Search

Meet the author Elidir Jones Born: 1964 From: Cardiff Lives in: Cardiff Interesting fact: She can speak Spanish and German Quick facts Children and young people books Y Porthwll (Dalen Newydd, 2015) Yr Horwth, (Atebol, 2019) What inspired you to write this book? ​ When I was young, I was dying to read fantasy books in Welsh, but there was very little choice at that time. Now that I am in a position to do something about it, I am passionate about creating fantastic books that children and young people in Wales will want to read for pleasure, in their spare time. I had written a fantasy novel for adults some years ago – which has not yet been published, although I very much hope that she will see the light of day at some time. When I was offered to write a book for Atebol, writing a novel based in the same imaginary world felt like a natural thing to do. There wasn't one great moment of inspiration giving birth to the Horwth – just sitting in front of a screen for days at a time, with a lot of coffee. That’s how it is for me 99% of the time. ​ Say a little about the story you've created. ​ The Horwth is the first in a series (hopefully!) of fantasy stories for young people called Chwedlau’r Copa Coch. [Legends of the Red Summit] The novel follows four main characters – Sara, Heti, Pietro and Nad – as they go on a dangerous journey to a mountain in the middle of the wilderness, to the red summit, in order to defeat a monster called the Horwth that has been attacking the surrounding country. In that regard, the basic plot is not dissimilar to any number of classic fantasy stories such as the Hobbit, but there is more than one twist as the novel progresses. And, unlike a number of fantasy stories (and without spoiling anything), the characters don't go "there and back again". They remain on the Red Summit – and the relationship between the characters and their new home will be one of the biggest themes as the series continues. ​ What do you hope readers will get from this story? ​ I have hope, of course, that readers who love fantasy already will have a taste for the Horwth. But I also really hope that the book will appeal to readers who have never read fantasy before, and inspire them enough so that they turn to more classics from the genre, be it in Welsh or in English. The Horwth is definitely not a novel aimed at boys – my favourite characters in the book are all girls! I have also not specifically targeted one age when it comes to readers, and hope that children, young people and adults will all enjoy the Horwth in their own way. Above all, I hope that the Horwth will open people's eyes with regard to fantasy books in general, and the role of fantasy in Welsh literature more specifically. What specialist or research information was needed to write this book? ​ One of the great pleasures of fantasy writing is that you don't need to research if you don't want to! Obviously, history, legend, fairy tales, and other fantasy works can be fed into the process of fantasy writing. But it is important to remember that an imaginary world is depicted, and that no rules must be obeyed, or any influences used, if the author does not want to. The only "research" that really needs to be done is read enough other fantasy books! But research isn't usually as much fun... What made you start to write? ​ I was writing a few silly mini-stories in my spare time when it was a little boy, and I had quite a busy time doing so towards the end of my period at secondary school. But I wrote very little until 2010, when I got my first job writing for TV on the basis of a short career as a stand-up comedian. While I love writing for TV and radio, boring things like finance and functionality have to be kept in mind all the time. It's nice, then, to write a novel (especially a fantasy novel) and let the imagination go on a crusade. I started to write my first novel, y Porthwll, in 2014, and I have hardly stopped since! What books inspired you as a young reader? ​ Too much to list, no doubt! One series that impressed me very much was Fighting Fantasy by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone – fantasy books from the 80s (which are reprinted every few years, and always attract new followers), where the readers flick backwards and forwards through the book, creating their own adventure, rather than reading through the book from start to finish. They introduced me to fantasy. From that I went on to read the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, and of course, the works of art by J.R.R. Tolkien. I must mention the Asterix books, which were stacked next to the bedside and all too eagerly digested when I was at home, sick from school! What experiences in your life have influenced your writing most? Although I usually write a fantasy, it's perfectly natural for the real world to interfere occasionally! I think there's a part of me in each of the main characters of the Horwth. Like Pietro, I love reading. I'm a big fan of sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea, just like Heti. My jokes don't always get the response they deserve, like poor Ned. And, like Sara, I'm a vegan! I had never come across a vegan character in a fantasy novel before, but there's a first time for everything, I guess… If you could choose to be a character from a book for a day, who would be and why? It's a rather boring choice, but I would love to experience a day in Sam's life from The Lord of the Rings. A garden in a village out of the way, a full house of books and a pantry filled with food and drink... Perfect. Until you have to walk for months, through all sorts of dangers, in order to save the world. I could do without that... What character in your books are you least likely to get along with? The answer to this question is likely to ruin the end of the Horwth! A much simpler answer, therefore: the Horwth itself, of course! What message do you have to inspire young writers? The great thing about writing is that you don't need anything apart from your imagination and something to write with. Paper and pencil are just as good, more or less, than the most expensive computer. You could write anywhere, anytime. In the bath. On top of a mountain. While hanging upside down like a bat. You can share your writing with the world, or keep it all to yourself. It’s no matter! And it's fun! There is no other kind of "work" I am willing to do until the early hours of the morning. It makes me feel like I've never grown up. Which feels quite good for a man who has just turned 35. Hawlfraint y llun: Póló

Meet the author Elin Meek Born: Awst From: Cardiff Lives in: Cardiff Interesting fact: She can speak Spanish and German Quick facts Children and young people books Cymry wrth eu Gwaith (Y Lolfa) Llwyau Caru/Love Spoons (Gwasg Gomer) Urdd Gobaith Cymru/The Urdd (Gwasg Gomer) Deall Geiriau/Understanding Words (Gwasg Gomer) Dewi Sant (Gwasg Gomer) Ennill y Ras (Gwasg Gomer) Babs (Cyfres i'r Byw), (Gwasg Gomer) Y Crwban a'r Ysgyfarnog (Gwasg Gomer) Y Ci Mawr Blewog (Gwasg Gomer) Gloywi a Gwella/Better Skills (Gwasg Gomer) Taclo'r Treigladau (Gwasg Gomer) Y Llygad Ddall (Gwasg Gomer) Magu Hyder/Gaining Confidence (Gwasg Gomer) Dathlu Gŵyl Ddewi (Carreg Gwalch) Budapest (Y Lolfa) Ffion a'r Tim Rygbi (Gwasg Gomer) Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon (Gwasg Gomer) Edrych yn Dda (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Y Cwrwgl/The Coracle (Gwasg Gomer) Anifeiliaid/Animals (Gwasg Gomer) Cymru Gyfan/ Wales All Over (Gwasg Gomer) Dathlu Rygbi Cymru (Carreg Gwalch) Adnabod Llythrennau/Learning About Letters (Gwasg Gomer) Creu Brawddegau/Forming Sentences (Gwasg Gomer) Ar Daith/On the Move (Gwasg Gomer) Concro'r Byd/Around the World (Gwasg Gomer) Dilyn Dwy Afon - Afon Tywi ac Afon Teifi (Gwasg Gomer) Mynyddoedd Mawr – Eryri a'i Phobl (Gwasg Gomer) O'r Tir - Byw yn y Wlad (Gwasg Gomer) Hwyl gyda Rhifau/Fun with Numbers (Gwasg Gomer) Dathlu Tywysogion Cymru (Carreg Gwalch) Dawnsio Gwirion , (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) ​ Cymru ar y Map (Rily) 2018 ​ ​ ​ Children and young people books Lynda Waterhouse, Dysgu Caru (teitl gwreiddiol: Lovesick), Ebrill 1999 (Gwasg Gomer) Jenny Sullivan, Dwy Droed Chwith (teitl gwreiddiol: Two Left Feet), Mehefin 1999 (Gwasg Gomer) Bettina Paterson, Nadolig Llawen, Hipo Bach (teitl gwreiddiol: Happy Christmas, Little Hippo), Hydref 2001 (Gwasg Gomer) Anthony Masters, Melltith Llyn Brwynog (teitl gwreiddiol: The Curse of the Frozen Loch), Tachwedd 1999 (Gwasg Gomer) Viv French, Bom yn fy Mhen (teitl gwreiddiol: Falling Awake), Tachwedd 2001 (Gwasg Gomer) Chris S. Stephens, Lawr ar Lan y Môr (teitl gwreiddiol: A Seaside Treat), Mehefin 2002 (Gwasg Gomer) Catherine MacPhail, Grym y Garreg (teitl gwreiddiol: A Kind of Magic), Hydref 2002 (Gwasg Gomer) Gary Crew, Yr Hen Dŵr (teitl gwreiddiol: The Water Tower), Mawrth 2003 (Gwasg Gomer) Colin Thompson, Y Tŵr at yr Haul (teitl gwreiddiol: The Tower to the Sun), Ebrill 2003 (Dref Wen) Graham Howells, Diwrnod i'r Dewin (teitl gwreiddiol: Merlin Awakes), Mai 2003 (Gwasg Gomer) Jacqueline Wilson, Yr Anghenfil Dweud Straeon (teitl gwreiddiol: The Monster Story-Teller), Mawrth 2004 (Gwasg Gomer) Jacqueline Wilson, Pecyn Bwyd y Deinosor (teitl gwreiddiol: The Dinosaur's Packed Lunch), Mawrth 2004 (Gwasg Gomer) Siân Lewis, Bili Jones, Seren (teitl gwreiddiol: Billy Jones, Dog Star), Mawrth 2005 (Gwasg Gomer) Julie Rainsbury, Mr Penstrwmbwl a'r Ddraig Fach (teitl gwreiddiol: Mr Barafundle and the Rockdragon), Hydref 2005 (Gwasg Gomer) Jacqueline Wilson, Ffrindiau Gorau (teitl gwreiddiol: Best Friends), Mai 2005 (Gwasg Gomer) Malachy Doyle, Mam-gu Penrhiw a'r Barcud Coch Olaf (teitl gwreiddiol: Granny Sarah and the last Red Kite), Mehefin 2006 (Gwasg Gomer) W. Awdry, Tomos a Persi yn Achub y Dydd (teitl gwreiddiol: Thomas and Percy to the Rescue) Rhagfyr 2006 (Dref Wen) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt yn Dial (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry's Revenge), Chwefror 2007 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) (gyda Mererid Hopwood) Laurie Krebs, Mae Pawb yn Mynd ar Saffari (teitl gwreiddiol: We All Went on Safari), Chwefror 2007 (Llyfrau Barefoot Cymru Cyf) Benedict Blathway, Yn y Dref (teitl gwreiddiol: In the Town), Gorffennaf 2007 (Dref Wen) Ian Whybrow, Siwan yn Mynd i Sglefrio (teitl gwreiddiol: Bella Gets her Skates), Medi 2007 (Gwasg Gomer) Francesca Simon, Bom Drewllyd Henri Helynt (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb), Hydref 2007 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Francesca Simon, Pants Henri Helynt (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry's Underpants), Hydref 2007 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Heather Amery a Stephen Cartwright, Sinderela / Cinderella , Chwefror 2008 (Dref Wen) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt a'r Llau (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry's Nits), Mawrth 2008 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt yn Twyllo'r Tylwyth Teg (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy), Mawrth 2008 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Morris Gleitzman, Merch o dan Ddaear (teitl gwreiddiol: Girl Underground), Mai 2008 (Gwasg Gomer) Roald Dahl, Moddion Rhyfeddol George (teitl gwreiddiol: George's Marvellous Medicine), Ionawr 2009 (Rily) Jenny Oldfield, Ysgol Cŵn Bach (teitl gwreiddiol: Pet School), Chwefror 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) John Townsend, Taro'r Targed (teitl gwreiddiol: Deadline), Chwefror 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) Jacqueline Wilson, Merched Drwg (teitl gwreiddiol: Bad Girls), Mawrth 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) Roald Dahl, Y Crocodeil Anferthol (teitl gwreiddiol: The Enormous Crocodile), Mai 2009 (Rily) Tony Bradman, Y Ddau Jac (teitl gwreiddiol: The Two Jacks), Mehefin 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: Tomos , Gorffennaf 2009 (Rily) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: James , Gorffennaf 2009 (Rily) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: Pyrsi , Gorffennaf 2009 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Mr Cadno Campus (teitl gwreiddiol: Fantastic Mr Fox), Medi 2009 (Rily) Julie Bertagna, Arwr y Naid Bynji (teitl gwreiddiol: "Bungee Hero), Medi 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) Alan Durant, Ail-Lwytho'r Game Boy (teitl gwreiddiol: Game Boy Reloaded), Medi 2009 (Gwasg Gomer) Michael Morpurgo, Caeau Fflandrys (teitl gwreiddiol: Private Peaceful), Medi 2009 (Dref Wen) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: Gordon , Tachwedd 2009 (Rily) Jacqueline Wilson, Cyfrinachau (teitl gwreiddiol: Secrets), Mehefin 2012 (Gwasg Gomer) Thomas Bloor, Bechgyn y Bomio (teitl gwreiddiol: Bomber Boys), Gorffennaf 2012 (Barrington Stoke) Tony Bradman, Myrddin, Y Bachgen Arbennig (teitl gwreiddiol: Young Merlin), Gorffennaf 2012 (Barrington Stoke) Malachy Doyle, Melltith Teulu Lambton (teitl gwreiddiol: The Lambton Curse), Gorffennaf 2012 (Barrington Stoke) Roald Dahl, Yr CMM (teitl gwreiddiol: The BFG), Awst 2012 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Y Bys Hud (teitl gwreiddiol: The Magic Finger), Chwefror 2013 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Charlie a'r Esgynnydd Mawr Gwydr (teitl gwreiddiol: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator), Chwefror 2013 (Rily) Gill Lewis, Dolffin Gwyn (teitl gwreiddiol: White Dolphin), Chwefror 2013 (Rily) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt a'r Cefnogwr Pêl-Droed (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend), Mawrth 2013 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt a'r Dyn Eira Erchyll (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry and the Abominable Snowman), Mawrth 2013 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Jacqueline Wilson, Candi-Fflos (teitl gwreiddiol: Candyfloss), Mai 2013 (Gwasg Gomer) Francesca Simon, Henri Helynt a Melltith y Mymi (teitl gwreiddiol: Horrid Henry and the Mummy's Curse), Hydref 2013 (Canolfan Astudiaethau Addysg) Roald Dahl, Charlie a'r Ffatri Siocled (teitl gwreiddiol: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Ebrill 2017 (Rily) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: Jeremi , Tachwedd 2009 (Rily) W. Awdry, Tomos a'i Ffrindiau: Tobi , Tachwedd 2009 (Rily) Brian Keaney, Ysgol Jacob (teitl gwreiddiol: Jacob's Ladder), Mai 2010 (Rily) Colin Brake, Dr Who - Dewis dy Dynged: Y Rhyfel Oeraf (teitl gwreiddiol: Dr Who - Decide Your Destiny: The Coldest War), Awst 2010 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Y Twits (teitl gwreiddiol: The Twits), Medi 2010 (Rily) Michael Coleman, Tag (teitl gwreiddiol: Tag), Tachwedd 2010 (Rily) Michael Coleman, Pa Ddewis (teitl gwreiddiol: Going Straight), Ionawr 2011 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Jiráff, a'r Pelican a Fi (teitl gwreiddiol: The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me), Ionawr 2011 (Rily) Jacqueline Wilson, Lowri Angel (teitl gwreiddiol: Vicky Angel), Gorffennaf 2011 (Gwasg Gomer) Morris Gleitzman, Bachgen yn y Môr (teitl gwreiddiol: Boy Overboard), Awst 2011 (Gwasg Gomer) Gwyddoniadur Darluniau Cyntaf i Blant (teitl gwreiddiol: The Usborne First Picture Encyclopedia), Medi 2011 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Danny Pencampwr y Byd (teitl gwreiddiol: Danny the Champion of the World), Hydref 2011 (Rily) Roald Dahl, Nab Wrc (teitl gwreiddiol: Esio Trot), Chwefror 2012 (Rily) Gill Lewis, Gwalch y Nen (teitl gwreiddiol: Sky Hawk), Chwefror 2012 (Rily) Judith Kerr, Mog y Gath Anghofus (teitl gwreiddiol: Mog the Forgetful Cat), Mawrth 2012 (Dref Wen) Richard Walker, Jac a'r Goeden Ffa (teitl gwreiddiol: Jack and the Beanstalk), Ebrill 2012 (Llyfrau Barefoot Cymru Cyf) Hawlfraint y llun: Póló

Meet the author Pryderi Gwyn Jones Born: 1972 From: Aberystwyth Lives in: Glantwymyn Interesting fact: I was once rescued by a Chilean army helicopter while walking the Andes mountains. Quick facts Children and young people books Brenin y Trenyrs (2020) ​ Kaiser y Trenyrs (in press.) Question & Answer New author Pryderi Gwyn Jones answers our questions! What is your background and/or what are you currently doing? ​ Secondary School Teacher. What inspired you to start writing books? ​ I enjoyed the mischief in Eurig Wyn’s books, United and Powdr Rhech. Also, the need for fun and original books in Welsh. Which books influenced you as a young reader? Why? ​ I remember my mother buying a book called, Ffrindiau Tomi for me in an Eisteddfod many years ago. I loved the story and the pictures. I then had a taste for the Twm Miall, Cyw Haul and Cyw Dôl books and Dafydd Huws’ books Dyn Dwad. What's more important - character or plot? What makes a good book? ​ Creating a whole piece of work is important, but I think getting the voice right in the book is very important. You have to try to get the voice to speak to the readers. What is your latest book for children? What do you hope readers get from reading the story? ​ Brenin y Trenyrs. Mwynhad o ddarllen stori syml a thrafod pethau’r byd yn naturiol yn Gymraeg. What message do you have to inspire young readers/writers? ​ Don't wait for some great inspiration, and for the moon and the stars to align. Sit down, and try to create SOMETHING! You will then have something to develop, extend and to improve upon. Is there a character you love or hate? ​ I love the main character, but I don't much care for Lloyd, who is Lisa, his sister’s boyfriend. Is there a new book on the horizon? ​ If all goes to plan, then Kaiser y Trenyrs should be here in October. What’s your favourite pair of trainers in the world? ​ I have to mention the first pair of adidas trainers that I ever got from Meirion Appleton's shop in Aberystwyth years ago. They were black and white Adidas Samba, and I felt like I could run faster and jump higher than anyone in them. The most recent pair I have are Adidas Original Supercourt trainers. They were a bargain at half price! If you had a magic pair of trainers, what would they do? ​ I could walk up walls and jump across buildings! Anything else? ​ Thank you for giving me the chance to answer these questions! Trainers for all, I say! ​ ​ The statue is of Adi Dassler, founder of adidas. Outside their main office in Herzogenarach by Nuremberg, Germany!

Meet the author Sioned Wyn Roberts Born: December From: Pwllheli Lives in: Cardiff Quick facts Children and young people books Ffwlbart Ffred: Drewi fel ffwlbart (Atebol, 2020) Author Q & A Sioned Wyn Roberts Now it's the turn of Sioned Wyn Roberts to go under the spotlight answering our questions! Come and find out more about her... What inspired you to start writing? ​ I never thought of writing books until I went on a children's literature course at the Tŷ Newydd writing centre 18 months ago. The experience was a complete inspiration and I haven't stopped writing since. Shortly afterwards I had a place on Literature Wales’ literature scheme to develop the authors of story-and-picture books. That is when the Ffwlbart Ffred series was created. Which books inspired you as a child? ​ I have always enjoyed reading. As a child, historical fantasy was appealing. Luned Bengoch, a classic by Elizabeth Watkin-Jones and the Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge (no one heard about this book until J K Rowling mentioned that this was her favourite as a child and now it's back in print!) Strong characters first and then the plot. For children, courageous and fearless characters are appealing. And adventure and excitement are important. Fairy tales and legends are good stories, with motifs that are relevant to us today. What's more important - characters or plot? Ffwlbart Ffred: Drewi fel Ffwlbart is my first book. The first in a series. I hope they will laugh while enjoying the story and seeing Bethan Mai, the illustrator’s funny pictures. The stories rhyme are therefore fun to read and a good way to remember a story. Ffwlbart Ffred 'explains' our strangest idioms. Phrases like: yn ddu fel bol buwch, bwrw hen wragedd a ffyn, mynd dros ben llestri and ceisio dy orau glas. I wanted to create an original and native Welsh language series. Think about your last book. What was it? What do you hope readers will get from reading the story? What is your favourite book or author and why? Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Sometimes there is a certain description or idea so original I must stop reading and ponder a little. The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is also a favourite. I get 'fads' with authors; if I enjoy the work of one author I’ll read their books and then go on to the new favourite. Is there a character you love or just love to hate? I used to hate Edmund from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. New book on the horizon? Yes there are more Ffwlbart Ffred's on the way and I'm working on two novels currently. I've got Kindle, which is very handy while I'm travelling, but it's hard to remember what I’ve read about because I can't see the cover. So always a real book for me- I like to flick through the pages etc. Plus, you can't really read a Kindle in the bath! Real book or e-book? Finally... What message do you have to inspire young readers/writers? Binge-read! Read a load of books! A good book opens up new worlds. We also have to get into the minds of characters, some of which are similar to us and others who are totally different -helping us to better understand people. When a book is difficult, or takes time to read, force yourself to push ahead. (and skip the boring bits.). With time, you will be engrossed in the story. But reading doesn't need to be a chore, sometimes it's nice to have a book that's easy and a page-turner. And comics and texts also count as reading! For young writers-go for it, there’s nothing to lose. One important thing I’ve learned is- even talented and experienced writers have to work on writing. It doesn't come out perfectly the first time –It's OK to take your time to think, refine and improve the work. And good luck! Thank you Sioned for answering all our questions! Sioned's 1st Book AVAILABLE NOW Cool fact: Sometimes I have a sly peek to the end of a novel to see if my favourite character is still alive!

Nôl Newyddion DYDDIAD DYMA'R TEITL GALLWCH NEWID HWN UNRHYW BRYD, COFIWCH! I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Nôl Newyddion DYDDIAD DYMA'R TEITL GALLWCH NEWID HWN UNRHYW BRYD, COFIWCH! I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

Audio Books Love Roald Dahl? Too tired to read? Well.... have a listen to these!! Publisher Rily (who adapts many great books into Welsh) is going to release one chapter per day from their new book. ​ Bili a'r Minpinnau by Roald Dahl (transl. Elin Meek) ​ Put your feet up, and enjoy this audio recording... Chapter 1 - 7 min Chapter 3 - 5 min Chapter 5 - 5 min Chapter 2 - 6 min Chapter 4 - 7 min Chapter 6 - 7 min Chapter 7 - 7 min Come and listen - it's story time! An audio/visual story read by Lowri Delve - suitable for 3-7 year olds. ​ With accompanying FREE resources! Book available to buy from https://atebol-siop.com/ An adaptation of David Walliams loveable book for 3-7 year olds. ​ Bilingual Book. Book available to buy from https://atebol-siop.com/ For older readers... Click here to listen on soundcloud Publisher, Y Dref Wen, has put up several audiobooks for young children on their website. And they've made them FREE!! ​ Sometimes it's just nice to have a chill and listen to someone else reading a story. ​ Go and have a listen... Go to site Elidir Jones reads his epic fantasy novel, Yr Horwth. ​ New chapter released each week. ​ Enjoy!

Meet the author Lleucu Roberts Born: 1964 From: Aberystwyth Lives in: Rhostryfan Known for: Teenage Fiction Quick facts Children and young people books Caneuon Heddwch (Y Lolfa , 1991) Al (Cyfres y Dolffin) (Cwmni Iaith 1996) Iesu Tirion (Y Lolfa , 2005) Troi Clust Fyddar (Y Lolfa , 2005) Annwyl Smotyn Bach (Y Lolfa , 2008) Y Ferch ar y Ffordd (Y Lolfa , 2009) Stwff – Guto S. Tomos (Y Lolfa , 2010) Nain/Mam-gu (Gwasg Gwynedd , 2010) Wel, Gymru Fach (Y Lolfa , 2011) Siarad (Y Lolfa , 2011) Rhyw Fath o Ynfytyn (Y Lolfa, 2012) Teulu (Y Lolfa , 2012) Oswald (Y Lolfa , 2014) Rhwng Edafedd (Y Lolfa , 2014) Saith Oes Efa (Y Lolfa , 2014) Jwg ar Seld (Y Lolfa , 2016) Tinboeth (Gwasg Gwynedd , Tachwedd 2007) Yma: Yr Ynys (Y Lolfa, 2017) Yma: Hadau (Y Lolfa, 2018) Yma: Afallon (Y Lolfa, 2019) Awards Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2009 Annwyl Smotyn Bach ​ Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2011 Stwff – Guto S. Tomos ​ Gwobr Goffa Daniel Owen 2014 Rhwng Edafedd ​ Medal Ryddiaith 2014 Saith Oes Efa Lleucu yn trafod y gyfres 'Yma'

Exciting News! Literature Wales has announced a new category for the award, 'Children and young people's Book of the Year'. ​ This is great news because they will be engaging with Wales’ children and young people to ensure their voices and opinions are heard, and they will have the opportunity to cast a vote in the Children and Young People’s Choice Award. ​ The shortlist will be announced on Radio Cymru in a special programme by Nia Roberts. 9pm 1/7/20 2020 Winner Adolygiad Shortlist Want to know more? The Welsh-language winners will be announced in a series of programmes on BBC Radio Cymru from 30 July – 1 August as part of the AmGen festival of culture, in partnership with BBC Cymru Wales and the National Eisteddfod of Wales. ​ Welsh-language category winners – Poetry and Creative Non-fiction 7.00pm, 30 July BBC Radio Cymru Welsh-language category winners – Children & Young People and Fiction 1.00pm, 31 July BBC Radio Cymru English-language category winners, Wales Arts Review People’s Choice winner and Main Award Winner 6.00pm, 31 July BBC Radio Wales Golwg360 Barn y Bobl winner and Main Welsh-language Award Winner 1.00pm, 1 August BBC Radio Cymru ​ C lick here to go to Literature Wales for more information.

Mae'r wefan yn cael ei uwchraddio Website upgrade in progress. Back soon! Adolygiadau dwyieithog o lyfrau plant a phobl ifanc Cymraeg. ​ Bilingual reviews of Welsh children and young people's books. ​ sonamlyfra@aol.com

Meet the author Rhian Cadwaladr Born: April 27, 1962 From: Llanberis Lives in: Rhosgadfan Quick Facts Children and young people books Nain Nain Nain (Gwasg y Bwthyn, 2019) Rhian has published her first book for children following a writing course at Tŷ Newydd ... https://www.tynewydd.cymru/ Dyma erthygl diddorol am waith Rhian ar North Wales Live. ​ Cliciwch yma i ddarllen. ​ Nid ydym yn gyfrifol am wefannau allanol Author Q&A Rhian Cadwaladr This is actress and author Rhian Cadwaladr's turn to answer some of our questions about her work. What inspired you to start writing? ​ I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be a writer but it took me many years before I got around to it properly. Which books inspiried you as a Young reader? ​ I read very widely when I was a child-mum used to say that I was reading before I was out of my nappies pretty much! When I was a little older, I was very fond of English classics for children such as The Secret Garden, Heidi, Little Women, What Katy Did, Pippi Longstocking, Anne of Green Gables and Charles Dickens books. T Llew Jones was one of my favourites in Welsh. What’s more important – characters or plot? What makes a good book? The characters are the most important to me. You must care about the character-whether it's love or hate. If you don't care then you'll never get the appetite to know what happens to them. What’s your latest book for children? What do you hope readers will gain from the story? ​ My first book for children published at the end of 2019 is ‘Nain Nain Nain.’ This is a book that introduces dementia for toddlers/ youngsters. It is my hope that the readers, through the words and Jac Jones’s wonderful pictures, will come to understand about the process of ageing and the condition itself, but also enjoy meeting Nedw’s funky grans. ​ Whats your favourite children or Young people’s book/author and why? Oh this is a difficult question! Different books have appealed at different times of my life. But if I have to choose one it would be ‘Llyfr Mawr y because I enjoyed reading this as a child and enjoyed reading it again to my own children when they were small. Oes yna gymeriad rydach chi’n ei garu neu ei gasáu? Maybe hate is too strong a word but I don't like Thomas the Tank Engine. Meilir, my eldest son was delighted with the series when he was a child but I found them very boring. What message do you have for today’s Young readers/writers? ​ Between book covers you will have the opportunity to escape to new worlds and to understand more about your own world. Read anything and everything – but just don’t expect to love it all! If one book doesn't appeal, look for one that does-there's hundreds and thousands to choose from! For young writers I would give the same advice and add another two words to it-just write! Thanks Rhian! ​ for being so willing to answer our questions. ​ Look forward to your new material! Known for: I play Siani Flewog in the 90s TV series, Caffi Sali Mali! New book on the way? ​ Yeah! I have been working on a new toddler book called 'Ynyr yr Ysbryd Ofnus’ with my daughter --the illustrator Leri Tecwyn. It will be in the shops by Halloween hopefully. In addition to this I have a new adult novel being published this summer. Real book or kindle? ​ Real book every time – I like the feeling of a book in hand and even its smell! An e-book just isn’t the same.

For the first time, EmpathyLabUK has prepared a Welsh language collection of books containing #empathy. ​ Click on the image to open the link or find out more at the Empathy Lab website. DOWNLOAD