Auld Lang Syne, Joanne Findon’s second picture book (following The Dream of Aengus), is a gentle account of episodes in the life of poet Robert Burns, highlighting his adaptation of the traditional Scottish song sung at New Year’s.

Targeting the same audience as Linda Granfield’s historical non-fiction works, this book is much narrower in scope. The narrative opens with the birth of Robbie Burns in a poor cotter’s dwelling, then details his hard childhood, illuminated only by his mother’s songs and stories, and his schooling. It culminates with his growing success as Scotland’s national poet and treasurer of its wealth of songs. Facts are leavened by the occasional fiction; for instance, the visitation of the goddess Coila, who acts as comforter to Burns in one of his darkest moments.

Findon’s text is sprinkled with just the right number of Scots phrases to capture the lilt and flavour of the country without obfuscating meaning. A concise glossary explains the foreign terms. Verses from the well-known song punctuate the text at appropriate moments and the best stanzas are reprinted on the back cover.

Ted Nasmith’s landscapes are luminous, authentically conveying the dewy lushness and dramatic skies of Scotland. His human figures do not measure up, however. The characters are wooden, fixed in unnatural poses, with mask-like expressions. Two centuries ago, the illustrator’s ancestor, Alexander Nasmith, painted a formal portrait of Burns, which adorns the first page and is far more animated than his descendant’s depictions.

Auld Lang Syne provides a palatable introduction for primary students to Robert Burns, lyric poetry, Scotland, and the living conditions of impoverished 19th-century tenant farmers.