230 children from Belhaven and local East Lothian schools were inspired by the authorβs stories of ancient Egypt, beetles, music, and football during her talk on her new book.
The bestselling author, M.G. Leonard, talked to a rapt audience of 230 children at Belhaven Hill School, including 100 pupils from East Lothian and neighbouring primary and prep schools, about her new book βThe Hunt for the Golden Scarabβ.
βThe Hunt for the Golden Scarabβ is the first book in M.G. Leonardβs new βTime Keysβ series. Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson use the magic of music to unlock portals to travel through time and solve mysteries that have lain hidden for years. Her passion for beetles, something developed from a childhood phobia, provided the inspiration for the story. This connection between an early influence and an adult achievement was not lost on the audience.
βBelhavenβs creativity is, arguably, its greatest strength,β says Olly Langton, Headmaster at the boarding and day school for 4-to-13-year-olds. βOur children are encouraged to be themselves and to try new things – to develop resilience through hard work in new fields. Little wonder that many shine in Art, Music, Drama and in the creation of literature; and, thanks to Belhavenβs connections with the wonderful Mainstreet Trading Company in St Boswells, itβs no surprise that our latest author visit had such a mesmeric effect on her audience.β
These books are a great treat to read, but it became abundantly clear that they are also a great treat to write: M.G. Leonard took the audience down into Tutunkhamunβs tomb, talked to them about the influence of the scarab beetle on Egyptian society and then showed everyone unforgettable video footage of the young emperorβs mummy.
βWe were also treated to a preview of βThe Legend of Viking Thunderβ,β Belhavenβs Headmaster continues. βThis book is the second in her series and gave us a fascinating insight into how memorable characters can be created, even from our passions.
βThe scarab beetle had led to an Egyptian tomb, but it is a Manchester City footballer who leads us back to the Scandinavian past. Erling Haalandβs Nordic features inspired the villain of this second book in the series, and we were treated to the gripping opening chapter.β
The audience also enjoyed hearing about the books of M.G. Leonardβs childhood. The inspiration for her portal adventures came from CS Lewisβ βThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeβ and from Frances Burnet Hodgsonβs βThe Secret Gardenβ. Clearly, forbidden doors and secret pathways still hold a fascination for childrenβ
Another of the authorβs favourites was βThe Wind in the Willowsβ: M.G. Leonardβs fascination with the fate of Otterβs son, Portly the Otter, has led her to write his story, due to be published in March 2026. Once again, the inspiration was formed in early childhood.
βIt was a truly uplifting event and, as over 230 children queued to meet the author and get a signed copy of her book. We all revelled in the memories of childhood reading – one of the most important gifts that we can ever experience.β
Belhaven, which recently celebrated it centenary, focuses on its core values, courage, creativity and courtesy. These encourage all Belhavenβs 160 children to explore their schoolβs campus, the beauty of the East Lothian coast and the mysteries of a broad range of subjects that stretch pupils far beyond the curriculum.Β By promoting kindness, Belhaven continually supports its children to discover and influence the world.
