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The Story of King Arthur
Siân Lewis (Graham Howells)Rily 2021 (First published 2017) 4+ 9781849673297
Themes: Myths and legends – Classics
This luxurious, colourful, hardback edition includes all of the famous tales of King Arthur - The Quest for the Holy Grail, Merlin's Dream and The Battle of Camelot.
10 Stories form Welsh History (That everyone Should Know)
Ifan Morgan JonesRily 2021 7+ 9781849675567
Themes: Welsh history and heritage
A highly visual and factual book with the aim of encouraging children to discover and learn more about 10 stories from Welsh history. Includes stories about Gwenllian Ferch Gruffudd; Owain Glyndŵr; Black Bart; Dic Penderyn / Merthyr Rising; Alfred Russel Wallace; Penrhyn Strike; Race Riots of the 20th Century; Eileen Beasley; Aberfan; and devolution.
History Grounded
Elin JonesGwasg Carreg Gwalch 2021 9+ 9781845278328
Themes: Welsh history and heritage
In this book, historian Elin Jones shows us that evidence for the past is to be seen everywhere in Wales today. She takes us on a visual journey through over 5,000 years of history, and around every part of Wales.
The Magic Hornpipe
Gareth EvansGwasg Carreg Gwalch 2021 11+ 9781845278366
Themes: Survival – Justice – Seeking peace
A story of loss, survival and unexpected friendship set in a tumultuous period of early European history. English adaptation of Y Pibgorn Hud..
Scholastic Classics: Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends
Claire FayersScholastic 2021 9+ 9780702305511
Themes: Myths and legends – Classics – Mabinogi
A collection of 18 Welsh fairy tales, myths and legends, from magical Welsh dragons that destroy a castle night after night, to a princess made out of flowers and a fairy changeling bother; from loyal hunting hound Gelert to a boy who asks questions and goes on to become the greatest Welsh bard ever known. Shortlisted for the 2022 Tir na n-Og Award.
The Thirty-Third Owl
Jane BurnardGwasg Carreg Gwalch 2021 11+ 9781845278304
Themes: History – Myths and legends – Community
Deep within a wooded, Welsh valley, something magical is stirring. An ancient force, the stuff of myth and legend, has been disturbed, releasing powerful sorcery from the dark, troubled past. Soon twelve-year-olds Rose and Ianto are caught up in its spellbinding grip. Together with Ianto's unpredictable great uncle, Mr Williams, and Del, the loyal sheepdog, they must venture deep underground to battle the curse and finally solve the mystery of the Thirty-Third Owl.
Swan Song
Gill LewisBarrington Stoke 2021 9+ 9781781129548
Location: Inspired by the Loughor Estuary
Themes: Mental health – Nature – Family
After being excluded from school, Dylan is forced to move to a tiny village in Wales where his grandad – who Dylan hardly knows - lives. With no Xbox or internet, life is looking pretty bleak, but when Grandad takes Dylan out on his boat to see the whooper swans, things begin to change for the better. Shortlisted for the 2022 Tir na n-Og Award.
The Four Branches of the Mabinogi
Siân LewisRily 2020 (First published 2014) 7+ 9781849674386
Themes: The Mabinogi – Myths and legends
The Four Branches of the Mabinogi are the oldest and most famous legends in Wales. First written down around eight hundred years ago, they were being told for many years before that. Join us and explore these captivating stories with their unique mix of magic, romance, adventure, giants, wars and wizards.
The Phantom and the Crown
Glen WilliamsThe Conrad Press 2020 14+ 9781911546870
Themes: Historical mystery – Myths and legends – Adventure and danger
One village, Aberglais in Wales, one forest: lives linked across time. A drama which unfolded there in the thirteenth century can only be resolved today. Clues left hidden by a medieval monk lead schoolboy Tom Rhys and his school-friend, Beth Jones, to an incredible discovery. Down the centuries nobody knew how the legend of King Arthur was locked in the past of Aberglais.
Chasing a Rugby Dream: Book One - Kick Off
James Hook, David BrayleyPolaris Publishing 2020 11+ 9780957507678
Themes: Sport – School life – Bullying
Jimmy Joseph loves rugby. All he dreams about is one day playing for his country in a World Cup or winning a Test series for the Lions with a last-minute drop-goal. But when he kicks an up-and-under in the schoolyard and accidentally hits the new head of PE, Mr Kane, on the head, he makes a powerful enemy.
Submarine Spies and the Unspeakable Thing
Dan AnthonyGomer@Lolfa 2020 9+ 9781785622960
Themes: Secrets and mystery – Magic – Spy novel
When Caitlin discovers a dog on the banks of Wales’ most sneaky river, she enters a world of spying, double-talk and mystery. Can Caitlin, who isn’t very old, save the world, help the dog and rescue parrots, pigeons and people from an indescribably dangerous threat? As Christmas approaches and the decorations go up in her mum and dad’s café, will Caitlin be able to keep her own secrets?
The Midwinter Wizard
Graham HowellsGomer@Lolfa 2020 7+ 9781785623233
Themes: Magic and wizardry – Friendship – Adventure
When a magical hourglass appears in his cottage, the Bwbach predicts there's trouble on the way. His fears are confirmed with the arrival of a tall wizard in his red cloak, accompanied by his assistant, Colin the Coblyn. The Bwbach realises he must rally the troops of magical creatures of the Houses of Ffagan to protect his best friend, Mari.
The Quilt
Valériane LeblondY Lolfa 2020 4+ 9781784618087
Themes: Migration – Family – Home
A beautifully illustrated story about migration and homesickness. Around 1900, a family leaves Wales in search of a better life in the USA, where their homemade quilt proves a great comfort. Shortlisted for the 2021 Tir na n-Og Award.
Wilde
Eloise WilliamsFirefly Press 2020 9+ 9781913102180
Themes: Mystery – Secrecy – Adventure
Wilde is desperate to fit in at her new school. But in a fierce heatwave, in rehearsals for a school play telling the local legend of a witch called Winter, 'The Witch' starts leaving pupils frightening curse letters. Can Wilde find out who's doing it before everyone blames her? Or will she always be the outsider?
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates
Jenny Pearson (Rob Biddulph)Usborne Publishing Ltd 2020 9+ 9781474974042
Themes: Family – Friendship – Bereavement
Freddie Yates loves facts. A fact can't leave you and no one can take it away. But when he learns the surprising fact that his biological dad might be living in Wales, Freddy and his best friends sneak off to find him, unwittingly causing a chain of 'miraculous' events involving an onion-eating contest, superhero scarecrows and life-saving sheep.
Walking with Bamps
Roy Noble (Karl Davies)Graffeg 2020 7+ 9781913134426
Themes: Grandparents – Life lessons – Encouragement – Self-esteem
Bronwen goes for walks with her grandfather, Bamps, every Saturday. The walks aren’t strenuous, after all, Bamps needed a new hip, but their chats are informative, even if, on occasion, he stretches the truth. As for Bronwen, she feels that she can tell Bamps anything, even things she can’t tell her mother.
Mamgu's Campervan and the Knights in Shining Armour
Wendy White (Helen Flook)Gomer@Lolfa 2020 7+ 9781785622540
Themes: Adventures – History – Grandparents
Betsi Wynn and Mam-gu are back for another adventure! They must face knights, archers and some dubious medieval cookery as they explore a Welsh castle.
The Midnight Swan
Catherine FisherFirefly Press 2020 9+ 9781913102371
Themes: Mystery and danger – Adventure – Transformations
With an invisible girl, a parliament of owls and a pen that writes by itself, the journey to the Garden of the Midnight Swan might be Seren's most dangerous adventure yet; Seren and Tomos must try to help the Crow find the way back to his human form. The third book of the award-winning The Clockwork Crow series.
The Rugby Zombies
Dan AnthonyPont@Lolfa 2019 (First published 2010) 4+ 9781848511675
Themes: Rugby – Afterlife zombies – Family
A humorous story about a boy arranging a rugby game for zombies. Arwel's ambition is to add his picture to the family collection on the mantelpiece - and he has a plan - a photo of him playing for the school rugby team should do the trick! However, an unfortunate incident leading to their defeat on the rugby field means his chances aren't high.
Granny Sarah and the Last Red Kite
Malachy DoylePont@Lolfa 2019 (First published 2006) 7+ 9781843236771
Themes: The environment – Nature – Grandparents
A story featuring Granny Sarah and her granddaughter Lowri. Lowri loves hearing about the last red kites which nested on the farm when Granny Sarah was a little girl. The environment is an important theme as is Welsh conservation.
Meadowsweet
Mair De-Gare PittGomer@Lolfa 2019 7+ 9781785622953
Themes: Family life – Determination – Realising dreams
Catrin desperately wants a pony of her own. When she discovers a beautiful palomino mare in desperate need of a home and destined for the market, she is determined to give her a home. But taking ownership of a mare in foal is a huge responsibility, and Catrin has a lot to learn...
The Dragon in the Castles
Myrddin ap Dafydd (Chris iliff)Gwasg Carreg Gwalch 2019 7+ 9781845276829
Themes: Welsh history – Family – Grandparents – Travelling Wales
Gwen and Gruff are on a mission! They are visiting twenty castles around Wales. On their journey, their companion is an old Welsh Dragon which has a special place in their grandmother's heart.
The Nightmare Gift
Graham HowellsPont@Lolfa 2019 4+ 9781785623097
Themes: Self-belief – Bravery – Belonging – Friendship
Aled worries a lot and, for him, starting at a new school in an unfamiliar place is terrifying! That is until a mischievous Bwbach presents him with an unlikely gift: a Bwci Bo! With Halloween fast approaching, Aled soon learns that friends can be found in the strangest of places, just how brave he can be, and exactly what happens to naughty children!
The Sea House
Lucy Owen (Rebecca Harry)Firefly Press 2019 7+ 9781910080825
Themes: Bereavement and grief – Resilience – Frienship
One night grieving nine-year-old Coral cries so much, she fills her house with tears. She wakes to find a magical underwater world packed with fabulous sea creatures who have come to cheer her up, right inside her own home! But there is a darkness in the heart of the house too. Can Coral find the strength to overcome it, with the help of her new friends?
The Velvet Fox
Catherine FisherFirefly Press 2019 9+ 9781913102081
Themes: Fantasy adventure – Mystery – Friendship
After rescuing Tomos from enchantment, orphan Seren Rhys is enjoying her first summer at Plas-y-Fran. But as autumn arrives, it brings with it a mysterious new governess who seems intent on drawing Tomos away from Seren and his family. Seren calls on the clockwork crow to help her. But can he reach her in time, and will Tomos be able to escape?
Where Magic Hides
Cat WeatherillPont@Lolfa 2019 9+ 9781785622991
Themes: Myths and legends – Magic – The supernatural
In this diverse collection of short stories, various young characters encounter kings and trolls, wild horses and rainbow-coloured sheep as they learn to find the magic in the stories all around them. With a tale based on the story of Rhiannon from the Mabinogion and another set in Hay-on-Wye. Shortlisted for the 2020 Tir na n-Og Award.
Welsh Cakes and Custard
Wendy White (Helen Flook)Pont@Lolfa 2018 (First published in 2013) 7+ 9781848517127
Themes: First experiences – School life – Grandparents
The adventures of Betsi Wyn as she tastes many new experiences such as school dinners, concerts and pirate parties for the very first time, with the help of her friend Emyr Rhys and her grandmother. 2014 Tir na n-Og Award Winner.
Matchstick Man and Other Creepy Tales
Ruth MorganGomer@Lolfa 2018 (First published in 2009) 4+ 9781848510531
Themes: Ghosts and ghouls – Adventure – Mystery
A creepy collection of spooky tales. The Matchstick Man, shocks Griff when he is downloading a photo on his computer and discovers the figure on the picture. But every time he looks at the photo, the matchstick man has moved to a different position. What is it up to?
The Clockwork Crow
Catherine FisherFirefly Press 2018 9+ 9781910080849
Themes: Fantasy adventures – Christmas – Family
When Seren Rhys is given a newspaper parcel by a stranger late at night in an empty train station, she has no idea what trouble it contains. She’s on her way to the remote house of Plas-y Fran, but when she gets there the happy family Christmas she had hoped for turns out to be an illusion. Because Tomos has been missing for a year and a day, and if the strange and dangerous Family have really taken him, who would be mad enough to try and get him back? 2019 Tir na n-Og Award Winner.
The Lonely Bwbach
Graham HowellsGomer@Lolfa 2018 7+ 9781785622731
Themes: Wizards and wizardry – Friendship
Every Bwbach needs two things - a house to take care of and a family to look after. So what's a poor Bwbach to do when his home is literally dismantled around him? Go after it, of course! On the way, he will meet friendly foxes, helpful hawks, and a variety of mythical beasts, the most puzzling of which: human children. Will the poor Bwbach ever find his cottage again?
Wales on the Map
Elin Meek (Valériane Leblond)Rily 2018 7+ 2018
Themes: Geography – History – Culture
Explore the delights and hidden treasures of Wales on a voyage of discovery through this fascinating country. Wales on the Map is a lavishly illustrated picture atlas that showcases the best Wales has to offer. Shrotlisted for the 2019 Tir na n-Og Award.
When Ravens Screamed over Blood
William VaughanY Lolfa 2018 14+ 9781784616052
Themes: Fantasy – Myths and legends
A fantasy novella aimed at teenagers but suitable for all ages. Though loosely based on the Mabinogion and Irish mythology, it contains some magic and violence. Rhydian appears to be the perfect Prince of Dyfed. Much loved by his subjects, he is kind, just, handsome, and seems set for a long and glorious reign.
Wil and the Welsh Black Cattle
Phil OkwedyGomer@Lolfa 2018 9+ 9781785622342
Themes: Myths and legends – Adventure
Wil and the Welsh Black Cattle weaves together six Welsh tales to tell the story of how Wil cheats death and finds true love - but not before losing his fortune twice. Interwoven is the story of Al Capone's Welsh right-hand man, Murray the Hump. The story takes us from Wales to London and the USA, mixing the real lives of cattle drovers with fantastical fairy elements.
The Snow Spider Trilogy
Jenny NimmoHarper Collins 2018 9+ 9781405290302
Themes: Myths and legends – Fantasy – The Mabinogi
Jenny Nimmo’s classic trilogy, The Snow Spider, Emlyn’s Moon and The Chestnut Soldier in one book. The stories are inspired by Welsh mythology ang the Mabinogi. The books feature Gwyn Griffiths, one of Gwydion the wizard’s descendants who discovers and develops some of the magical power in his lineage. The Snow Spider won the 1987 Tir na n-Og award.
Dragon Red
Shoo RaynerFirefly Press 2017 7+ 9781910080481
Themes: Relationships – Myths and legends – Fantasy
Final book in the Dragon gold trilogy from Shoo Rayner. The two dragons, Tân and Draca, are being kept in the castle. Everything goes wrong when Ryan's dad sets Draca free. The police want Harri to help find them, but Harri knows only Tân can do this. With Draca and Ryan's dad challenging them to a battle to the death, can Harri and Tân find the magic to save everyone?
Horrible Histories: Wales
Terry Deary (Martin Brown)Scholastic 2017 7+ 9781407185682
Themes: History – Culture
Readers can discover all the foul facts about Wales, including why Druids split humans in half, how the Normans outwitted the Welsh with a lump of ham and how an army of Welsh mums fought off the French once and for all. With a bold, accessible new look and a heap of extra-horrible bits, this book is sure to be a huge hit with yet another generation of Terry Deary fans.
King of the Sky
Nicola Davies (Laura Carlin)Walker books 2017 4+ 9781406379198
Themes: Migration – Friendship – Hope
An un-named Italian boy forges a relationship built with an elderly retired miner and a special bird, which promises to be a champion. As the old man’s health fails, so does the young boy’s belief in the ability of the ‘King of the Sky’ to return (significantly from Rome, his former home) to the Welsh village. Shortlisted for the 2018 Tir na n-Og Award.
St David's Day is Cancelled
Wendy White (Huw Aaron)Gomer@Lolfa 2017 7+ 9781785622083
Themes: School adventures – Activism – Culture
Following a suspicious entry on the staff room calendar, Seren Wen and her friends are seriously concerned that there are no plans to celebrate Saint David's Day at their school this year. Shortlisted for the 2018 Tir na n-Og Award.
Santa’s Greatest Gift
Tudur Dylan Jones (Valériane Leblond)Gomer @ Lolfa 2017 4+ 9781785622366
Themes: Christmas – Problem solving
Santa has forgotten Gwydion’s present, despite his careful planning. Luckily, Santa comes up with a solution that makes everyone happy! Shortlisted for the 2018 Tir na n-Og Award.
A Child's Christmas in Wales
Dylan Thomas (Peter Bailey)Orion Publishing 2016 9+ 9781444015430
Themes: Christmas – Childhood – Classic
Dylan Thomas's lyrical account of his childhood Christmases in a small Welsh town, featuring wolves, bears, hippos and Mrs Prothero's cat, has become deservedly famous. This re-designed edition celebrates the centenary of his birth.
The Rugby Zombies: Number Two
Dan AnthonyPont@Lolfa 2016 9+ 9781848513976
Themes: Rugby – Afterlife zombies – Family
A sequel to The Rugby Zombies. Arwel is in despair. His strange teammates are on the loose - somewhere - and causing all kinds of chaos. In the meantime, his rugby career has taken a nosedive. Now Dad's gone missing, booted out of the Aberscary club by members unhappy with Arwel's performance. First published in 2011.
White Petals
Maria GraceFirefly Press 2015 14+ 9781910080245
Themes: Mental health crisis – Bereavement and grief Care and family separation
Emmeline's life falls apart when her mother is sectioned, and she has to live in a care home, away from her sister. With only her lucky cardigan for comfort, she has to find her way, making new friends, bullied in school, and haunted by a dream of white petals.
Cat, Daf and the Map
Siân LewisGwasg Carreg Gwalch 2015 7+ 9781845274580
Themes: Map-reading – The countryside
Catrin and Dafydd are staying with their aunt and uncle on Maes Plwm farm. After Uncle Harri directs a lost lorry driver to Wern-las farm, Cat and Daf plan a journey to Wern-las using Aunty Gwen's OS map. As we follow their journey on each page, sights of interest are noted, and a fragment of map shows the way. An entertaining story that teaches young readers how to read maps.
Dragon White
Shoo RaynerFirefly Press 2015 7+ 9781910080306
Themes: Friendship – Fantasy – Family influences
Ryan's dad is out for revenge. He knows there is a secret about Tân, Harri's supposedly 'toy' dragon. Ryan, Harri's new best friend, knows Tân is real and his dad forces him to give the secret away, testing Harri and Ryan's friendship to the limit. Ryan's dad is now obsessed with getting his own dragon in time for the May Parade ...
One Moonlit Night
T. Llew Jones (Jac Jones)Pont@Lolfa 2015 9+ 9781848519756
Themes: Folk stories – Myths and legends – Humour
This treasury of 26 Welsh folk stories, fairy tales and legends lives up to its promise as a treasure trove for children and adults to dip into time and time again.
Stormteller
David ThorpeCambria Books 2015 11+ 9780992869083
Themes: Climate change – Myths and legends – Personal stories
This bewitching drama for young adults set in the very near future entwines Celtic myth and climate-changed destinies to answer the fundamental question: can we escape our apparent fate? If our lives are governed by forces outside our control, where can we find hope?
Tales from the Mabinogion
Gwyn Thomas, Kevin Crossley-Holland (Margaret Jones)Y Lolfa 2015 9+ 9780862438975
Themes: The Mabinogi – Myths and legends
This classic version of the old Celtic stories retains its magic and its mystical charm. The famous stories of Prince Pwyll and the elusive Rhiannon, of Branwen and the giant Bendigeidfran and of Blodeuwedd the flower-maid are placed in the fuller context of the Four Branches, or ‘parts’ of the collection.
Three Cheers for Wales
Wendy White (Helen Flook)Gomer@Lolfa 2015 7+ 9781848519176
Themes: Victorian school days – Rugby – Parties
Emyr Rhys and Betsi Wyn are back with five new stories! Between cheering for Wales and cheering up Da-cu, days out with Mam-gu and dressing up like a frog, they have plenty to keep them busy and amused. Several places in Wales appear in these stories, including Tenby and Cardiff.
Ruck in the Muck
Ceri Wyn Jones (Adrian Reynolds)Pont@Lolfa 2015 4+ 9781785620676
Themes: Rugby – Imagination – Hopes for the future
In this exciting and vividly illustrated story, a field of thistles and muck becomes an international stadium for a tense match between two brothers. The crowd is waiting. Are you ready? Shortlisted for the 2016 Tir na n-Og Award.
