The first story - The Pirate's Sister is the tale of Sam, the fisherman and his family - the adventures and tragedy that befall them.  A mysterious seal woman, smugglers, slave-trading pirates, a great sacrifice, adventures on the high seas, revenge and grief.  Set on the jagged coastline of the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, it is an evocative tale of love, loyalty and betrayal.

The second story is The Curse of Wicca Tree.  Gillan Gwinear was the most wicked of pirates, who challenged God Himself.  The tale of how a brave priest uses his wits to wreak God's justice.

The CD also features the beautiful song "Silver Waters" performed by Howdenjones.

 “With 3 boys each with an addiction to all things “pirate”, – we have been surprised at just how difficult it is to find pirate-themed story tapes for the car and bedtime.  I am regularly badgered for one of “my stories” at bedtimes, and given strict instructions as to what characters and events must appear in them!"

Sophie explains her inspiration:

“The Pirate’s Sister emerged from the striking coastal paths we walked on the Lizard Peninsula and watching our boys scrambling over rocks trying to spot seals and throwing pebbles from the beach.  Even in gusty, bitter winds and thick mist, Cornwall is a vibrant raw landscape that conjures up amazing images and myths. 

 “I was brought up in Aberdeen, on the North East coast of Scotland – with its fishing industry that went through tough times in the 70’s.  So visiting the coast, and Cornish harbours, strikes a chord for me.

 “I was shocked to discover a hidden slave trade taking villagers from the Cornish coast to the Mediterranean and North Africa.  Most people associate the slave trade with the other direction – Africa to Europe and the Americas.

 “I also remember reading stories of selkies and kelpies.  The latter are mythical water spirits that in Scotland have a devilish reputation for appearing as animals out of the water.  Selkies manifest as seals transforming to people, sometimes falling in love with a human, sometimes helping or even tricking sailors in trouble. 

“All of this, the Cornish landscape and our boys playing in the pebble coves and rock pools, filtered through my mind as I came up with the story.”