The 2008 Tir na n-Og Awards

The Welsh Books Council has announced the titles on the short list of the prestigious Tir na n-Og Awards 2008 which recognise the exceptional quality and range of books for children and teenagers published in Wales.

The Awards are presented annually by the Books Council to acknowledge the work of authors and illustrators of children’s books in three categories: the best English-language book, the best Welsh-language book for the primary sector and the best Welsh-language book for the secondary sector. The awards are sponsored by CILIP Wales (Chartered Institutes of Library and Information Professionals) and the Welsh Books Council.

The following titles have been nominated for this year’s short list:


BEST ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CATEGORY

A Gift for Saint David’s Day – various authors
(Gomer/Pont Books)
According to the selection panel this is a well-designed book with good attention to detail and has a high quality feel in terms of physical format and content.

Finding Minerva – Frances Thomas
(Gomer/Pont Books)
An intriguing novel by a previous Tir na n-Og winner which captures the reader’s interest from the outset. Panel members felt that the author successfully blended the historical with the contemporary.

Under the Cindertip – Nigel Paul Morgan
(Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
A first novel for children by Nigel Paul Morgan. Panel members felt that the novel delivered an interesting and engaging reading experience.


BEST WELSH-LANGUAGE PRIMARY CATEGORY

Dim Eto, Jac – Steven P. Jones
(Dref Wen)
A picture book for a young reader beginning to read independently. Panel members felt that this book was of a high standard and that the illustrations by Lisa Fox were suitable for the target age group. This is the third book by Steven P. Jones about Jac, the little boy who is mad about football.

Hogan Mam, Babi Jam – Emily Huws
(Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion)
The latest novel by the prolific writer Emily Huws. Panel members felt that this novel dealt with a difficult theme in a sensitive manner.

Y Llyfr Ryseitiau: Gwaed y Tylwyth – Nicholas Daniels
(Dref Wen)
Panel members felt that this novel breaks new ground in Welsh writing for children, with the world of the old Welsh tales blending in successfully with a magical world similar to that of Harrry Potter. This is the fifth volume for children by the young Pontypridd teacher.

Twm a’r Ôl Troed – Siân Lewis
(Gwasg Gomer)
Another novel by the prolific author Siân Lewis. Panel members thought that the characterisation was very clever, full of imagination and humour with many unexpected turns.


BEST WELSH-LANGUAGE SECONDARY CATEGORY

Eira Mân, Eira Mawr – Gareth F. Williams
(Gwasg Gomer)
The latest novel by the 2007 Tir na n-Og winner. Panel members were of the opinion that it is a powerful novel which pushes the boundaries of teenage fiction.

Fy Hanes I – Yr Arwisgo – Sonia Edwards
(Gwasg Gomer)
Panel members were of the opinion that this is a very readable and enjoyable book, very well researched and successful in its portrayal of the Investiture period. Sonia Edwards is a very experienced author for young people.

Mae’r Byd i Gyd yn Boncyrs – Siân Summers
(Dref Wen)
This is Siân Summers’s second novel for young people. According to panel members, the book is full of amusing incidents and sayings that will definitely appeal to young people, especially girls who think that the world is one big drama.

The name of the winner of the English Award will be announced at the CILIP’s Wales annual conference in Llandrindod on Thursday, 15 May, and the winners of the Welsh Awards at the Urdd National Eisteddfod, Conwy, on Thursday, 29 May.

Menna Lloyd Williams, Head of the Children’s Books Department at the Books Council said, 'The short-listed titles reflect the high standard of books published for children and young people in Wales and also the variety of titles available.'

For further details please contact: Elwyn Jones, Head of Administration and Public Relations, or Menna Lloyd Williams, Head of the Children’s Books Department, Welsh Books Council, Castell Brychan, ABERYSTWYTH, Ceredigion SY23 2JB T (01970) 624151 F (01970) 625385 E elwyn.jones@wbc.org.uk / menna.lloydwilliams@wbc.org.uk