A look at Celtic legend
We jumped at the chance to celebrate some of the mythology that comes from Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Scotland.
Incredible to think that we still tell these spellbinding stories today, thousands of years later... Prepare to be bewitched.
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Arthur and Me
Author: Sarah Todd Taylor Illustrator: Peter Stevenson
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+A laugh-out-loud first chapters book, featuring a cast of mythical heroes and an accident-prone schoolboy.
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Dragon Gold
Author: Shoo Rayner
Publisher: Dragonfly
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7-9This entertaining chapter book, with comical black-and-white illustrations, combines Welsh mythology with everyday life, friendship and trust. The first in a trilogy, it is sure to captivate independent young readers.
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Dragon White
Author: Shoo Rayner
Publisher: Dragonfly
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7-9Following on from Dragon Gold, this is the second exciting fantasy adventure in a light-hearted trilogy. Short chapters are interspersed with humorous black and white illustrations, creating an ideal book for junior readers.
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Illustrated Welsh Folk Tales for Young and Old
Author: Peter Stevenson
Publisher: The History Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Lavishly illustrated in glorious colour, the stories in this stunning collection range from updates of ancient, traditional tales to charming snippets of entertaining nonsense but both text and pictures share a quirky edge and slightly anarchic humour with knowing winks and witty asides to the reader.
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Dragon Red
Author: Shoo Rayner
Publisher: Dragonfly
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+This exciting climax to a thrilling trilogy will have readers on the edge of their seats. Themes of friendship, loyalty and bravery blend with fascinating Welsh legends to create a humorous chapter book with entertaining illustrations.
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Mother Cary’s Butter Knife
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Anja Uhren
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+Inspired by traditional folk tales of mythical sea creatures, this other-worldly story of the savagery and beauty of the ocean will captivate readers. The ethereal illustrations, in a palette of watery blues, greens and greys, perfectly complement the poetic narrative.
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Tales from Old Ireland
Author: Malachy Doyle Illustrator: Niamh Sharkey
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Interest age: 6-12
Reading age: 8+This stunningly illustrated collection of stories has its roots in oral storytelling and features giants, demons and wicked stepmothers, with a good dose of magic, cruelty and gentle humour.
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Tales from the Celtic Countries
Author: Rhiannon Ifans Illustrator: Margaret Jones
Publisher: Y Lolfa
Interest age: 6-13
Reading age: 8+This unusual story collection features a total of 12 tales from the six Celtic countries. Fabulous, ethereal illustrations capture the magical nature of the narratives which, like all the oldest fables, are rather grisly but also hilarious and quirky.
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The Four Branches of the Mabinogi
Author: Siân Lewis Illustrator: Valériane Leblond
Publisher: Rily
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+Enchanting, engrossing and beautifully illustrated, this is a wonderfully accessible retelling of the most ancient of recorded legends, and a great introduction to the ancient storytelling heritage of Wales.
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The Selkie’s Mate
Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Claire Jenkins
Publisher: Graffeg
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7+Lyrical text is enhanced by evocative watercolour illustrations in this haunting and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and trust, which is inspired by Selkie legends from around the world.
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The Story of King Arthur
Author: Siân Lewis Illustrator: Graham Howells
Publisher: Rily
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 8+A comprehensive and illustrated retelling of the story of King Arthur and his knights, from the years before his birth to his final departure for Avalon.
