Books Council of Wales secures over £800,000 to inspire a lifelong love of reading in Wales

The Books Council of Wales welcomes the announcement that it has been awarded a £849,860 grant over three years from Welsh Government Education Department to continue and develop its reading promotion activities.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle has announced this week that the Books Council of Wales is one of the organisations that will receive funding under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme.

The funding is awarded to the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department, who run a wide range of campaigns and partnerships to celebrate books and promote reading for pleasure. These will include:

Teachers Love Reading – following a successful pilot in 2024, this project will deliver a series of tailored training for primary and secondary teachers by higher education practitioners from Bangor University, with a particular focus on upskilling teachers in reading for pleasure, embedding reading in the classroom and teaching reading and literacy. The programme aims to nurture a love of reading amongst teaching professionals so that they can inspire their learners in the classroom.

The Summer Reading Challenge – a scheme to encourage children and their families to continue reading during the summer holidays, by visiting a local library. The project attracts over 33,000 children and young people to take advantage of borrowing books from public libraries in Wales each year. In partnership with the Reading Agency and libraries in Wales.

BookSlam / Gornest Lyfrau – reading competitions based on specially created reading lists and resources to enrich learning and enhance comprehension. Schools compete at county level initially, with the winning schools representing their county in the national finals held in Aberystwyth.

Nurturing a Community of Readers – a series of programmes that will encourage and support families to read for pleasure. It prioritises access to books and resources for those who need them most and provides multiple ways for children and families to get involved in the element that is most suitable for them and their needs. This programme includes:

• World Book Day in March, in partnership with World Book Day, and UNESCO World Book Day celebrations on 23 April;
• A collaboration with RhAG (Parents for Welsh Medium Education), to organise reading for pleasure sessions for non-Welsh speaking parents;
• Supporting the publication of a digital magazine, Cyw, for learners aged 3–7 in collaboration with Boom Cymru;
• Continuing the Books Council’s Young People’s Panel, and engaging young adults to read with the ‘Sut i Ddarllen’ podcast.

Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Bethan Jones said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this essential funding, without which we wouldn’t be able to run so many of the campaigns and activities that inspire children and young people to read for pleasure every year. We have really exciting plans for the next three years and feel very fortunate to have secured multi-year funding, which means that we will be able to collaborate with partners to build on the projects over successive years, getting more books to more children and young people, and to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “I would like to thank the Cabinet Secretary and her department for their continued commitment through this funding, which underpins the work of the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department at the Books Council, and which has safeguarded 2.5 jobs.

This grant enables us to continue to deliver popular annual reading promotion schemes and partnerships for children throughout Wales, such as the Summer Reading Challenge and a World Book Day £1 Welsh-language title. Importantly, it also means that we can deliver specific, targeted interventions to respond to the needs of the Curriculum for Wales as well as current challenges around literacy levels, reaching a million Welsh-speakers, and well-being. We’re looking forward to working with our network of trusted partners to deliver this ambitious and exciting programme over the next three years.”

The funding has been awarded until March 2028 under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme. Information about the projects funded by this grant will be published on the Books Council’s website www.books.wales

The winners in the Welsh-language categories of the 2025 Tir Na n-Og Awards were announced today, 27 May, in a special ceremony at the Urdd Eisteddfod Dur a Môr, Margam Park.

The winner in the primary age category is Arwana Swtan a’r Sgodyn Od by Angie Roberts and Dyfan Roberts. The winner in the secondary age category is Cymry Balch Ifanc by various authors, edited by Llŷr Titus and Megan Angharad Hunter.

Winner in the primary age category
Arwana Swtan a’r Sgodyn Od by Angie Roberts and Dyfan Roberts, illustrated by Efa Dyfan (Gwasg y Bwthyn).
This is a short and very funny novel from an author who knows how to amuse and entertain children. When Arwana Swtan arrives in the town of Caernarfon in the middle of a big storm to stay with her grandad, Taidi, things are looking very bleak for the town. But once the inimitable mermaid Swigi Dwgong makes an appearance, things start to look up…
The judging panel said: “What an adventure! You could believe that you’re reading an old nautical tale, but this story is modern and contemporary, with colourful characters and where astonishing things happen. A breath of fresh air – with a whiff of fish!”

Angie Roberts said: “We’re over the moon! This fantastic news will give me the confidence to keep writing all of the stories that are in my head. More adventures for Arwana Swtan, her mates Halan and Finag from the chip shop and the sassiest mermaid in the world, Swigi Dwgong.”

Winner in the secondary age category
Cymry Balch Ifanc by various authors. Edited by Llŷr Titus and Megan Angharad Hunter, illustrated by Mari Phillips (Rily).

An honest and deeply personal anthology collecting real-life stories from 13 young LGBTQIA+ contributors, with information about Welsh Pride. The book aims to increase understanding and empathy towards people in the LGBTQIA+ community by sharing personal experiences.

The judging panel said: “This is an important book for everyone, so that we can come to know ourselves and others. Young people trying to discover their identity will benefit from hearing the contributors’ experiences in this volume, and parents, teachers, grandparents, politicians – everybody – will have the opportunity to learn that everyone has the right to be understood and respected as an individual. It’s important that a book like this is available in Welsh.”

Llŷr Titus said: “In a time when we are seeing attacks from all corners on the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, winning the Tir na n-Og award and being able to celebrate that in a festival like the Urdd, which is unwavering in its support for our community, is a confirmation that everyone has the right to be proud of who they are. As one of the editors of this book it is an immense privilege to win, but also as an editor, I want to emphasise that the stories of the young people within the covers of the volume are the most important thing, and they should be the focus today.

 

 

Many of us could do with more empathy, and when those who don’t understand young LGBTQIA+ people or who feel any sort of prejudice against them, turn to the stories within this volume, I truly hope that you will nurture that empathy, and understanding.”

Established in 1976, the annual Tir na n-Og Awards celebrate the best books for children and young people in Wales. They are organised by the Books Council of Wales and sponsored by CILIP Cymru Wales.

Sue Polchow, Community Development Manager – CILIP Cymru Wales said: “As the membership body for librarians and information professionals in Wales, we are proud to again sponsor the wonderful Tir na n-Og Awards for 2025. Unique book awards which help children and young people discover the joy of reading outstanding stories from Wales which are about Wales. Many congratulations to all the winning authors!”

The other titles on the Welsh-language shortlists are:
Primary:

Ni a Nhw by Sioned Wyn Roberts, illustrated by Eric Heyman (Atebol)

Llanddafad by Gareth Evans-Jones, illustrated by Lleucu Gwenllian (Y Lolfa)

Secondary:
Cynefin, Cymru a’r Byd by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
Rhedyn, Merlyn y Mawn by Myrddin ap Dafydd (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)

Also announced today were the winners of the Welsh-language Readers’ Choice Awards. These are special awards chosen by children and young people who took part in the Tir na n-Og Shadowing Scheme and nominated their own winners from the shortlisted titles in each category.

The winner of the Welsh-language primary category Readers’ Choice Award is Llanddafad by Gareth Evans-Jones, illustrated by Lleucu Gwenllian (Y Lolfa)

The winner of the Welsh-language secondary category Readers’ Choice Award is Cynefin, Cymru a’r Byd by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)

The winners in the English-language category were announced at a special ceremony at Ysgol Penglais School, Aberystwyth on 21 May. The Twelve by Liz Hyder (Pushkin Children’s Books) is the winner of the English-language category 2025 and the English-language Readers’ Choice Award this year goes to Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers (Firefly).

More information about the Tir na n-Og Awards can be found on the Books Council website, books.wales.

The Twelve by Liz Hyder (published by Pushkin Children’s Books) is the 2025 winner of the Tir na n-Og English-language Award for children and young people’s literature.

The winning title was announced at a special ceremony held this afternoon, Wednesday 21 May at Ysgol Penglais School in Aberystwyth. The ceremony was hosted by presenter Sara Gibson, with an audience of learners from the school who had the opportunity to meet some of the shortlisted authors.

The Twelve is a deeply captivating, darkly magical Young Adult offering. When Kit’s sister, Libby, vanishes into thin air on a family holiday and no one else seems to remember her, Kit embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth. This book wraps you up in ancient magic and folklore, drags you to its rich depths and consumes you with its lyrical and haunting writing.

Liz Hyder said: “I feel very honoured to be this year’s winner for the prestigious English-language award. The Twelve was born out of a deep love of nature and is a love letter to Wales and her landscapes. It was a fantastic shortlist and I was gobsmacked to even be included. I’m very much looking forward to celebrating with a big mug of Welsh tea!”

 

Chair of the English-language judging panel, Elizabeth Kennedy, said: “Congratulations to Liz on winning the award this year. The Twelve is a story that pulls the reader in, tugging until you fall down the magical rabbit hole into Welsh history, folklore and nature. It’s a perfect combination of enthralling writing; beautiful illustrations and undisputed Welsh background, making it the well-deserved winner of this year’s award.”

The other shortlisted titles for the English-language category were:

• Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers (Firefly)
• Cynefin, Wales and the World – Today’s Geography for Future Generations by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
• Megs by Meleri Wyn James, illustrated by Shari Llewelyn (Y Lolfa)

Also announced today was the winner of the 2025 English-language Readers’ Choice Award. This is a special award chosen by the children and young people who took part in the Tir na n-Og Shadowing Scheme. The winner of the English-language Readers’ Choice Award is Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers (Firefly).

Established in 1976, the annual Tir na n-Og Awards celebrate the best books for children and young people in Wales. They are organised by the Books Council of Wales and sponsored by CILIP Cymru Wales.

Sue Polchow, Community Development Manager – CILIP Cymru Wales said: “As the membership body for librarians and information professionals in Wales, we are proud to again sponsor the wonderful Tir na n-Og Awards for 2025. Unique book awards which help children and young people discover the joy of reading outstanding stories from Wales which are about Wales. Many congratulations to all the winning authors!”

The winners of the Tir na n-Og Awards in the two Welsh-language categories will be revealed at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr at Margam Park on Tuesday 27 May.

You can find out more about the Tir na n-Og Awards on the Books Council of Wales website: books.wales.

School children across Wales have been meeting up with popular children’s authors in a series of special workshops held in their local libraries.

The Stars of the Shelves scheme was funded by Welsh Government Culture Division and coordinated by the Books Council of Wales. It was formed as a partnership with libraries and schools to bring young readers together with authors for workshops celebrating books and reading. During the scheme, which took place from January to March 2025, over 5,000 learners from 126 schools across Wales have taken part.

A recent research report from the National Literacy Trust found that: “More children and young people who had experienced an author visit said that they enjoyed reading in their free time compared with their peers who hadn’t had a visit (58.6% vs. 39.3%).”

The scheme was set up for children to meet authors in creative workshops, to spark their imagination and inspire reading. It also aimed to provide more opportunities for schools and libraries to bring children out of the classroom and into their local library. A contribution towards transport costs were also included to enable learners from schools in rural areas to attend the sessions.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “We are so pleased that this brilliant partnership has enabled so many children to take part in these special workshops. Author visits have been shown to be powerful ways of helping children connect with literacy, and, thanks to funding from Welsh Government and the commitment of the librarians, over 5,000 children have been able to meet authors in person and enjoy activities and discussions to inspire reading. Thank you to all the schools, libraries and authors who have helped to make these workshops possible.”

Workshops were held at 74 libraries with over 30 authors, including Robin Bennett, author of the Monster Max series, ex-Children’s Laureate Wales Eloise Williams and Tir na n-Og Award winners Claire Fayers and Daniel Morden.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism – Cllr Hazel Evans said: “This project has been absolutely amazing for drawing together authors, libraries and schools in a perfect triangle. The engagement between the authors and children was both positive and exciting, with very inspirational outcomes. It’s a project that ‘joins the dots’ in reading for pleasure and has been very successful, motivating and inspiring.”

Mae’r ddogfen hon hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg / A Welsh-language version of this document is also available.

Welsh-language Secondary age category

This week, the Books Council of Wales is revealing the shortlists for the Tir na n-Og Awards 2025. The awards celebrate the very best of stories from Wales and about Wales that were published in 2024.

Today, Thursday 13 March the shortlist for the Welsh-language Secondary age category was announced on S4C’s programme, Heno at 7pm.

The Tir na n-Og Awards are the oldest awards for children’s literature in Wales and are held every year by the Books Council of Wales, supported by CILIP Cymru Wales. They celebrate the talents and creativity of authors and illustrators who either create original works in Welsh, or who write about authentically Welsh themes or backgrounds through the medium of English.

The awards have three categories: Welsh-language Primary (age 4–11), Welsh-language Secondary (age 11–18) and English-language book with an authentic Welsh dimension (primary or secondary, age 4–18).

The Welsh-language Secondary category shortlist is:

• Cynefin, Cymru a’r Byd by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
  The aim of this geographical book is to start at our feet and broaden horizons to all corners of the earth. It extends to include other subjects such as history, literature, identity and art. The cynefin is the starting point. From there, we can extend to see the whole of Wales and all its diversity. Then, we find our country’s place on the face of the earth and in the future of the world.

• Rhedyn, Merlyn y Mawn by Myrddin ap Dafydd (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
  A novel about the coal mines of the Mold area set during the Riots of 1869, following the story of a pony that is taken from Hiraethog mountain to work underground, and Ifan, a boy who has to look for work as the small farmstead where he lives isn’t big enough to keep him. The story follows the ups and downs of their lives as they both mature and extend their horizons.

• Cymry. Balch. Ifanc by various authors. Edited by Llŷr Titus and Megan Angharad Hunter, illustrated by Mari Philips (Rily)
  An honest and deeply personal anthology collecting real-life stories from 14 young LGBTQIA+ contributors, with factual information about Welsh Pride. Edited by award-winning authors Llŷr Titus and Megan Angharad Hunter, Cymry. Balch. Ifanc. aims to increase understanding and empathy towards people in the LGBTQIA+ community by sharing personal experiences.

Independent panels of judges select the shortlists and decide on the winners for the Welsh and English awards each year. This year’s judges on the Welsh-language panel were Sioned Dafydd (Chair), Rhys Dilwyn Jenkins and Lleucu Non.

Sioned Dafydd, Chair of the Welsh panel, said: “A wonderful selection of books was submitted in both Welsh-language categories again this year – books that reflect children and young people in Wales in all their diversity. I hope that children are able to recognise themselves through identifying with some of the characters and authors, and as a result, that they find reading children’s books becomes much more than just a homework task.”

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive, Books Council of Wales said: “Congratulations to the authors and illustrators of all the books on this year’s shortlists. The judging panels really had their work cut out to select the shortlists from many wonderful entries, and the standard this year was very high. Good luck to everyone shortlisted and I look forward to the announcement of the winning books in the summer.”

The shortlist for the Welsh-language Primary category was announced on Tuesday 11 March on Heno, S4C.

The English-language category was announced earlier today, Thursday 13 March by presenter Melanie Owen and the Books Council of Wales on their social media channels: Instagram @melowencomedy / @books.wales

The winning titles in all three categories will be announced in the summer.

This year, young readers can once again choose the winners in a special category: the Readers’ Choice Award. The winner of this award is chosen by children and young people who take part in the Tir na n-Og shadowing scheme. Schools, libraries and other children’s reading groups can register to take part and be unofficial judges to choose winners from the shortlisted books, with the guidance of the shadowing pack. You can find out how to register on the Books Council’s website, books.wales 

Bookshops and libraries will be holding Tir na n-Og Treasure Hunts over the Easter holidays with the chance for children aged 4–11 to take part. Ask your local bookshop or library for details.

Further information about the awards and the shortlisted titles can be found on the Books Council’s website, books.wales 

Mae’r datganiad newyddion hwn hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg / A Welsh-language version of this news release is also available

English-language category shortlist

This week, the Books Council of Wales is revealing the shortlists for the Tir na n-Og Awards 2025. The awards celebrate the very best of stories from Wales and about Wales that were published in 2024.

Today, Thursday 13 March, at 10:00am, the shortlist for the English-language category was announced by presenter Melanie Owen and the Books Council of Wales on their social media channels: Instagram @melowencomedy / @books.wales.

The Tir na n-Og Awards are the oldest awards for children’s literature in Wales and are held every year by the Books Council of Wales, supported by CILIP Cymru Wales. They celebrate the talents and creativity of authors and illustrators who either create original works in Welsh, or who write about authentically Welsh themes or backgrounds through the medium of English.

The awards have three categories: Welsh-language Primary (age 4–11), Welsh-language Secondary (age 11–18) and English-language book with an authentic Welsh dimension (primary or secondary, age 4–18).

The English-language category shortlist is:

Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers (Firefly)
A mix of giant, ghost and goblin stories from all parts of Wales, collected, retold and reimagined by Claire Fayers, with the character of Idris the giant weaving through the book as he collects stories on his adventure.

Cynefin, Wales and the World – Today’s Geography for Future Generations by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
The aim of this geographical book is to start at our feet and broaden horizons to all corners of the earth. It extends to include other subjects such as history, literature, identity and art. The cynefin is the starting point. From there, we can extend to see the whole of Wales and all its diversity. Then, we find our country’s place on the face of the earth and in the future of the world.

The Twelve by Liz Hyder, Illustrated by Tom De Freston (Pushkin Children’s Books)
It’s supposed to be a treat for Kit, a winter holiday by the coast with her sister Libby and their mum. But when Libby vanishes into thin air, and no one else remembers her, Kit is faced with a new reality – one in which her sister never existed. Then she meets Story, a local boy who remembers Libby perfectly. Together they embark on a journey beyond their wildest imagination into a world steeped in ancient folklore.

Megs by Meleri Wyn James, Illustrated by Shari Llewelyn (Y Lolfa)
Megs is a neuro-diverse, 10-year-old girl, who lives with her mother and Mr Barker, the cockapoo, in the town of Aberystwyth. She doesn’t have many friends but she and Gwilym, who lives next door, have formed an unusual friendship. But Gwilym disappears and Megs is afraid that it is all her fault. A story about friendship, loyalty, tolerance and having the confidence to persevere, one step at a time.

Independent panels of judges select the shortlists and decide on the winners for the Welsh and English awards each year. This year’s judges on the English-language panel were Liz Kennedy (Chair), Karen Gemma Brewer, Kate Wynne and Imogen Davies.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive, Books Council of Wales said: “Congratulations to the authors and illustrators of all the books on this year’s shortlists. The judging panels really had their work cut out to select the shortlists from many wonderful entries, and the standard this year was very high. Good luck to everyone shortlisted and I look forward to the announcement of the winning books in the summer.”

The shortlist for the Welsh-language Secondary category will be announced tonight, Thursday 13 March at 7pm on Heno, S4C.

The Welsh-language Primary category shortlist was announced on Tuesday 11 March on Heno, S4C.

The winning titles in all three categories will be announced in the summer.

This year, young readers can once again choose the winners in a special category: the Readers’ Choice Award. The winner of this award is chosen by children and young people who take part in the Tir na n-Og shadowing scheme. Schools, libraries and other children’s reading groups can register to take part and be unofficial judges to choose winners from the shortlisted books, with the guidance of the shadowing pack. You can find out how to register on the Books Council’s website, books.wales 

Bookshops and libraries will be holding Tir na n-Og Treasure Hunts over the Easter holidays with the chance for children aged 4–11 to take part. Ask your local bookshop or library for details.

Further information about the awards and the shortlisted titles can be found on the Books Council’s website, books.wales 

Mae’r datganiad newyddion hwn hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg / A Welsh-language version of this news release is also available