The winners in the Welsh-language categories of the 2025 Tir Na n-Og Awards were announced on Tuesday, 27 May, in a special ceremony at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr at Margam Park and the announcement of the English-language category was made at a ceremony at Penglais School in Aberystwyth on Wednesday, 21 May.
The three winning titles in the 2025 Tir na n-Og Awards were Arwana Swtan a’r Sgodyn Od by Angela Roberts (Gwasg y Bwthyn), Cymry.Balch.Ifanc by Various Authors and edited by Llŷr Titus and Megan Angharad Hunter (Rily) and The Twelve by Liz Hyder (Pushkin Children’s Books ).
WELSH LANGUAGE CATEGORY – PRIMARY
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, including more adventures for Arwana Swtan, her mates Halan and Finag from the chip shop and the sassiest mermaid in the world, Swigi Dwgong.”
WELSH LANGUAGE CATEGORY – SECONDARY
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 14 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.”
ENGLISH LANUGAGE CATEGORY
The Twelve by Liz Hyder (published by Pushkin Children’s Books)
The winning title was announced at a special ceremony held at Penglais School in Aberystwyth, on Wednesday 21 May. 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!”
2025 READERS' CHOICE AWARD CATEGORY
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 winners in the three categories were:
Welsh-language primary category – Llanddafad by Gareth Evans-Jones, illustrated by Lleucu Gwenllian (Y Lolfa)
Welsh-language secondary category – Cynefin, Cymru a’r Byd by Dafydd Watcyn Williams (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
English-language category – Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers (Firefly)
