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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Mick Felton

The Books Council of Wales is saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Felton.

As Seren’s publisher, Mick played a pivotal role in Welsh publishing for four decades. The industry and the writers of Wales owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.

The Books Council appreciates the colossal amount of quiet, behind-the-scenes work of publishers in general, and by Mick in particular, to ensure that Welsh publishing and Welsh writers continue to thrive. This is very often a labour of love and Mick gave his all to his calling.

The retirement he deserved was cut cruelly short and our thoughts are with his colleagues at Seren and those closest to him.

18 November 2024

Islwyn Ffowc Elis (1924–2004): A few reminiscences by Robin Chapman

In mid-summer 1996, having been commissioned to write a small volume on Islwyn for the Writers of Wales series, I wrote to him to say I would be visiting the Lampeter area, where he lived, within a few weeks, and that I would appreciate an opportunity to meet him. In response, I received a bulky package: a letter rebuking me for calling him ‘Dr Elis’ (‘I’m Islwyn to my friends’) and inviting me to visit his home for coffee, or lunch, or afternoon tea. He had enclosed a detailed map in his own hand, suggestions of places to stay, and several pages of a CV and bibliography – all typed specifically for me. In the event we spent the morning at his home, and part of the afternoon at a nearby hotel (with Islwyn insisting on buying the drinks), before I took my leave of him laden with a pile of papers, pamphlets, and newspaper cuttings – and an invitation to call again.

And as the short English critique – and the substantially more extensive Welsh biography I wrote in its wake – came together (the second was published in 2003, a few months after his death), the contact and packages continued apace: comments on draft chapters, snippets of recollections, sources and names that could prove useful – and one quite lengthy essay, ‘Pam y blynyddoedd mud? Ymgais i esbonio’, in which he attempted to explain why his talent had blossomed so impressively in the 1950s and ended so abruptly by the mid-1960s.

In fact, there was hardly any need for the essay. Part of the explanation was evident in every package I received: his unstinting benevolence. I was not the only one to bear witness to it.

Islwyn’s main principle in life was to please. Satisfying his parents’ expectations was his motive in entering the ministry. He wrote Cysgod y Cryman (1953) to promote popular literature in the Welsh language, and even after he had ventured to become a full-time author, he spent months writing Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (1957) as a gift to Plaid Cymru, yielding to Gwynfor Evans the right to decide whether the plot and its contents were acceptable. It was the same desire to be helpful that prompted him, despite himself, to stand as parliamentary candidate in Montgomeryshire in 1962, and to do the same thing again in 1964, although by then he lived far away from the constituency. In between both campaigns, under pressure from his wife’s family, he was persuaded to apply for a permanent position as lecturer at Trinity College, Carmarthen – and found himself on call when Gwynfor launched his historic by-election campaign two years later. Between the pressure he put on himself to serve the popular reading needs of the Welsh nation, his feeling of guilt in turning his back on the calling that others wished for him, his feeling of duty towards his party, and a teaching post he had no desire to hold, from then on there was no escape. And time and time again throughout his career, he found it impossible to say ‘No’. A sketch for a drama company? A pleasure. Adjudicating at an Eisteddfod? No problem. Reading a collection of short stories written by a young, unpublished writer? More than happy to oblige.

I won’t forget my visit to Lampeter, the generosity and the conversation – and Islwyn’s word of advice to me as I left, heavily laden: ‘Please don’t go to any trouble on my behalf. Don’t work too hard.’

WALES CHILDREN’S & YOUNG PEOPLE’S BOOK COVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024

The Books Council of Wales has announced the shortlisted titles in its brand-new Children’s Book Cover of the Year Awards, which will be awarded for the first time in 2024.

The awards have two categories – Welsh-language Book Cover and English-language Book Cover. The shortlisted books have been selected by the nine members of the Books Council of Wales’ Young People’s Panel, and the two category winners will be chosen by a public vote to be held online from 12-25 November. Voting will close at midday, 25 November 2024.

The shortlisted books are:

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.

The Song that Sings Us Cover artwork by Jane Matthews. Author Nicola Davies. 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.

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

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.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “We are so excited to launch our very first Book Cover of the Year Awards this year to honour and recognise the outstanding quality of book design for children’s and young people’s books in Wales.

“These awards celebrate the talented designers and illustrators who create book covers that grab attention, convey just enough of the story, and have the perfect balance of title, author and imagery – and ultimately inspire young readers to pick up their next book. We can’t wait to see which books will be chosen as the winners in the public vote over the coming weeks and wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck.”

The designer/illustrator of the winning cover in each category will win or share a cash prize of £500. The winners will be decided by an online public vote for each category, between 12-25 November. Voting will close at midday, 25 November 2024. You can vote once in each category at the following link:

Vote here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ClawrLlyfrPlantYFlwyddyn

The winners will be announced on Thursday 28 November 2024.

Wales at Frankfurt Book Fair: Showcasing Wales at the world’s largest content fair

Wales will have a presence at Frankfurt Book Fair this October for the second year in a row, thanks to funding from Welsh Government via Creative Wales. The Books Council of Wales is coordinating Wales’ presence at the fair to promote the very best books and authors from Wales on an international stage.

Frankfurt Book Fair takes place each year 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.

This key cultural event attracted 4,000 exhibitors from 95 countries in 2023, as well as over 100,000 trade visitors from 130 countries.[1] By attending, Wales-based publishers can 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: “We are delighted to be coordinating Wales in Frankfurt this year and to attend alongside our publishing colleagues to celebrate literature from Wales and present it to the world.

“The bilingual publishing sector in Wales forms part of the foundational economy which is a Welsh Government priority sector within the Creative Industries. Thanks to Welsh Government, publishers from Wales have this opportunity to make new business contacts from across Europe and the world, to exchange ideas and open up new markets for books and content from Wales in both languages.”

Richard Davies from publisher Parthian Books said: “The bookfair in Frankfurt is the shop window of the world of books. It is a great opportunity for Parthian to be part of the Wales stand and introduce exciting emerging writers, like Joshua Jones and Lloyd Markham, to an international audience.”

The Minister for the Creative Industries, Jack Sargeant, said: “We are committed to supporting Welsh publishers and authors and it’s good news that they will be represented once again this year at Frankfurt. I wish every success to the Welsh delegation as they seek to ensure more words and stories from Wales are heard and read all over the world.”

Frankfurt Book Fair is open from 16–20 October 2024. You can find out more about the fair here: Frankfurter Buchmesse | Home

[1] Get to know Frankfurter Buchmesse

Bethan Gwanas receives highest Welsh accolade in the field of Children’s Books:
Announcing the recipient of the 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award

The 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award, the highest honour in the field of children’s books in Wales, is awarded to Bethan Gwanas, in celebration of her exceptional contribution to children’s and young people’s literature.

The award is presented every three years by the Books Council of Wales in memory of Mary Vaughan Jones, who died in 1983. It is awarded to a person who has made a special contribution to the field of children’s literature in Wales.

Over her career as an author, Bethan Gwanas has published 51 books for children, young people and adults – for both fluent Welsh speakers and learners. She has made a wide and valuable contribution to children’s and young people’s literature, and her stories often feature strong and determined female characters, such as Efa in the series Y Melanai.

She has won the Tir na n-Og Award twice – with Llinyn Trôns in 2001 and Sgôr in 2003. Many of her books for children and young people are now considered classics such as Llinyn Trôns, Ceri Grafu, Gwylliaid, Pen Dafad and the Cadi series for younger readers.

Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Books Council of Wales said: “Bethan Gwanas’ contribution to children’s and young people’s literature in Wales is exceptional, and it’s a pleasure to present her with the 2024 Mary Vaughan Jones Award in recognition of her many achievements in this field. In addition to writing amazing stories, Bethan is passionate about promoting reading and Welsh-language books, and she works tirelessly with schools and libraries, and online, to inspire children and young people to read. Many congratulations, Bethan, on this well-deserved award.”

Bethan Gwanas said: “I had such a shock. I was in a meeting when all of a sudden, the Books Council boss walked in: “Bethan, you thought you were here for a meeting, but…” It felt like a cross between This Is Your Life and Y Brodyr Bach. My first thought was, “Are you mad?” but then I realised: “No, I deserve this!” Some people get a clock after a lifetime of service. I get the Mary Vaughan Jones Award! And yes, I’m over the moon and thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honour. It means the world to me.”

Bethan Gwanas was raised in Brithdir near Dolgellau. After graduating in French from the University of Aberystwyth she worked in a number of jobs, including with VSO in Nigeria, sourcing extras for S4C TV programme Rownd a Rownd, leading activities such as canoeing and climbing at the Glan-llyn outdoor activity centre, and presenting Welsh-language TV shows on gardening and travelling.

A special event will be held in November to celebrate Bethan’s achievement and present her with the award in the company of family and friends from the book world and beyond.