, Scotland: The People, The Places, The Stories by Chae Strathie. Published by Scholastic, April 2023.

Out to Sea

Thames & Hudson, January 2022

A heart-felt story about learning to cope with anxiety and grief. Beautifully illustrated and written with sensitivity, this moving tale shows readers how they might ride the waves of emotion without losing perspective.

Praise for Out to Sea:

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Illustrated Books 2022

‘One of the most gorgeous picture books I have ever seen. Dreamy.’
–David Walliams

‘A sustained marine metaphor for coming to terms with grief, its moody watercolour art buoying the reader along to an uplifting ending’
–Financial Times

‘A moving and uplifting reflection on love and loss for young children’
–Scottish Book Trust

The Star in the Forest

Thames & Hudson, September 2019

One evening in the fall, sisters Pip and Maisie are sitting in their grandparents’ cosy cottage on the edge of a forest. Maisie is restless and longs for adventure, but life at the cottage is always slow. When a bright light suddenly falls from the sky into the forest next door, Maisie can’t believe her luck—finally, an adventure has come her way! She has boots on and flashlight in hand before Pip has even put down her book.

With enchanting illustrations, this delightful debut picture book is sure to enchant children and parents alike.

Praise for The Star in the Forest

‘An atmospheric debut’
–The Bookseller

‘A charming, gorgeously illustrated ode to sisterhood, adventure, and mindfulness.’
–Kirkus Reviews

‘The book absolutely shimmers with light. The sisters, the forest, the star – all seem to glow on the page. There is a star in this beautiful book!’
–Jessica Love, creator of Julian is a Mermaid

Shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2020