Stories to read out loud in Welsh and English / Storïau i'w darllen ar goedd yn Gymraeg a Saesneg

Gyda'n Gilydd

To celebrate National Storytelling Week in Wales, we’ve put together our favourite books that are best read aloud. Gather round for dramatic tales from Welsh mythology, magical fairy tales, and beautiful songs and poems.

I ddathlu Wythnos Genedlaethol Adrodd Stori yng Nghymru, rydyn ni wedi llunio rhestr o’n hoff lyfrau sydd wych i'w darllen ar goedd (yn uchel). Dewch ynghyd am storïau dramatig o chwedlionaeth Cymru, storïau tylwyth teg hudol, a chaneuon a cherddi hardd.

  • Revolting Rhymes

    Revolting Rhymes

    Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
    Publisher: Penguin
    Interest age: 5+
    Reading age: 7+

    This is an hilarious collection of some well-loved fairy tales, cleverly reinvented by Roald Dahl.

  • The Four Branches of the Mabinogi

    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.

  • Mr. Aesop's Story Shop

    Mr. Aesop's Story Shop

    Author: Bob Hartman Illustrator: Jago Jago
    Publisher: Lion
    Interest age: 6+
    Reading age: 7+

    Ten of Aesop's fables are here retold within the framework of a storyteller who tells and sells his stories for a living.

  • Gyda'n Gilydd

    Gyda’n Gilydd

    Author: Various Illustrator: Lizzie Spikes
    Publisher: Driftwood Design
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 5+

    A beautifully illustrated collection of Welsh nursery rhymes and songs.

    Casgliad o hwiangerddi a chaneuon traddodiadol Cymraeg wedi’u ddarlunio gan Lizzie Spikes. 

  • My Favourite Fairy Tales

    My Favourite Fairy Tales

    Author: Tony Ross
    Publisher: Andersen Press
    Interest age: 5-9
    Reading age: 8+

    Tony Ross retells seven fairy tales for a contemporary audience with wit and style.

  • Tales from Old Ireland

    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.

  • Tales from the Celtic Countries

    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.

  • Llyfr Hwiangerddi y Dref Wen

    Llyfr Hwiangerddi y Dref Wen

    Author: John Gilbert Evans Illustrator: Jenny Williams
    Publisher: Dref Wen
    Interest age: 3-6
    Reading age: 5+

    A thoroughly comprehensive collection of Welsh nursery rhymes.

    Casgliad cynhwysfawr o hwiangerddi Cymraeg. 

  • Once Upon a Wild Wood

    Once Upon a Wild Wood

    Author: Chris Riddell
    Publisher: MacMillan Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 6+

    A brand-new fairytale character, Little Green Rain Cape, sets off through the wild woods on her way to Rapunzel’s birthday party. On the way, she meets and helps a host of beloved fairytale characters. A delightful picture book that children of all ages will love.