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

Shortlists revealed for Wales’ oldest children’s book award

This week, the Books Council of Wales will reveal 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, Tuesday 11 March, the shortlist for the Welsh-language Primary age category will be 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 Primary category shortlist is:

Ni a Nhw by Sioned Wyn Roberts, illustrated by Eric Heyman (Atebol)A humorous story-and-picture book about two tribes who have been afraid of each other since the dawn of time. But the little mole and the young squirrel are determined to find out the truth about the ‘others’…

The story of the mole starts from one end of the book and the story of the squirrel from the other, both upside-down, reading from left to right. And in the middle, the two stories meet …

Arwana Swtan a’r Sgodyn Od by Angie Roberts and Dyfan Roberts, illustrated by Efa Dyfan (Gwasg y Bwthyn)
A short and funny novel from an author who knows how to entertain and delight children. When Arwana Swtan arrives in the town of Caernarfon 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.

Llanddafad by Gareth Evans-Jones, illustrated by Lleucu Gwenllian (Y Lolfa)
Meet Bet, queen of the sheep; Enfys, the multi-coloured sheep; Seren the stylish sheep; Tomos Tatws, Mari fach, and many others! There are 12 stories in this book, each one focused on a particular month, with a variety of themes taking the reader through a year on the sheep farm.

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.

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 on Thursday 13 March on Heno, S4C. The English-language category shortlist will be announced on Thursday 13 March by presenter Mel 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

In 2025 we are celebrating three years of the New Audiences Fund which was established in 2022 thanks to funding from Welsh Government through Creative Wales. Its purpose was to strengthen and diversify the publishing industry in Wales.

When we launched the fund, we were looking for projects that would be catalysts for lasting change in our sector: creating opportunities, increasing representation, and supporting businesses.

Three years and £1.5million later, our Impact Report can look back on over 100 projects across Wales. But the stories behind these figures are more important still as we see how the grants have created jobs, supported fair pay, facilitated collaboration, mentored new voices and enabled the publication of new cultural materials.

We would like to thank Creative Wales and Welsh Government for their support for this transformative fund, which has the potential to continue to create lasting change in our publishing sector for the benefit of all of Wales.

Find out more about the New Audiences Fund and the projects it supports:

New Audiences Grant Impact Report

New Audiences Projects: Grants | Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

A brand-new Welsh-language podcast series, Sut i Ddarllen is launched today, Monday 10 February 2025, by the Books Council of Wales.

Over six episodes, Francesca Sciarrillo is joined by a range of special guests to discuss reading, its influence and the impact it can have on our daily lives. Among the guests sharing their memories and reading recommendations are Siôn Tomos Owen, Kayley Roberts and Manon Steffan Ros.

Siôn Tomos Owen is the series’ first guest. He discusses reading four books at once, snobbish attitudes towards comics and his love for libraries.

Francesca Sciarrillo is Reading Promotions Officer at the Books Council of Wales. She’s also a familiar face from co-presenting S4C’s arts programme Y Sîn and as a columnist for Lingo Newydd magazine and Lingo 360 for Welsh learners.

Francesca said: “As someone who just loves reading, it was a real pleasure for me to talk with such brilliant guests, and to get to understand more about their own relationship with books. Our chats cover early memories of reading, to reading habits today; from books they couldn’t put down to those they’ve yet to finish. The conversations were revealing and fascinating and I can’t wait to share them!

Bethan Jones, Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion at the Books Council of Wales said: “The Books Council of Wales believes in the transformative power of reading for pleasure and its positive impact on our wellbeing and mental health. We’re delighted to share this brand-new podcast series which offers a space to discuss reading and books of all kinds. It shows us that there isn’t one ‘right’ way to enjoy reading and that there is a book out there for everyone.”

The podcasts were filmed on location at Tramshed Tech, Cardiff and at Y Shed, Y Felinheli.

You can listen to the podcast on a range of streaming platforms including Y Pod and AM or watch them on YouTube. Other episodes in the series will be released each week.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sutiddarllen

MAE’R DDOGFEN HON HEFYD AR GAEL YN GYMRAEG / A WELSH-LANGUAGE VERSION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS ALSO AVAILABLE 

Season’s Greetings 2024

The Books Council and the Distribution Centre will be closed from Monday afternoon,
23 December 2024 and will re-open after the holidays on Thursday, 2 January 2025.

We wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Announcing the winners of the Wales Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards 2024

Today, Thursday 28 November, the Books Council of Wales has announced the winning titles of its brand-new Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards, which are awarded for the first time in 2024.

The awards have two categories – English-language Book Cover and Welsh-language Book Cover. The winners are:

English-language category winner:

The Song that Sings Us Cover illustration by Jane Matthews. Cover design by Becka Moor. Author: Nicola Davies. Published by Firefly Press.

Welsh-language category winner:

Mynd i Weld Nain Cover illustration by Lily Mŷrennin. Cover design by Richard Pritchard. Author: Delyth Jenkins. Published by Y Lolfa.

Jane Matthews, illustrator of the winning English-language cover, said: “Wow, this is such fantastic news! I’m delighted to win this wonderful new award, especially given the three beautiful, lively covers that The Song that Sings Us was up against. I love that this prize has been established to celebrate book cover design, and it means a lot to have the recognition of the Books Council of Wales and their Young People’s Panel.”

Penny Thomas from Firefly said: “We are really thrilled to see Jane and Becka’s stunning paperback cover for The Song that Sings Us win the inaugural Welsh Children’s Book Cover Award. This is a wonderful recognition of their outstanding artistic and design skills and imagination!”

Lily Mŷrennin, illustrator of the winning Welsh-language cover, said: “What an honour to hear that this little winter book has been chosen to win the award! The illustrations celebrate the cosiness of this time of year, and I hope everyone can experience a little magic in its pages.”

Ellyw Jenkins from publisher Y Lolfa said: “Y Lolfa are very proud that the cover of the book Mynd i Weld Nain has come out on top in the 2024 Children’s Book Cover Award competition, and that Lily Mŷrennyn’s fantastic artwork has been acknowledged. I hope everyone will go out and buy this special book – it’s a perfect Christmas present!”

The awards have been established to celebrate and recognise the contribution of illustrators and designers in bringing stories to life, and creating eye-catching, attractive books that appeal to young readers.

The eight books on the shortlists were selected by members of the Books Council of Wales’ Young People’s Panel; and the category winners were chosen by an online public vote held between 12 and 25 November. The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category wins or shares a cash prize of £500.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales, said: “Many congratulations to Lily Mŷrennin and Richard Pritchard, and Jane Matthews and Becka Moor for winning the very first Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards. 

I’m sure we’ve all picked up a book because it’s caught our eye from the shelf, or spotted a cover that’s made us want to find out more. In books for children and young people, book covers play such an important role as young readers are starting to discover new books, themes and genres – and a brilliant book cover can start them on a reading journey they may not otherwise have thought of.

So I’m delighted that we have been able to celebrate the creativity and talent of our illustrators and designers in or from Wales through these awards, and I would like to thank everyone involved in all of the books on this year’s shortlists.”

The other shortlisted titles were:

English-language Book Cover:

Ceri & Deri: 1,2,3 Cover illustration by Max Low. Cover design by Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg. Author: Max Low. Published by Graffeg.

Lilly & Myles: The Torch Cover illustration by Hannah Rounding. Cover design by Joana Rodrigues, Graffeg. Author: Jon Roberts. Published by Graffeg.

Tapper Watson and the Quest for the Nemo Machine Cover illustration by Becka Moor. Author: Claire Fayers. Published by Firefly.

Welsh-language Book Cover:

Ac Rwy’n Clywed Dreigiau / And I Hear Dragons Cover illustration by Eric Heyman. Cover design by Becka Moor. Editor: Hanan Issa. Published by Firefly. 

Diwrnod Prysur Cover illustration and design by Huw Aaron. Author: Huw Aaron. Published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch.

Mwy o Straeon o’r Mabinogi Cover illustration by Valériane Leblond. Cover design by Gwasg Rily Publications. Author: Siân Lewis. Published by Gwasg Rily Publications.

Celebrating diversity through books for children and young people

The Books Council of Wales has launched a brand-new selection of original books for children and young people in Wales at a special event at The Egin in Carmarthen. Learners from local schools were invited to see the new titles and meet the authors.

The Rhyngom project, funded by Welsh Government, was established to publish more books for young readers that represent the culture, people and history of the whole of Wales, and that celebrate and promote diversity. The event celebrates an exciting milestone as new, original books that were commissioned in Welsh and English in the first phase of the scheme are published.

The new books include works by first-time writers as well as established authors. One of the main aims of commissioning original Welsh and English books as part of the scheme was to ensure publishing opportunities for authors and illustrators from a range of under-represented backgrounds and communities. Some new authors have been supported to work with a mentor or to co-author with a more experienced writer.

The new books include:

Y Ransh ym Mhen Draw’r Byd / The Ranch at the End of the World by Emma Bettridge. Adaptation by Sioned Erin Hughes (Graffeg).

A History of My Weird / Hanes fy Hynodrwydd by Chloe Heuch. Adaptation by Mared Llwyd (Firefly).

Megs / Megs by Meleri Wyn James (Y Lolfa).

Zac and Jac / Zac a Jac by Cathy Jenkins. Adaptation by Ceri Wyn Jones (Graffeg).

20 Colourful People of Wales / 20 o Bobl Liwgar Cymru by Natalie Jones (Y Lolfa).

Colours of Home / Cartref o Liw by Miriam Latimer. Adaptation by Anwen Pierce (Graffeg).

The Winter Festival / Gŵyl y Gaeaf by Rebecca Wilson (Rily).

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “Congratulations to the authors and publishers who have worked so hard to produce this wonderful selection of books, some of which are by first-time authors, and all of which I can’t wait to read!

“Rhyngom is a three-year project which will lead to the publication of 48 reading books for pleasure for children and young people, promoting and celebrating diversity and reflecting more of our stories, people and communities in Wales. Thank you to our many partners who have shared their advice and expertise and made this project possible.

“It was a real pleasure to launch these new books today, and we’re extremely grateful to the Welsh Government Education Department for their funding and support.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS said: “I wish to add my congratulations to the authors and to thank everyone who’s contributed to the project. It is so important for our schools to have new reading books, in both Welsh and English, that support the teaching of diversity across the curriculum, supporting our learners with their literacy and empathy skills, and contributing towards their mental and emotional well-being.”

At today’s launch event, led by Miriam Isaac, Year 2 pupils from Ysgol y Dderwen and Model Church in Wales School met authors Rebecca Wilson, Natalie Jones, Miriam Latimer and Gail Sequeira. They took part in workshops and activities to explore the themes, ideas and stories in the primary school age titles. In the afternoon, authors Chloe Heuch, Megan Angharad Hunter, Meleri Wyn James and Cathy Jenkins travelled to Ysgol Bro Taf to meet Year 7 learners and to launch the secondary school age titles.

This is the first phase of a three-year £810,000 project funded by Welsh Government. It will be followed by phase two in March 2025, when Welsh adaptations of 28 English titles that promote and celebrate diversity – some of which have won awards such as the Diverse Book Award – will be published and available for purchase from bookshops and the Gwales.com online shop.

The third phase is to create educational resources to accompany the 48 titles. These resources – in print and digital format – will provide additional and valuable guidance for teachers in Wales and will be available by September 2025.

The final phase is a book-gifting scheme for primary and secondary schools in Wales. Every state primary school will receive a free copy of the books for readers aged 3–7 and 8–11 years, and every state secondary school will receive a copy of the books for readers aged 8–11 and 12–16 years. Schools will also be given printed editions of the educational resources.

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