people. She said: “Finding out about and using the books in the classroom means that we are meeting the needs of our children in allowing them to see themselves, their culture and their heritage in the books that we share. The quality of the texts and their contemporary themes and issues mean that rather than relying on good quality ‘old favourites’ our children are being exposed to new and exciting authors, illustrators and publishers whose focus is on our country and culture.” Claire Douglas, primary teacher at Clytha Primary in Newport, describes how the TNNO award, and being actively involved, offers children a great opportunity to become familiar with a rich seam of Welsh authors. She said: “The children immersed themselves in reading and reviewing the shortlisted books, giving feedback to the panel of judges and relished the opportunity to have a school visit by Catherine Fisher after reading The Clockwork Crow. Our involvement in the awards has really opened the wonderful world of Welsh authors, illustrators and publishers.” It has also been important to share these books with readers outside of Wales too and so Books Council Wales have involved reading champions across the UK. They are all people enthusiastic about children’s literature and supporting children reading for pleasure to become lifelong readers: teachers, librarians, education consultants and teacher training lecturers championing and sharing the Tir na n-Og shortlisted books. By sharing within their networks and social media, this has made a big impact in ensuring the books reach young readers across Wales, the UK and beyond. Alexandra Bell, Chair for the TNNO award this year shared how this shortlist is varied in both genre and content this year “with a book set just after the first world war, a book of


Spring-Summer 2022


Welsh myths and legends, a book about the healing power of nature set in the South Wales wetlands and a non-fiction book about Welsh history”.


The 2022 Shortlist


The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr (Bloomsbury, 2021) is a gripping wartime drama set in the south Wales valleys, “full of mystery, intrigue, kindness, and friendship”. Jimmy, his little brother Ronnie and their class have been evacuated to Llanbryn from London. Their hosts Gwen and Alun Thomas offer a warm Welsh welcome, but it’s a completely alien landscape and Jimmy finds it hard to settle into the community. Up on the mountains Jimmy finds a skull hidden in a tree and needs to share the mystery with someone. He discovers an ally in someone unexpected and they unearth secrets, find friendship, and heal the past. David Dean’s beautiful cover and illustrations also add something special to the book. At the start of each chapter there is a tree spreading out over the page. As the story develops items of relevance are added to the tree. As well as an intriguing mystery in the book,


there is also a puzzle you can solve at the end yourself. Lesley Parr has written a beautiful, tender and totally absorbing debut with characters to care about. Despite being a fictional name for the valley, the landscape and community are authentic, evocative and lovingly described. A book which will stay with you, to return to again and again.


Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends by Claire Fayers (Scholastic, 2021) is a beautiful book packed full of wonderful, intriguing and exciting stories of Welsh fairy tales, myths and legends. There are stories you may be familiar with, such as Gelert and ones you may have never heard of, such as The Afanc. Whether they are familiar to you or not, they have been retold in such a way, that they will feel new to you. There are nineteen tales packed into this book and each one is as fascinating as the last. The use of familiar landmarks brings these myths to life and children and adults can identify with where some stories are set. Learn how the Devil’s Bridge came to be in Pontarfynach, Mid Wales, or how Mount Skirrid, near Abergavenny, got its name.


PEN&INC. 25


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