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Reading age: 8+ Interest age: 7+ Genre: #fable #international #original #Patagonia #love This is definitely one of the most beautiful Welsh language books to be published in 2021 and it's one of my personal favourites. I'm thrilled with this publication - the story, the pictures – the lot. Well done Lleucu. According to her blog, Bethan Gwanas is also a fan of the book, and she knows better than most about what makes a good book. I'm so pleased to see a story with an international dimension coming to market – It’d be great to see some more to be honest, especially if they are of the same high standard as Chwedl Calaffate. The illustration is excellent. Now, there are a number of talented artists in Wales producing really good children’s books, but in my opinion, this is an example of one of the best. The warm colours of orange, yellow and red, perfectly convey the hardship of life on the prairie. As is evident from the title, this is a legend or a fable. Originally from Patagonia, it mentions the fruit of the Calafate shrub, and the sad story behind it. I wasn't familiar with the tree, its fruit or the legend, I have to admit. The legend comes from the saying "El que come Calafate siempre vuelve." That is, those visiting who taste the fruit of the calafate, are sure to return one day. There’s something very romantic behind it, much like the idea of 'hiraeth' (longing) that we have in Wales – the powerful link between the people and the land. There’s romance in the story too, which according to the author's own words, resembles the story of Blodeuwedd. Both stories depict young couples who fall in love, albeit a love that is not meant to be. You can't help but think what a shame it was that the older men didn’t just mind their business and let the young couples crack on. I rather liked the fact that it didn't have the usual 'happy ever after' that you get in many children's books... I think this fable would be a good one to adapt as an animated short for television, if there was money to do so. In addition to the story itself, we get a glossary, and some more information about the origins of the tale, and some details about the process of putting the book together. I don’t know about you, but I’m fascinated with little behind the scenes details like this. Now there’s only one thing left to do – to make sure that I visit Patagonia one day, and to try the fruit of the calafate [berberis microphylla] for myself. Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Released: 2021 Price: £6.50 ISBN: 9781845278182 WHO'S THE AUTHOR? Lleucu Gwenllian is a 24 year old illustrator originally from Blaenau Ffestiniog with a BA in illustration from Prifysgol De Cymru, Caerdydd. As part of her course, she completed several creative projects, and you can see samples of her work on her website - lleucugwenllian.wixsite.com/lleucuillustration/ and her Instagram – @lleucuillustration

Reading age: 9+ Interest age: 9-14 You might not have even realised it, but we’ve needed a novel like this in Welsh for a long time on this subject. I hope this’ll be a popular choice with schools, especially with years 5&6 in mind. What better way of discovering about a certain period in history, than through a novel like this? Using the book as a focal point for an unit of thematic work on the Victorian period will provide rich possibilities to generate quality work and explore a fascinating topic. Sometimes, it takes a few chapters to get ‘the feel’ of a book, and sometimes it just never happens. With Gwag y Nos, I was hooked right away (no mean feat as I’m fussy) with its hard-hitting prologue that doesn’t mince it’s words. On a side note, the front cover is excellent and gets a high score from me, so well done @almon once again! It conveys the creepy qualities of the hell-on- earth which is Gwag y Nos workhouse (although I have to say I initially thought that it was a cemetery). Sioned Wyn Roberts has undoubtedly created a masterpiece here, one which rivals Plentyn y Stryd, the Welsh adaptation of Street Child by Berlie Doherty (another classic Victorian novel, which is sadly out of print) In fact, this novel is actually more relevant to a Welsh context, and it’s clearly a story close to the author’s heart – she’s woven a fictional narrative around her real family history. Really interesting stuff. Magi is the main character. She’s a young girl who finds herself in an unpleasant situation. Alone. In the workhouse. Living under the oppressive regime of Nyrs Jenat and Robat Wyllt. I’ll put my head on the block here, and say that Nurse Jenat is up there with some classic baddies from children’s literature – enough to make Ms.Trunchbull seem angelic! You can't help but admire Magi's rebellious determination and her bravery is admirable. You’re always on #TeamMagi although she’s not perfect either (just ask poor Elsi!) When a prank goes awry in the workhouse, Magi is soon carted away to Plas Aberhiraeth to become a servant for a wealthy lady. Life in the workhouse may be horrific, but her new home isn’t much better, and the Plas soon becomes a prison of its own. There really is only one solution – escape! Something very sinister is afoot in Gwag y Nos, and Magis is the only one that can put a stop to it! What’s Nurse Jenat trying to hide? Will Magi manage to reveal the secret and save her friends? Who’s even going to listen to a brat from the workhouse? These are but a few of the questions we have! The characters and plot are spot-on. I don't want to say any more in case I spoil the story, but honestly, KS2 teachers– please choose this as your class novel. Because of its slightly darker themes, I would say that this novel is more suitable for children aged 9+ (9-13 I saw somewhere) and although this is a children’s book per se, it can definitely be enjoyed by an older audience. Publisher: Atebol Published: 2021 Price: £6.99 ISBN: 9781801061650

*For English version, switch language toggle on top of page* Reading age: 7+ Interest age: 3-11 Genre: #llyfrlluniau #chwedlau #moeswers #ffuglen It’s always a pleasure to see an independently published book, as it adds to mix of reading material available to our young readers. Very often, independent publishers do much of the work themselves, including writing, design, promotion and marketing - quite a feat really when you think about it. In today’s climate, it’s important to support new authors, including those who self-publish. This is the first book by Eira Moon, an author originally from north Wales, but who’s also lived in Spain for over twenty years. That probably explains why the book is available in three languages, namely Welsh, English and Spanish under the titles Fira Farus a’r Wy Siocled Enfawr, Greedy Gracee’s Giant Chocolate Egg and La Codiciosa Princesa Graciana y el Huevo de Chocolate Gigante. I’m told that this book is the result of countless bed time conversations with her foster daughter. It’s good to see an idea develop into a real product. We have here a fairytale about Fira, a rather unpleasant young princess. Living in a huge castle with her parents, the King and Queen, it’s fair to say that she’s been spoilt, and this had turned her into quite a selfish, greedy and ultimately lonely individual. One day, when a magical giant easter egg lands on the castle's doorstep, the princess finds herself in a bit of a pickle due to her own greediness. I wonder if someone will be willing to help her? This story is perfect for sharing at bedtime, or in school. The pictures by Aswitha Gunda help tell the story and give a taste of the princess's magical world. The book offers an opportunity to discuss different feelings and behaviours; how being greedy can get you into all sorts of trouble! I've always believed in 'karma' (what goes around comes around) and I’ve always felt that greedy and selfish people will get their comeuppance in the end. Although the story contains fantasy elements such as castles, princesses and a bit of magic, this is essentially a story with a simple and down-to-earth message about acts of kindness. In a world that can be so nasty at times, I welcome any story that spreads messages of love and friendship– and there’s nowhere better to do this than in the early years. This book does have a somewhat homemade vibe to it, but I think that’s part of it’ charm. An audiobook is available to download from https://eiramoon.com/ for £2.99 – why not read and listen at the same time? Available in some of your local shops or from the Gwales website now. Publisher: Eira Moon Released: Mai 2021 Price: £6.95 ISBN: 978-1916875524 ABOUT THE AUTHOR... EIRA MOON She was one of the lucky ones, being born and bred in the land of song and sheep, aka “God’s Country”…North Wales! Since 2001 she’s been involved in organizing music and entertainment for venues all over the world. Her company was lucky enough to arrange voice-over projects involving Hollywood celebrity talent, which she uses to her advantage when trying (in vain!) to impress her young nieces and nephew! Eira and her long-term partner are also proud and dedicated foster carers. They’ve cared for vulnerable children of all ages and backgrounds over the past several years- providing a safe and fun home to flourish and be happy, for however long it was needed. Her debut short story was in fact inspired by a comical chitter-chatter with one of their young foster children! She wanted to create a classic-style fairytale for children to enjoy over and over again which provided a valuable moral lesson. When not on the school run or role-playing superheroes, Eira loves to be in or near the sea, watching rugby or practicing photography!

Genre: #adventure #graphicnovels #fiction #scifi Reading age: 7+ Interest age: 7-12 ♥ Welsh Original ♥ Graphic Novel… what’s one of those? First thing’s first - don't let anyone tell you that reading comics is a bad thing, because that's absolute nonsense! Believe it or not, there are lots of adults who like to read them too, so they are definitely not just things for little children. This is a graphic novel according to its description on Gwales. There aren’t many of them in Welsh yet (although there should be!) but to explain it simply, they’ve put the comic series that appeared regularly in the Mellten magazine, together into one neat little package – this high-quality book. Today's readers are spoilt compared to what was available years ago! I'll be very pleased to give this pride of place on my bookshelf at HQ Bookstore. What’s it about then? Fast-forward about 2,000 years into the future. A big space race is about to start, the Manta Cup 4002, and there’s a strange bunch of racers from the planet New Wales who are ready to compete for the first time (isn’t it great to see that in this version of the future, that Wales is still here and going strong!) Iola, the pilot, and her motley crew Meew, Alun, Tezu, and Branwen have only one desire – to win the space rally. Will they be successful? I’ve got to say, judging by their wooden spaceship, I’m not so sure! While the inexperienced competitors are busy trying not to end up in the middle of the sun, there are some dodgy goings-on and sinister plans working in the shadows. Who are the mysterious people who are up to no good? What does ‘the machine’ do? And what does an angry microwave have to do with it all? So, should I read Rali’r Gofod or not? Of course, you should! If you – like me – love sci-fi adventures with plenty of humour, this would appeal to you. There are many elements that remind me of Star Wars, Star Trek and many other shows I normally enjoy. Indeed, the Manta 4002 race isn't too dissimilar to the pod racing seen in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (a film that gets way too much stick by the way!). The standard of the illustrations is excellent – colourful, full of detail and just looking really cool! Because it's basically a long comic, the reading is divided into small bits of dialogue, which is great if you prefer less heavy reading (but get this - it all adds up in the end, so reading a comic does count as real reading!) I know I’ve been like a broken record, harping on about the lack of choice of books for boys aged 7-11, but it's true. We’ve got to bring out more things that will appeal to them, so I'm very happy to see this series blast-off! Publisher: Llyfrau Broga Released: 2021 Price: £6.99 ISBN: 9781914303029 OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES...