Welsh books of the year 2023

The Sleeping Stones

Author: Beatrice Wallbank
Publisher: Firefly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Why are Gruff and Mat being irresistibly drawn towards the dangerous waters around their Welsh island? Can they right an ancient wrong? A gripping story of legend and magic, set in a close-knit community in Wales.

Where the River Takes Us

Author: Lesley Parr
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Jason and his friends find the big cat roaming the Valleys and win the reward for a photo of it? A fantastic story of friendship, adventure and sibling bonds, in 1974 Wales.

Wren

Author: Lucy Hope
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Wren feels trapped, but she’s not the only one to be inextricably linked to her home – an ancient Welsh castle. Exploring mythical creatures, grief and what it means to be free, this historical novel is also packed with drama and soaring action.

Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend

Author: Lizzie Huxley-Jones
Publisher: Knights Of
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Vivi must use her newfound powers to stop a ruthless tyrant from destroying the human world. This enthralling magical adventure seamlessly blends ancient Welsh mythology with a diverse cast of characters in a contemporary setting.

The Curio Collectors

Author: Eloise Williams Illustrator: Anna Shepeta
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Can Lily and Tom help their new friend find the special treasure her mother left for her? An engaging historical mystery, set in a dyslexia-friendly way.

The Magician’s Daughter

Author: Caryl Lewis Illustrator: George Ermos
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Abby finds a book that will allow her and her magician dad to perform real magic! A miraculous story about the magic of community, family and friendship from an award-winning Welsh author.

I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery

Author: Rhian Tracey Illustrator: David Dean
Publisher: Piccadilly Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

When war is declared in 1939, Bletchley Park becomes a hive of covert activity and Robyn is tasked with looking after the homing pigeons. Suspecting there is a spy in their midst, she is determined to uncover the truth in this thrilling mystery adventure.

How are you feeling, Little Mouse?

Author: Illustrator: Leonie Servini
Publisher: Rily Publications
Interest age: 2-3

Join Little Mouse in a conversation about emotions. Simple, repetitive text and friendly pastel illustrations give toddlers a prompt to recognise and to talk about their feelings.

Ble Wyt Ti, Bwci Bo?/ Where are you, Bwci Bo?

Author: Joanna Davies Illustrator: Steven Goldstone
Publisher: Atebol
Interest age: 4-5

Where in the world are all the monsters? Join them in the ocean, the woods, and even in space! Rhyming fun in two languages, packing in plenty to pore over with toddlers.

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.