Jan 20, 20222 min read

Y Dyn Dweud Drefn [yn chwarae pêl-droed] - Lleucu Fflyr Lynch

*For Welsh review, see language toggle switch on top of webpage*

Interest age: 3-8 oed

Reading age: 5+

Illustrations: Gwen Millward

The Dyn Dweud Drefn is back, and this time he fancies his chances as a footballer! Like many of us, he probably thinks he’s a bit better than he actually is!

Obviously, things haven’t changed much since the last book, because he’s still as cranky as ever! This is the third book in this likeable series by Lleucu Fflur Lynch, with Gwen Millward responsible for the illustrations. Her pictures are light and cheerful, and convey the characters' gestures well. Also, have you ever seen such a cute little dog?

I like this series. Even though the Dyn Dweud Drefn can be a very cantankerous and prickly individual, I can’t help but like him. It's as if it's he reminds me of someone, but I can't think exactly who. A combination of different people perhaps – a little bit of Mr.Wilson, the curmudgeonly next door neighbor in Dennis the Menace, mixed with a bit of Victor Meldrew from the sitcom One Foot in the Grave, plus a little bit of Gru from Despicable Me mixed in there as well.

my t-shirts are looking a bit snug like that too after Christmas!

One thing is sure, he’s extremely lucky and fortunate to have such a loyal friend as his poor little puppy. Even when he’s in the foulest of moods, and is taking it out on others, his faithful four-legged friend is always there to lend a hand (or rather, a paw!)

Judging by his skills with a ball, I’d say the dyn Dweud Drefn makes a better gardener than he does a footballer. All he wants to do is score the goal of a lifetime, but he won’t do it alone! You never know, we might even see him crack a smile by the end!