THE famous story of Bruce and the spider has been adapted into a new children’s picture book.

The title, which was released this week through the Picture Kelpies imprint of Edinburgh publisher Floris Books, sees Robert the Bruce retreat after defeat in the Battle of Methven before finding unexpected inspiration to resume a successful military campaign in the bloody Scottish Wars of Independence.

It comes after the book firm published Mary, Queen of Scots: Escape from Loch Leven Castle last summer, with that volume focusing on a key moment in the story of the medieval monarch.

Both books are illustrated by Mexican-born artist Teresa Martinez and Floris Books said her new work “brings the tension of King Robert’s escape and the excitement of his return to victory to life for young children, along with the important message of never giving up”.

Commenting on the release, Eleanor Collins, editorial director at the independent publisher, said: “We are delighted with the latest addition to our Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books. Robert the Bruce is such a well-known character in Scotland’s history and we are excited to be able to bring him to life for young children.”