New From 'Y Lolfa" - "Famous Welsh Tales"

Famous Welsh Tales is a brand new book of five Welsh folk tales published by Y Lolfa this week. It is aimed at children aged 7-9 who are independent readers. Wales has always been immensely proud of its cultural heritage and these stories depict some of the country’s best-loved folk heroes, such as Dic Penderyn’s brave stand during the Merthyr Riots of the 1830s and includes one of the best-known tales of Wales – the drowning of the kingdom of Cantre’r Gwaelod in Cardigan Bay.

The author, Meinir Wyn Edwards, has 18 years’ experience as a primary school teacher, but decided to give up education and turn to the publishing world. Having written books for children in her spare time, she now works as a Book Editor at Y Lolfa. She said,

“The objective was to create a colourful, handy-sized book, to appeal to a wide audience – anyone who is fascinated by the rich diversity that Welsh folk tales have to offer. I used to enjoy reading and discussing books and stories within the classroom, and I think it’s very important that we bring these Welsh folk tales to a new generation of pupils. I have tried to appeal to children from all over Wales with stories set in Merthyr, Merionethshire, Ceredigion and Gwynedd, to boys and girls, and I hope that I’ve been successful by giving a different and fresh slant to each tale.”

The illustrator is Gini Wade. The 124-page volume contains full-colour, detailed illustrations that add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the text. She lives in Llanidloes where she works as an artist in the community and as a DJ. She has written four books for children and has illustrated many more.

The tales are Rhys and Meinir, Cantre’r Gwaelod, Dic Penderyn, Red Bandits of Mawddwy and Maelgwn, King of Gwynedd. Famous Welsh Tales is available in bookshops throughout Wales and www.ylolfa.com for £4.95.