Connecting people through books

Schools across Wales are receiving free books that reflect more of our stories, people and communities as the Rhyngom scheme of books for children and young people is completed.

The Books Council of Wales is sending over 49,000 free books to schools across the country this term, as part of the Rhyngom scheme funded by Welsh Government and Adnodd.

Rhyngom is a three-year, £810,000 project to publish more reading books for pleasure that celebrate and promote diversity, for children and young people. Since it started in 2022, the project has supported the creation of brand-new original books in both Welsh and English, as well as the adaptation of English-language books into Welsh, to create books that reflect more of our stories, people and communities.

The twenty new, original books, which were specially commissioned for the programme, include works by first-time writers as well as established authors, some of which have been shortlisted for or won awards since their launch in November 2024.

These were followed in spring 2025 by Welsh-language adaptations of 28 existing English-language titles that promote and celebrate diversity – including Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah (Un o Blant y Windrush, adapted/translated by Rhys Iorwerth) and Boys don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman (Gormod o Ddyn, adapted/translated by Manon Steffan Ros).

The themes for the original books and the titles for adaptation were chosen by members of an independent panel who represented a variety of organisations and backgrounds, and who are keen ambassadors in their fields of expertise. All the books in the series come with educational resources to help teachers and learners to explore the themes and questions they raise in more depth.

After three years this ambitious project is now drawing to a close as the final book-gifting phase of the scheme ensures the books reach young readers across Wales. Every state primary school will receive a free copy of the books for readers aged 3–11 years, and every state secondary school will receive a copy of the books for readers aged 8-16 years. Schools will also receive printed educational resources to accompany the 20 original books. Educational resources for all 48 titles are available digitally through Hwb.

Pupils at Ysgol Hamadryad in Cardiff have received their box of free books, as deliveries to 1,269 primary schools and 205 secondary schools get underway.

Learners attended a special event at Ysgol Hamadryad Primary School in Cardiff to celebrate the free books arriving in schools across the country and to mark the successful completion of the project.  Rebecca Wilson, author of one of the original books The Winter Festival / Gŵyl y Gaeaf, led Year 2 pupils in a creative workshop to explore the themes in the book. They were also joined by Emyr George, Chief Executive of Adnodd, and Delyth Ifan, Rhyngom Project Manager at the Books Council of Wales.

Delyth Ifan, Books Council of Wales, Emyr George, Adnodd and author Rebecca Wilson

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “We want children to enjoy reading and key to this is providing books that children can enjoy and stories that represent them. The Rhyngom scheme aims to capture a modern Wales, telling stories that children and young people can see themselves, their family and their friends reflected in the books they are reading.

“I want to congratulate the authors and thank everyone who has contributed to this 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.”

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “We are very grateful to Welsh Government and to Adnodd for embracing our vision for this important programme, which has made such a huge impact – enabling us to commission books in Welsh and English that celebrate all of our communities in Wales.

“I would also like to thank our many partners who have contributed their experience and expertise throughout this co-produced project; including the members of our panel who helped select the books for adaptation; the mentors and sensitivity readers who have supported authors; the panel to create the educational resources, and of course the publishers throughout Wales that have supported the project, and the authors themselves. We could not have done any of this without them, and young readers across Wales now have more fantastic books to enjoy that reflect more of their own stories and experiences.”

Lowri Gwyn, Reception-Year 2 Leader at Ysgol Hamadryad, said: “It was a special experience for our Year 2 pupils to meet The Winter Festival author Rebecca Wilson. They all enjoyed the workshop discussing the variety of celebrations in our community and within our school. It was also lovely to hear the author read part of her special story which will appeal to children across Wales.”

Emyr George, Chief Executive of Adnodd said: “At Adnodd, we’re proud to have supported the Rhyngom project. These books reflect the diversity of Wales today and offer learners stories they can see themselves in, whether through language, culture, experience or identity. We know that when learners feel seen, they engage more deeply in their learning.  And when teachers have high-quality, inclusive resources, they can spark powerful conversations in the classroom, school yard and beyond. Rhyngom is a celebration of creativity, inclusion and co-production, things that Adnodd is focused on through our strategy, and we are thrilled to see these books reaching schools across the country.”

Emyr George, Adnodd with learners at Ysgol Hamadryad

All of the books published under the Rhyngom scheme are available to buy from your local bookshop. You can find out more about Rhyngom on the Books Council of Wales website: Rhyngom: Rhestr teitlau / List of titles

Wales’ first UNESCO City of Literature

Aberystwyth Ceredigion joins gobal network of Creative Cities

Today, 31 October 2025, Aberystwyth Ceredigion has become Wales’ first UNESCO City of Literature, joining a global network of 350 Creative Cities that have been recognised for their excellence in creative fields across the world’.

Aberystwyth Ceredigion joins over 50 Cities recognised by UNESCO for their contribution to literature, including Barcelona, Dublin, Seattle and Rio de Janeiro. The City of Literature designation also makes Aberystwyth Ceredigion the first UNESCO Creative City in Wales.

With literary culture at its heart, Aberystwyth Ceredigion has a vibrant infrastructure of festivals, bookshops, theatres, cultural events, lectures, centres of academic excellence and research, publishing, poetry and writing that connects all parts of the county. The new City of Literature was created after a compelling application by the Dinas Llên strategic partnership. The UNESCO designation brings together Aberystwyth and the wider county of Ceredigion to celebrate the centuries-old literary traditions of the area and its thriving bilingual cultural scene.

Professor Mererid Hopwood, of the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University and member of the Dinas Llên partnership said: “As the first area in Wales to be recognised by the UNESCO Creative City network, the significance of the designation announced today goes beyond Aberystwyth and the county of Ceredigion and on to a national and global stage. It’s an opportunity to reinforce the vibrant literary heritage that we enjoy right here as we share it with the world. We have a saying in Welsh that reminds us that winning a prize is when the work begins. We now look forward to taking on the responsibility that comes with this significant privilege.”

The Dinas Llên partnership was formed in 2021 to move forward a programme of research and local consultation and to prepare the application ahead of submission in March 2025. The partnership comprises Aberystwyth Town Council, Aberystwyth University, Books Council of Wales, Ceredigion County Council, the National Library of Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David (including The Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, Wales Literature Exchange and Literature Across Frontiers).

Why Aberystwyth Ceredigion?

Aberystwyth Ceredigion might not constitute a city in the traditional sense, but the area’s rich literary scene, universities and national literary institutions means that it qualifies for a UNESCO Creative City designation.

Literature and creativity in many forms, and in both Welsh and English, are an integral part of everyday life here, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Literature is at our feet as we walk Aberystwyth Promenade. It adorns the Quay at Cardigan and the woodland trail in Llandre. Aberystwyth alone can claim a connection to over 300 poets and is the first Welsh town to employ a Town Poet.

Ceredigion is home to a high concentration of publishers, as well as to Welsh literary institutions of national and international importance including the National Library of Wales and the Books Council of Wales. The University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is an international centre of excellence for Celtic Studies, and Aberystwyth University is world-renowned for its excellence in teaching and research in languages and literature, including Welsh, English and Creative Writing. Through Wales Literature Exchange and Literature Across Frontiers we connect Wales to the world and share literature from Wales with new audiences through translation.

Aberystwyth Ceredigion joins other Creative Cities around the world in recognising that creativity is a catalyst for sustainable development, focused on people, place and local communities.

Councillor Emlyn Jones, Mayor of Aberystwyth said: “It’s fantastic that Aberystwyth Ceredigion has been awarded this status, putting our county on a worldwide stage and celebrating our distinctive cultural and literary heritage. Literature is for everyone, and we’ve now joined a global network of cities that have creativity rooted in their local communities to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.

Literature and creativity help make Aberystwyth Ceredigion an amazing place to live, work, study and visit and we believe that being Wales’ first City of Literature will be a catalyst for further growth in the creative industries, benefit local businesses and help more people to discover us and our many stories. This designation belongs to everyone in Aberystwyth Ceredigion and there are so many opportunities to take part and share ideas – this is just the first step!”.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: “Llongyfarchiadau Aberystwyth Ceredigion! Congratulations to Aberystwyth Ceredigion for becoming Wales’ first UNESCO Creative City and City of Literature.

“Wales is a land of creativity, made up of great authors, poets, singers and actors. Of course, many of these come from the Aberystwyth area and attended the University, and this announcement is testament to the vibrancy of the literary scene, in both Welsh and English, throughout the county.

“Achieving UNESCO City of Literature status is thoroughly deserved, and I am looking forward to seeing opportunities unfold and Wales’ new City of Literature flourish.”

UNESCO representatives sent the following message:

“Llongyfarchiadau / Congratulations to Aberystwyth Ceredigion on becoming Wales’ first UNESCO Creative City and City of Literature!

This mark of global recognition shines a light on the vibrancy and strength of Wales’s bilingual literary culture and its contribution to creativity nationally & internationally.

As part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Aberystwyth Ceredigion joins a community that promotes inclusion, sustainability, and innovation through culture and creativity.

It demonstrates how local and international efforts can prioritise literature, helping to strengthen Wales and the UK’s cultural influence and their voice on the world stage.”

UK Ambassador to UNESCO, Anna Nsubuga
UK National Commission for UNESCO Chair, Professor Anne Anderson
Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, James Ömer Bridge

You can find out how you can get involved and keep up to date with Aberystwyth Ceredigion City of Literature at https://cityofliterature.wales/,on social media @AberystwythDinasLlen or search for ‘Aberystwyth City of Literature’.

Showcasing Wales at Frankfurt Book Fair: Publishers from Wales to visit the world’s largest content fair

Publishers from Wales will once again be promoting Welsh literature on an international stage at Frankfurt Book Fair this October. This is the third consecutive year that Wales has had a presence at Frankfurt, funded by Welsh Government via Creative Wales, and co-ordinated by the Books Council of Wales.
Frankfurt Book Fair takes place each year over five days in October and is the largest content fair in the world, with representation from countries from across the globe travelling to Germany to showcase the very best of their books and literature across all genres.

In 2024, this key cultural event attracted around 230,000 visitors with 4,300 exhibitors from 92 countries[1]. This year, 15 Wales-based publishers will be attending to meet representatives from other creative industries such as film and games, as well as other publishers, to discuss collaborations, rights and licensing, and build relationships.

 

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, the Wales in Frankfurt stand will return to Frankfurt again this year. The bilingual publishing sector in Wales forms part of the foundational economy which is a Welsh Government priority sector within the Creative Industries, and we’re delighted that we have been able to secure Wales’ presence at this major international event in the publishing calendar to promote the very best of our books and authors from Wales on an international stage.”

Jack Sargeant, Culture Minister said: “It’s great that Welsh publishers will once again have such a prominent presence at Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the world’s most important cultural events. Creative Wales and Books Council support for this important trade mission helps establish Wales’ vibrant publishing sector on an international stage, all whilst showcasing our rich literary heritage.

 

“With a mix of Welsh and English language literature and a wide array of content, our publishers represent the very best of Welsh creativity, and our presence at Frankfurt provides an invaluable platform for them to build new partnerships and reach global audiences. This is exactly the kind of support that helps our creative industries to continue to grow and thrive.”

Frankfurt Book Fair is open from 15–19 October 2025. You can find out more about the fair here: Frankfurter Buchmesse | Home

[1] https://www.buchmesse.de/en/about-us.

Announcing the Winners of the Wales Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards 2025

Today, Friday 26 September, the Books Council of Wales has announced the winning titles of its Children’s & Young People’s Book Cover of the Year Awards 2025.

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

English-language category winner:

Fishfolk (Firefly Press). Cover illustration: Hannah Doyle. Author: Steven Quincey-Jones.

Welsh-language category winner:

Nos Da Blob (Y Lolfa). Cover Illustration: Huw Aaron. Cover design: Opal Roengchai. Author: Huw Aaron.

Hannah Doyle said: “Thank you so much for choosing Fishfolk for the Children’s Book Cover of the Year Award! I am thrilled. Thank you to Firefly Press, and especially to Becka Moor for working her design magic to make the cover really stand out. And obviously to Steven Quincey-Jones for writing such an inspiring and atmospheric book. It was a wonderful project to be involved in.”

Huw Aaron said: “They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover… but everybody does, because care given to a cover indicates that the inside’s been cared for as well. So it’s great that we have these prizes celebrating the important craft of cover design. And, of course, I’m over the moon that little Blob has won this year! Huge thank you to Clare Doughty for steering this cover to its final form.”

The awards were established to celebrate the contribution of illustrators and designers in bringing stories to life, and creating eye-catching, attractive books that appeal to young readers. They were awarded for the first time in 2024.

The six shortlisted books and the winning titles were selected by members of the Books Council of Wales’ Young People’s Panel. 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: “Huge congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards. It’s wonderful to be able to showcase the hard work of designers and illustrators in this way and to celebrate the incredible talent we have working in the sector in Wales. Many thanks also go the members of our Young People’s Panel who had the difficult task of judging this year’s prize from so many worthy contenders.”

The other shortlisted titles were:

Shortlisted – English-language:

• Colours of Home (Graffeg). Cover illustration: Miriam Latimer. Author: Miriam Latimer.
• The Street Food Festival (Atebol). Cover illustration: Valériane Leblond. Cover design: Tanwen Haf, Whitefire Designs. Author: Gail Sequeira.

Shortlisted – Welsh-language:

• Gwen ac Arianrhod (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch). Cover Illustration: Lleucu Gwenllian. Cover design: Eleri Owen. Author: Lleucu Gwenllian.
• Ysgol Arswyd (Y Lolfa). Cover Illustration: Sian Angharad. Author: Catrin Angharad Jones.

The Awards are supported by the Welsh Government Education Department under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme.

Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge launches in Wales, helping young readers to grow their reading skills

Children from schools in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Newtown and Cardiff joined top children’s authors last week at special events in their local libraries to launch the Summer Reading Challenge in Wales.

The events celebrated this year’s Challenge theme, ‘Story Garden’, where magical creatures, wild tales and the wonders of nature come to life. Children can sign up to the scheme at their local library and discover new reading adventures all summer long.

At Penylan library in Cardiff, pupils from Roath Park Primary School enjoyed a workshop with author Ian Brown, the creator of the Albert the Tortoise and the Hugg ‘n’ Bugg book series, while at Newtown Library Claire Fayers, author of award-winning Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins, joined pupils from Ysgol Calon y Dderwen to discover the magical creatures that lurk in forest and valleys, and in our own gardens.

Bethan Gwanas and pupils from Ysgol Maenofferen discussed the much-loved Cadi series at Blaenau Ffestiniog Library. Bethan was awarded the Mary Vaughan Jones Award in 2024 for her outstanding contribution to children’s literature.

Author Ian Brown said: “It was a ‘Tortal’ privilege to help launch this year’’s Summer Reading Challenge. Telling the stories of Albert and his garden gang to an amazing group of children at Penylan Library was very special indeed. Supersize thanks to everyone involved. Happy reading to all.”

Author Claire Fayers said: “I had a wonderful time at Newtown Library, launching the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s such a great opportunity to spread the love of stories. Everyone should take part.”

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales, said: “Thank you to all the authors, libraries, schools and pupils for getting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge off to a brilliant start! Libraries are fantastic places to discover books of all kinds, and thanks to the support of Welsh Government, we’re so pleased that children across Wales can take up the Challenge and keep reading over the holidays.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “We are once again funding the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. The Challenge helps capture children’s imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays.”

Produced by The Reading Agency and delivered with public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children reading over the summer holidays with events, activities and brilliant books – all available to access for free from local libraries. It provides a free, fun way to keep young minds active, ready for a great start to a new school year in the autumn.

From Saturday 5 July, young readers aged 4–11 can sign up at a local library, or online at summerreadingchallenge.org.uk. Read at least six books to complete the challenge – you can choose stories, graphic novels, non-fiction books, or listen to audio books – anything goes! Unlock rewards, discover new reads, and receive a medal and certificate once the challenge is completed.

With a new theme every year, the Challenge is aimed at children age 4–11. It supports this age group and their families by:

• Preparing children to get back to the classroom in the autumn.
• Supporting the move into a new year group or key stage.
• Boosting children’s confidence and self-esteem by supporting independent reading.
• Providing free access to books and fun family activities during the summer.

The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered by The Reading Agency. It is supported in Wales by the Books Council of Wales and funded by Welsh Government. From 2025 this project is funded by the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme, thanks to Welsh Government.

Open call for Welsh-langauge primary school teachers

The Books Council of Wales is encouraging primary school teachers from Welsh-language schools to register for the Teachers Love Reading scheme and benefit from a free training and mentoring opportunity during the 2025/26 academic year.

The scheme is perfect for primary school teachers, wherever they are in their teaching career, to help them to develop reading provision in the classroom, celebrate reading for pleasure and to inspire young learners to read.

So, if you’re a teacher working with learners age 8-11 in a Welsh-language primary school and:
–  looking for support to embed reading in the classroom and inspire learners
–  enjoy meeting other teachers to exchange ideas and share experiences
–   keen for development opportunities, training and to build confidence in the field of literacy and reading
then, register to be part of the scheme before Tuesday 15 July on the Books Council’s website: HERE

This three-year project is funded by the Welsh Government Education Department under the Curriculum for Wales Grant Support Programme. It’s a partnership between the Books Council of Wales, Bangor University and CYDAG to hold a series of workshops over the academic year to expand practitioners’ professional learning to support them to equip learners with effective reading strategies and to help them to enjoy reading.

Over the course of the year the teachers will have the opportunity to join four workshops, both virtual and in-person, with a lecturer from Bangor University to discuss 6 books from Wales covering a variety of topics. The reading list features a broad range of genres, styles, authors, publishers and themes.

Bethan Jones Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion at the Books Council of Wales said: “We’re very pleased to be able to offer this scheme thanks to the support of Welsh Government’s Education Department.

“The main aim of Teachers Love Reading is to nurture a love of reading amongst teaching professionals so that they can then inspire their pupils to do the same. With support and expertise of a lecturer from Bangor University, this bespoke training will build and reinforce practitioners’ understanding of the pedagogical principles and approaches to the foundations of literacy.

“Support will be available to release teachers to attend these sessions and so it’s a great opportunity for free professional development that will have a lasting positive impact on teachers, schools and learners. We’re looking forward to welcoming the class of 2025 in September!”

Registration is open until Tuesday 15 July on the Books Council’s website – HERE. There are 50 places on the 2025/26 scheme for teachers from Welsh-language primary schools. There will be opportunities for Welsh-language secondary and teachers from English-medium schools to take part as the scheme develops in the second and third years.

Love books? Buy books!
Celebrating Independent Bookshops Week
If you’re lucky enough to have an independent bookshop on your local high street, Independent Bookshops Week (14–21 June) is the perfect excuse to pop in and pick up your next read.
As booksellers across Wales take part in the campaign, which is run annually by the Booksellers’ Association, the Books Council of Wales is highlighting some of the new titles that have been published this year and encouraging booklovers all over Wales to support their local bookshop.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “Independent bookshops in Wales are often at the heart of their high streets and communities, and we’re very fortunate to have a network of dedicated booksellers who are passionate about books and who work tirelessly to keep books on the high street and in shop windows.

“This year is shaping up to be a fantastic year for books from Wales in both Welsh and English, and by choosing to buy books from our local bookshops, we can all make a difference. Your next £10 paperback will support shops, jobs and help publishers print their next book – so we say, if you love books, buy books!”

Author Fflur Dafydd said: “There is something unique about independent bookshops, they create their own universe; each one a special treasury where the bookseller’s personality can be felt in the way the books have been placed and displayed, where the love of books seems to shimmer on every shelf.”

Here are some of the books available:

• Afonydd: Poems for Welsh Rivers / Cerddi Afonydd Cymru Sian Northey, Ness Owen (Arachne Press)
• Boundary Waters by Tristan Hughes (Parthian)
• Wales As Is by David Hurn, Richard King (Seren)
• One Woman Walks Europe, by Ursula Martin (Honno)
• Loud Medicine – Dispatches from the Music Industry Underworld by James Kennedy (Calon)
• Beyond / Tu Hwnt – anthology of Welsh Deaf and Disabled Writers, ed. Bethany Handley, Megan Angharad Hunter and Sioned Erin Hughes (Lucent Dreaming)

• Ewro 2025, Y Swistir by Ffion Eluned Owen (Y Lolfa)
• Hiraeth Neifion by Simon Chandler (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
• Y Twr by Rebecca Thomas (Sebra)
• Y Cyfan a fu Rhyngom Ni by Iestyn Tyne (Gwasg y Bwthyn)
• Y Caeth yn Rhydd by Jim Parc Nest (Barddas)

You can find your local independent bookshop in Wales on the Books Council of Wales website Bookshops of Wales | Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

Independent Bookshop Week is a celebration of independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland. It aims to highlight the vital role independent bookshops play in their communities, and to encourage consumers to shop for their summer reads with their local independent.

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.