Welsh books of the year 2024 (2024)

Dwylo’n Dawnsio (bilingual)

Author: Editor: Erin Meek Illustrator: Sioned Medi Evans
Publisher: Lyfrau Broga
Interest age: 2-3

Cyflwyniad llawn hwyl i rigymau Cymraeg traddodiadol, sy’n dangos symudiadau y gellir eu gwneud ac yn cynnwys cyfieithiad Saesneg yn y cefn.

A fun introduction to traditional Welsh nursery rhymes, showing actions to join in with and including an English translation at the back.

The Boy and the Octopus

Author: Caryl Lewis Illustrator: Carmen Saldaña
Publisher: Puffin Books
Interest age: 4-5

Can Stanley’s octopus help Stanley face his fears? A moving and visually stunning book about expressing your emotions through art – with a lovely father-son relationship at its heart.

Y Fainc Ffrindiau / The Friendship Bench

Author: Wendy Meddour adapted by Manon Steffan Ros Illustrator: Daniel Egnéus
Publisher: Atebol Cyfyngedig
Interest age: 5-7
Reading age: 7+

Tilly is struggling to make friends at her new school. By working together with a boy called Flint to fix a broken friendship bench, she realises she may have found a new friend after all.

Drew, Moo and Bunny, Too

Author: Owen Sheers Illustrator: Helen Stephens
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

With soft yet dramatic illustrations, and a rollicking rhythm and rhyme to the words, this is a delight to read aloud. It would be suitable for pre-schoolers, but also even up to 8 year olds, with lots to discuss and the sound of the words to enjoy.

Billy: The Powerful Life of Billy Boston

Author: Jessica Dunrod Illustrator: Selom Sunu
Publisher: Llyfrau Broga Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

The inspiring life of Welsh rugby legend Billy Boston.

Super Sausage to the Rescue

Author: Rachel Morrisroe Illustrator: Jenny Taylor
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+

Dottie the flying dachshund must team up with her new owner Harry to rescue the Superpets from the evil clutches of a sparkly supervillain in this hilarious chapter book.

Mira a’r Goeden / Mira and the Tree

Author: Luned Aaron Illustrator: James Cottell
Publisher: Atebol Cyfyngedig
Interest age: 8-9
Reading age: 8+

Mira learns how to adapt and make new friendships as she enjoys her first ever camping trip with her family.

Chwedlau’r PySgwod

Author: Anni Llŷn
Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7+

A motley crew of underwater creatures combine their powers to save the seabed from troublesome sharks and octupuses in this humorous, illustrated story.

Me and Aaron Ramsey

Author: Manon Steffan Ros
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+

Sam and his dad love football. When an accident has long-lasting effects, everything at home changes. A moving depiction of a father-son relationship, set in Wales.

Red Sky at Night, Poet’s Delight

Author: Alex Wharton Illustrator: Ian Morris
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

A vibrant collection of poems from Children’s Laureate Wales 2023-25, celebrating nature andwordplay.

Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins

Author: Claire Fayers
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A collection of carefully modernised, engagingstories from the rich tradition of Welsh myths, legends and ghost stories.

Anturiaethau’r Brenin Arthur

Author: Rebecca Thomas
Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A group of children wake King Arthur to help them to save the world from the climate emergency. But they are unprepared for the adventure that follows...

Starspill

Author: Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When the Wolf swallowed the sun, the world was plunged into darkness. Best friends Zac and Alys embark on a dangerous quest to banish the damp, grey fog which permeates their town of Starspill. A compelling fantasy adventure, set in a magical realm of shadows, fear and mistrust.

Feather

Author: Manon Steffan Ros
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

For as long as Huw can remember, Nan has refused to talk about her brother Johnny, but as she succumbs to the grip of dementia, she lets slip enough information for Huw and his friends to investigate the facts about what really happened to Johnny all those years ago.

Why Did My Brain Make Me Say It?

Author: Sarah Ziman
Publisher: Troika
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

This witty and captivating debut poetry collection showcases the work of an exciting new voice in children’s literature. The beautifullycrafted poems offer insightful observations on everyday life and are sure to resonate with readers young and old.

Ac Rwy'n Clywed Dreigiau / ...And I Hear Dragons (bilingual)

Author: Hanan Issa Translator: Grug Muse and Iestyn Tyne Illustrator: Eric Heyman
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A joyouscollection of poems celebrating Welsh identity in its many forms – and the dragons inside us all.

Flame Chasers

Author: Julie Pike
Publisher: Firefly
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Julie Pike’s writing conjures a rich, magical world full of ancient secrets and mystery. As with her widely acclaimed debutThe Last Spell Breather, she combines awonderfully imaginative storyline withrelatable and well-developed characters.

Hide and Seek

Author: Rhian Tracey
Publisher: Piccadilly
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Fans of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this tense tale of secrecy and betrayal in rural Wales during World War II.

Fallout

Author: Lesley Parr
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

If people think you are bad news, what do you have to do to prove them wrong? And if they think you’rebad news regardless of what you do, what’s the point in trying to be better?