♥Welsh Children's Book of the Month March 2022♥
(suggested) reading age: 9+ ,
(suggested) interest age: 11+
Illustrations: Efa Lois https://efalois.cymru/en/
Genre: #factual #nonfiction #Wales
Gwlad Beirdd a Chantorion…
It's important to inspire the next generation, and what better way than a volume like this, which looks back and celebrates some of the remarkable Welsh men and women who have made their mark on the world?
In Cymry o Fri we get the story of 50 amazing Welsh individuals who have made a difference in a variety of ways and have certainly put Cymru on the map.
With so much to choose from, I don't know where you’d begin with choosing such a list, but what strikes me straight away is how much variety there is here, from Colin Jackson's accomplishments on the race track through to Betty Campbell's influence in the classroom. And you can bet your bottom dollar we’ve got enough remarkable people to fill a couple more volumes too!
The cover is appealing with it’s bright colours and the book is sensibly and neatly laid out, although I felt it was rather plain compared to some of the similar stuff we’ve seen of late, like Genod Gwych a Merched Medrus. Though to be fair, that series, as well as the excellent ‘Enwogion o Fri’ series from Broga books are aimed at younger children, whereas I think this book suits an older audience better (top primary/early secondary). I prefer the pages where a real photograph accompanies Efa Lois' pictures. I just like seeing the real person too.
Did you know...?
Did you know that it was his Doctor that encouraged Kyffin Williams to start painting? Or how about the fact that our very own Barti Ddu had a strong connection with the famous skull and crossbones flag we’ve come to associate with pirates? You'll be surprised what you might learn by flicking through the pages.
I find learning about other people's lives so interesting (most likely because I’m a nosey parker!) but remember, you don't have to read the book from cover to cover in one sitting; it’s perfect for dipping in and out as you please. Why not pick an amazing Welsh man or woman every day like an advent calendar?
From reading about all these notable people, and considering that we’re only a small country, we’ve certainly made a big impression on the world haven’t we? If we’ve done all that so far, the future looks very bright!
Publisher: Y Lolfa
Released: 2022
Price: £6.99
HERE'S WHAT AUTHOR BETHAN GWANAS HAD TO SAY...
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