There is a useful guide to Welsh pronunciation of names and how to pronounce letters. All the chapter headings have been translated into Welsh, which is very thoughtful and effective. The illustrations on the book cover, front and back, are beautiful and very colourful, which echoes the richness of the text inside. These tales are retold with great warmth and full of humour and are very accessible for all ages.
Swan Song by Gill Lewis (Barrington Stoke, 2021) is a beautiful and emotive book about the healing power of nature. The book starts with Dylan being excluded from school for punching another pupil. Due to Dylan being unable to go to school his mum has to give up work to look after him. They end up moving to Wales to live with his grandfather, who he hardly knows. Dylan and his grandfather grow close when he takes Dylan out on his boat to the wetlands and they see the whooper swans. This is the start of Dylan’s healing. He rescues one of the swans and in doing so he has something to occupy him and concentrate on. It is beautifully written and despite the gentleness has a powerful message. There is a lot packed into this short book. Although the cover is dark and brooding, it is a hopeful book, and one which will be suitable in a teaching environment when discussing sadness and depression.
10 Stories from Welsh History that everyone should know by Ifan Morgan Jones with illustrations by Telor Gwyn (Rily Publications, 2021) is a wonderful introduction to ten key figures or events in the history of our country. The content is very well considered giving a broad range of historical periods – from Gwenllian in the High Middle Ages through The Merthyr Rising in the early 19th century to modern day devolution. A diverse range of individuals is also covered – from campaigners to rebels, adventurers and labourers. Each story is followed by supporting information which helps to give background, perspective and further relevant details. A “shameful chapter in Wales’s history” was the South Wales race riots in Newport, Barry and Cardiff. The story is told here and on subsequent pages the multiculturalism of our towns and cities is celebrated. These Black and Asian Minority Ethnic histories will support teachers, parents and anyone seeking to equip the next generation to be ethical and informed citizens. Timelines and maps help to put each story in context and there is an invaluable section at the back that further enhances understanding of how Wales has been shaped over the centuries. This is a beautifully produced book that will capture the imagination of anyone who picks it up. This year’s shortlist has delivered on location, culture and history once again and as Helen Jones, Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion at Books Council Wales, says: “It’s wonderful to see such a variety in this year’s shortlist that the retail
Spring-Summer 2022 PEN&INC. 27
and social media campaign as well as the shadowing scheme will ensure that a wide readership get to enjoy these fantastic books.”
It is good to see that the rich and wide variety of themes, subjects and genres are coming through the award this year with historical non-fiction stories sharing events and people in Welsh history from Ifan Morgan Jones, short stories of known and lesser Welsh myths and legends from Claire Fayers, the healing power of place and nature Gill Lewis writes about in her novella and relationships and community from Lesley Parr’s middle grade novel. Looking ahead for future awards, we hope to continue to be sharing books that continue to reflect Wales in all its rich diversity.
Announcement of winning book
The winner of the English-language category will be announced on the BBC Radio Wales Art Show on 20 May 2022 at 6.30pm. The winners of the Welsh- language category will be announced on 2 June at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Denbighshire. PEN&INC.
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https://llyfrau.cymru/en/gwobrau/tir-na-nog/
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