Chwilio

*Scroll down for English* Gwasg/publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2018 Pris: £6.99 ADOLYGIAD GAN REBECCA ROBERTS REVIEW BY REBECCA ROBERTS Mae Rebecca yn awdur ei hun ac wedi cyhoeddi dau lyfr hyd yma, sef 'Eat. Sleep. Rage. Repeat' a 'Mudferwi'. Mae hi'n byw ym Mhrestatyn gyda'i gwr a'i phlant, ac yn ogystal ac ysgrifennu, mae hi'n gweithio fel cyfieithydd a gweinydd dyneiddiwr. Rebecca is an author herself, and has published two novels with another on the way. These are 'Eat. Sleep. Rage. Repeat' and 'Mudferwi'. She lives in Prestatyn with her husband and two children, and as well as writing, works as a translator and a humanist celebrant. “Does dim byd tebyg i gael eich parlysu gan ofn; i ofni rhywbeth mor ofnadwy fel bod eich corff wedi rhewi; a’ch traed wedi eu hoelio i’r llawr… Dwi ddim eisiau mynd ymlaen i ddweud y stori. Dwi ddim eisiau eich dychryn. Ond os na ddweda i, fyddwch chi ddim yn gwybod, ac mae’n bwysig eich bod yn gwybod.” Dyma gychwyn prolog Henriét y Syffrajét, ac un o’r penodau agoriadol mwyaf brawychus i mi ddarllen yn y Gymraeg. Mae’r agoriad, a ysgrifennwyd o safbwynt Henrièt hŷn, yn hoelio’ch sylw yn syth ac yn mynnu eich bod yn darllen ymhellach. Yn yr ail bennod awn yn ôl i 1909 i gwrdd â Henrièt yn ifanc, a’i ffrind gorau Gladys. Cawn gipolwg ar fywyd dwy ferch ifanc yn byw yng Nghaernarfon yn nyddiau cynnar yr ugeinfed ganrif - bywyd eithaf rhwystredig a chul i ddwy ferch alluog, ac yn wir, i ferched yn gyffredinol. Er bod gan Henrièt rhieni eithaf llewyrchus a maldodus sy’n rhoi iddi’r rhyddid i holi ac addysgu ac archwilio, nid yw hyn yn wir am nifer fawr o’r merched o’i chwmpas. Yn rhan gyntaf y nofel cawn enghreifftiau o sut mae merched o bob oed yn dioddef o ganlyniad i anghydraddoldeb ac annhegwch a rhagrith y cyfnod. Yn fuan yn y stori mae Gladys ac Henriét yn dechrau ymwneud â mudiad y swffragwyr, ac mae plot yn nofel yn dilyn hynt a helynt y ffrindiau wrth iddyn nhw ddod yn rhan o’r ymgyrch i ennill y bleidlais i ferched, ac i orchfygu’r annhegwch a welir ym mhenodau gyntaf y nofel. Er mai cymeriadau dychmygol yw Henriét a Gladys, cawn gwrdd â’r merched go iawn fu’n gyfrifol am ennill y bleidlais i ferched, fel Emily Pankhurst, yn ogystal â’r rhai fu’n ei gwrthwynebu (David Lloyd George!) a dysgu mwy am yr ymgyrch a’r frwydr o safbwynt Cymraeg. Y tro gyntaf i mi glywed y gair suffragette oedd wrth wylio Mary Poppins. Does gen i ddim atgof o ddysgu am y pwnc yn yr ysgol, a heblaw am bwt yn y Dorling Kindersley Children’s Encyclopedia, ychydig iawn o wybodaeth oedd ar gael i mi’n ifanc am y frwydr i gael y bleidlais i ferched. Mawr rwy'n gobeithio bod y sefyllfa wedi newid erbyn heddiw, ond yn ifanc, ychydig iawn o wybodaeth oedd ar gael i mi ynglŷn ag ymgyrch fu mor allweddol i ferched Prydeinig. Llwyddiant mawr Angharad Tomos yw ysgrifennu nofel sy’n cynnwys gymaint o wybodaeth ffeithiol am weithgarwch y swffragwyr, ond sydd hefyd yn chwip o nofel ddarllenadwy. Mae gwaith ymchwil trylwyr yr awdur yn amlwg ar bob tudalen, ac mae ganddi hefyd y ddawn o gyfleu gwybodaeth wleidyddol cymhleth mewn ffordd bydd yn eglur ac yn ddealladwy i bobl yn eu harddegau neu bobl sydd heb ddarllen llawer ar y pwnc. Mae’n nofel uchelgeisiol sy’n cwmpasu ystod eang o themâu a digwyddiadau niferus dros gyfnod estynedig o amser. Yn bersonol, doeddwn i ddim yn gweld bod y lluniau yn ychwanegu rhyw lawer at y profiad o ddarllen y llyfr, a’r un peth yn wir am newid safbwynt y naratif o’r person cyntaf i’r trydydd person ac yn ôl. Yn fy marn i, darnau mwyaf pwerus y nofel oedd y rhai a adroddwyd gan Henrièt ei hun, a byddwn wedi hoffi rhagor o’r rhain, neu’n well fyth, nofel gyfan o’i safbwynt hi. Ond mân gwynion yw’r rhain, ac yn bendant ddim yn rheswm i beidio â phrynu copi i’r ferch ifanc yn dy fywyd. A dyma fi’n dod at broblem fwyaf y nofel. Gyda dwy ferch yn brif gymeriadau’r nofel rhagwelaf at ferched bydd yn apelio’n bennaf - sy’n bechod, achos mae’r stori yn berthnasol i bawb, ac yn parhau’n bwysig hyd heddiw; nid yn unig am ei bod yn addysgu am frwydr ein cyn-neiniau i gymryd cam yn agosach at gydraddoldeb, ond hefyd am ei bod yn pwysleisio bod gan bobl ifanc rôl bwysig i chwarae wrth newid y byd am y gorau. Felly na, peidiwch â phrynu copi i’ch merched yn unig - prynwch hi i’ch meibion hefyd. Athrawon - cyflwynwch y nofel i’ch dosbarthiadau. Mae hanes Henrièt a Gladys yn perthyn ac yn berthnasol i bawb! “Does dim byd tebyg i gael eich parlysu gan ofn; i ofni rhywbeth mor ofnadwy fel bod eich corff wedi rhewi; a’ch traed wedi eu hoelio i’r llawr… Dwi ddim eisiau mynd ymlaen i ddweud y stori. Dwi ddim eisiau eich dychryn. Ond os na ddweda i, fyddwch chi ddim yn gwybod, ac mae’n bwysig eich bod yn gwybod.” This is the beginning of the prologue of Henriét y Syffrajét, and one of the most frightening opening chapters that I’ve read in Welsh. The opening, written from the perspective of an older Henriét, immediately focuses your attention and demands further reading. In the second chapter we go back to 1909 to meet a young Henriét, and her best friend Gladys. We get a glimpse of the lives of two young girls living in Caernarfon in the early twentieth century- a pretty frustrating and limiting life for two able girls, and, indeed, females in general. Whilst Henriét has quite prosperous parents who give her the freedom to question, learn and explore, this is not the case for a large number of women. In the first part of the novel we have examples of how girls of all ages suffer as a result of inequality and hypocrisy of the period. Soon, Gladys and Henriét begin to get involved with the suffragettes' movement, and the plot of the novel follows their adventures as they become part of the campaign to win the women's vote, and to defeat the unfairness seen in the first chapters. Although Henriét and Gladys are fictional characters, we are introduced to real historical girls who have been responsible for winning the vote for girls, such as Emily Pankhurst, as well as those who have opposed her (David Lloyd George!) and learn more about the campaign from a Welsh perspective. The first time I heard the word Suffragette was whilst watching Mary Poppins. I don't have a recollection of learning about the subject at school, other than a bit in the Dorling Kindersley Children's Encyclopedia, so there was very little information for me back then about the fight to win the vote for women. I hope that the situation has changed by today, but at a young age, there was very little information available to me about a campaign that was so crucial to British girls. Angharad Tomos’s great success is in writing a novel that contains so much factual information about the activities of the suffragettes, but also a highly readable and compelling novel. The author's thorough research is evident on every page, and she has the aptitude for conveying complex political information in a way that will be clear and understandable to teenagers or people who have not read a lot on the subject. It is an ambitious novel covering a wide range of themes and events over an extended period of time. Personally, I didn't think the pictures added much to the experience of reading the book, and the same applies to changing the narrative's viewpoint from the first person to the third person and back. In my opinion, the most powerful bits of the novel were those narrated by Henriét herself, and I would have liked more of these, or better still, a complete novel from her point of view. But these are minor complaints, and definitely not a reason not to buy a copy for the young women in your lives. And now I’m coming to the novel's biggest problem. With two girls being the main characters of the novel I anticipate this novel will mainly appeal to girls-which is a shame, because the story is relevant to everyone, and remains important to this day; Not only because it teaches us about the struggle of those who came before us to take a step closer to equality, but also because it emphasises that young people have an important role to play in changing the world for the best. So no, don't just buy a copy for your daughters- buy it for your sons as well. Teachers- introduce the novel to your classes. The history of Henrièt and Gladys belongs to and applies to us all! PODCAST Mae Angharad yn cael cwmni Lleucu a Elliw i drafod nofel newydd Angharad Tomos, Henriet y Syffrajet. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/ar-y-silff/005-trafodaeth-henriet-y-Ux6Tiq3-PSr/

*scroll down for English & to leave comments* Novel ffantasi epig newydd New epic fantasy novel ❤Enillydd Llyfr y Flwyddyn 2020 - categori plant a phobl ifanc!❤ ❤Winner Book of the Year 2020 - children & young people award❤ Gwasg/publisher: Atebol Cyhoeddwyd/released: Medi 2019 Lluniau/illustrator: Huw Aaron ISBN: 978-1-912261-75-8 *CYMRAEG GWREIDDIOL - WELSH ORIGINAL* Lefel her/challenge level: ❖ ❖ ❖ Ar gyfer darllenwyr da yn eu harddegau sy'n hoffi LOTR Suitable for strong readers in their teens who like LOTR Mi oeddwn i’n arfer gofyn i fi fy hun, pam na gafodd The Lord of the Rings gan J.R.R. Tolkein ei addasu i’r Gymraeg? Wel, da’ chi’ gwybod be? Rŵan mae ’na rhywbeth cystal os nad gwell na hyn. Stori ffantasi epig WREIDDIOL yn y Gymraeg i ni’n hunain. Yr Horwth. Dim byd yn erbyn addasiadau, ond dwi’n meddwl fod hi’n well mwynhau rhai llyfrau (yn enwedig rhai mor enwog â LOTR) yn yr iaith wreiddiol, sef Saesneg. Dwi hefyd yn meddwl fod hi’n hynod o bwysig cael cyflenwad da o straeon gwreiddiol Cymraeg. Dwi’n falch o weld bod tuedd at gyhoeddi mwy o’r rhain erbyn heddiw... Nesaf, y lluniau. Mae darluniau Huw Aaron yn gweddu’r llyfr yma i’r dim. Dwi’n hoff iawn o fapiau mewn llyfrau ac mi oni’n gweld fy hun yn cyfeirio’n ôl ato’n aml (er bod y prif fap braidd yn brysur!) Mae ganddo allu i greu cymeriadau larger than life gyda nodweddion wedi’u gorliwio - sy’n gwbl addas i nofel i blant/pobl ifanc. Mae’r llun ar y cychwyn o Borth y Seirff yn gysyniad gwych, ac fel mae Elidir Jones, yr awdur, yn dweud ei hun ar ei wefan blogio f8, mae’r dref yn gyfuniad o Mos Eisley Cantina, Tattoine a theyrnas yr Ewoks, Endor o’r ffilmiau Star Wars. Mae o hyd yn oed yn cyflwyno cysyniadau mwy heriol i mewn, fel annhegwch y class system - gan fod y bobl gyfoethog yn byw yn y top, a’r tlodion ym myd peryglus y gwaelodion... Rhaid i mi gyfaddef, mae ’na ddarnau o’r nofel mymryn yn ddryslyd. Dwi’m yn siŵr os mai’r nifer o gymeriadau, y gwahanol leoliadau ynteu’r stori o fewn stori sy’n achosi hyn. Er bod rhaid i mi ail-ddarllen rhai darnau, mi oedd o werth o, ac mae 'na payoff unwaith mae’r nofel yn cychwyn yn iawn. Nofel ddigon gyffrous sy’n dod a grŵp (random) o gymeriadau at ei gilydd er mwyn brwydro’r.... you guessed it... ..Horwth. Ydi’n deg i mi ei alw’n ddraig? Yn sicr mae’n fy atgoffa o Smaug, o’r llyfr/ffilm The Hobbit. A dweud y gwir, mae’r antur yn adlewyrchu elfennau o gwest yr Hobbit. (dim byd yn bod gyda benthyg ac addasu syniadau, gyda llaw!) Mae’r stori’n dechrau gyda Ffion, cymeriad ifanc yn dod i bentref Copa Coch a darganfod fod y lle oedd unwaith yn byrlymu wedi’i losgi’n ulw. Mae hi’n dechrau siarad gyda’r unig drigolyn, Orig, y tafarnwr. Dyma ble mae’r stori’n cychwyn... Croesodd Ffion ei breichiau. “Ddes i yma am antur, hen ddyn, nid i glywed stori hir.” Chwarddodd Orig. “Beth am stori hir … yn llawn antur?” Mae Elidir Jones yn creu cymeriadau cofiadwy. Mae Heti’n bladras o ddynes na fyddai unrhyw un yn mentro dadlau gyda hi. Dwi’n meddwl mai hi yw gwir arwr y stori yma! Pwy fyddai’n meddwl fod ein hanturiwr arall, Sara o’r Coed yn gogydd vegan? Vegan mewn nofel ffantasi? Eto, pam lai? Ac yna’r mwydyn - wel , dyma brawf o ddawn yr awdur, ei fod o’n gallu’n cael ni i falio a phoeni ac ypsetio dros fwydyn. Wel, dim cweit yn fwydyn arferol chwaith. Dwi’n deud dim mwy. Mi wnes i wirioneddol fwynhau’r stori ac mi roedd cyflymder y stori’n dda. Mi oeddwn i’n ffan o’r dull stori o fewn stori hefyd, ac yn licio’r ffordd roedd yr awdur yn symud i mewn ac allan o’r hen chwedl, yn ôl ac ymlaen o’r gorffennol i’r presennol. Mae’r Horwth yn greadur ofnadwy. Mae o’n llosgi ac yn dinistrio pentrefi cyfan, ac yn bwyta rhai o’n hanturwyr. Ond, rhaid i mi gyfaddef, roedd ‘y lleisiau ar y dŵr’ yn llawer mwy dychrynllyd ac yn rhoi ias oer i mi. Mae’r rhain yn wirioneddol creepy a dwi’n gobeithio darganfod mwy am y rhain yn y gyfrol nesaf. Mi fyswn i’n hoffi gweld yr awdur yn gwneud y stori nesaf yn hyd yn oed fwy brawychus a thywyll... Fel Ffion, ar ddiwedd Yr Horwth, dwi hefyd eisiau gwybod mwy. Dyna beth mae’r awdur eisiau i ni deimlo. Mae’r nofel gyntaf wedi adeiladu’r byd newydd rhyfeddol, a rŵan fod y seiliau yn eu lle; mae llawer mwy o chwedlau i’w hadrodd a chwestiynau i’w hateb. Yn bennaf, beth aflwydd sydd wedi digwydd i bentref Copa Coch? Dwi’n gobeithio’n wir y cawn ni gyfle i ddarganfod mwy. I used to ask myself, why wasn't the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein adapted into Welsh? Well, guess what? Now we have something amazing if not better- our very own WELSH-ORIGINAL epic fantasy; The Horwth. Nothing against adaptations, but I think it's better to enjoy some books (especially famous ones like LOTR) in their original language - English. I also think it is extremely important to have a good supply of original Welsh stories. I am pleased to see that there has been a trend of late to publish more of these… I would start by mentioning the cover. Looks great. It feels like some old legendary folk book that has come straight out of middle earth. It has an ancient and mysterious look. I like the font for the title (little things perhaps, but crucial) and it suits an old fantasy legend. The three threatening claw marks are effective and are very Jurassic Park -esque. The cover itself was enough for me to pick up the book in the bookstore anyway, not to mention the blurb. Next, the pictures. Huw Aaron's illustrations are the perfect match for this book. I love maps in books and I often referred back to it (although the main map is a bit busy!) He has the ability to create larger than life characters with exaggerated features- perfectly suited to a novel for children/young people. The picture at the beginning of Porth y Seirff is a brilliant concept, and as the author, Elidir Jones, says himself on his blogging website f8, the town is a combination of Mos Eisley Cantina, Tattoine and the Ewoks’ tree-domain, Endor from Star Wars. He even introduces more challenging concepts in, such as the unfairness of the class system - with wealthy people living in the top, and the peasants relegated to the dangerous world of the lower regions… I must confess, some bits of the novel are somewhat confusing. I’m not sure if was the number of characters, the many different locations or the story within a story that caused this. Although I had to re-read some passages, it was certainly worth it. If you find it hard getting stuck in, keep going… you will be rewarded. This is an exciting novel which brings together a random bunch of characters in order to fight the... you guessed it.... Horwth. Is it fair for me to call it a dragon? It certainly reminds me of Smaug, from the book/film ‘the Hobbit’. In fact, the adventure parallels elements of the Hobbits’ quest. (nothing wrong with borrowing and adapting ideas, by the way!) The story begins with Ffion, a young character coming to the village of Copa Coch and discovering that the place that was once bustling is burnt down. She starts talking with the only resident, Orig, the landlord. This is where the story starts... Ffion crossed her arms. "I'm here for an adventure, an old man, not to hear a long story." Orig laughed. "What about a long story... Full of adventure? " Elidir Jones creates memorable characters. Heti is a large and powerful woman- not to be messed with. I think she is the true hero of this story! Who would think that our other adventurer, Sara o’r Coed, would be a rubbish vegan chef? Vegans in a fantasy novel? Again, why not? And then there’s the worm- well, here is proof of the author's skill, that he can get us to care about a worm. Not any old worm, mind, But still. I’ll say no more. I really enjoyed the story and the pace of the story was good. I was a fan of the story within a story method, and liked the way the author moved back and forth from past to present day. Don’t get me wrong, The Horwth is a terrible creature. He burns and destroys entire villages, and eats some of our heroes. But I must confess, ' The voices on the water ' were much scarier and gave me the shivers. These are truly creepy and I hope to find out more about these in the next volume. I would like to see the author make the next story even more frightening and dark… Let’s not be afraid to give people a fright! Like Ffion, at the end of Yr Horwth, I also want to know more. That is what the author wants us to feel. The first novel has built this amazing new world, and now that the foundations are in place; there are many more legends to tell and questions to answer. Mainly, what has happened the village of Copa Coch? I really hope that we will have an opportunity to find out more.

*Scroll down for English* Mae'r athrawon wedi diflannu! Ond mae gwaeth i ddod... The teachers have disappeared! But something far worse is coming... Genre: #ffuglen #ffantasi #doniol #OI / #fiction #fantasy #funny #YA Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◉◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ ADNODD ADDYSGIADOL ODDI AR HWB: Cwestiynau i gyd-fynd LEARNING RESOURCES FROM HWB: https://hwb.gov.wales/repository/discovery/resource/bd4313c6-7516-4879-988e-ec12228ade21/cy Mae pecyn digidol am ddim ar wefan Hwb, sy’n cynnwys cwestiynau i gyd-fynd â’r nofel. Bydd y nofel yn helpu dysgwyr i fwynhau darllen drwy ganfod, dethol a defnyddio gwybodaeth yn ogystal ag ymateb i’r hyn a ddarllenwyd mewn modd ysgogol – bydd hyn yn arwain at ddealltwriaeth o astudio’r nofel fel cyfrwng rhyddiaith ac yn ymateb i fanyleb newydd TGAU 2016 maes o law. Fe ddisgrifir y llyfr yma fel ‘nofel garlamus ar gyfer yr arddegau cynnar,’ ac mi fedra i gadarnhau fod y disgrifiad yna’n gwbl gywir. Erbyn y drydedd tudalen, cawn wybod beth sydd wedi digwydd a dyma fydd yn llywio gweddill y nofel. Heb fawr o esboniad down i ddeall fod nifer o’r athrawon, gan gynnwys y dirprwy wedi diflannu. Dw i'n siŵr ei fod yn swnio fel dream come true i’r plant! Wel ddim yn hollol, achos nid aur yw popeth melyn ac mae rhywbeth llawer gwaeth ar y gorwel, a dwi’n sicr y byddai’n llawer gwell gan y plant weld eu hen athrawon yn ôl… Dwi’n hoff iawn o sut mae’r nofel yn bwrw’n syth iddi. Top marks yn fanna. Does ’na ddim backstory hirwyntog, dibwys. Mae’r athrawon wedi diflannu - dyna’i gyd sy’n bwysig. Dydi ‘ble’, ‘pwy’ a ‘pham’ ddim yn bwysig. Nofel ffantasi yw hon, ac felly mae’n gofyn am suspension of belief, chwedl y Sais. Mi fydd pethau anhygoel ac anghredadwy yn digwydd yn y nofel, ac os ydych chi’n berson sy’n cymryd pethau ormod o ddifrif, nid hwn yw’r llyfr i chi. Dyma lyfr reit boncyrs a dweud y gwir sy’n mynd a ni ar antur ryfedd iawn, so just go with it… Ar ôl i’r hen athrawon ddiflannu, daw prifathro newydd i’r ysgol, sef Mr Dŵm- dyn tra gwahanol, i ddweud y lleiaf. Glywsoch chi ’rioed am brifathro sy’n dod i’r ysgol ar gefn moto-beic ac sy’n berchen ar deigr – ia, TEIGR! “Bydd disgwyl i chi foesymgrymu ger fy mron, oherwydd o nawr ymlaen fi fydd yn rheoli eich bywydau bach pitw,” yw ei anerchiad cyntaf i’r disgyblion. Nid ‘detention’ yw’r gosb am herio’r prifathro newydd, ond cael eich bwydo i’w deigr! O diar! Gyda’i dîm newydd o athrawon - Don Econ, Morris y Beic a Barry Thousand Meters, bwriad Mr Dŵm yw trawsnewid yr ysgol, a chyn pen dim, fe ddatgelir yr enw a’r arwyddair newydd - ‘Academi Ddysgu Mr Dŵm - Nid da lle gellir drwg’. Fydd y lle byth ’run fath! Yn ogystal â sefydlu clinig tatŵs newydd ar safle’r ysgol a gwneud gwersi ‘dwyn’ yn rhan allweddol o’r cwricwlwm, mae’r bêl chwaraeon wedi cael ei newid am octopws ac mae un o’r plant wedi dwyn pengwin o’r sw. Ydy, mae’r lle wedi mynd yn draed moch go iawn. Mae’r prifathro wedi gosod her er mwyn dewis disgybl yr wythnos. O dan y drefn newydd, i ennill £500, bydd rhaid i’r disgyblion fod mor slei, drygionus a thwyllodrus â phosib. Dydi hyn ddim yn newyddion da i'r prif gymeriad, Daf. Dwi ddim am ddweud mwy, heblaw bod pethau’n mynd o ddrwg i waeth i Daf druan, a bydd rhaid iddo ddibynnu ar ei ffrind Dr. Dolittle-aidd, Heti, i’w achub! Dwi eisoes wedi clywed gan athrawon fod y llyfr yn boblogaidd, yn enwedig gyda’r gynulleidfa darged, sef pobl ifanc rhwng tua 12-14 oed (Bl.7-9) ond dwi’n siŵr nad ydi o allan o afael plant Bl.6 chwaith. Ar y cyfan, dyma stori ysgafn, ddoniol sydd â digon o gynnwys whacky i apelio at ddarllenwyr o bob math sy’n licio jôc. Yn bersonol, credaf y bydd y llyfr yn siwtio darllenwyr anfoddog, bechgyn, neu’r rheiny sy’n newydd i ddarllen llyfrau Cymraeg. Tydi o ddim rhy hir chwaith – mae’n bosib ei orffen yn reit sydyn a dwi’n siŵr y bydd sawl un yn methu ei roi i lawr. Roedd digon o droeon trwstan a hiwmor yn y nofel ac roedd hi’n refreshing i ddarllen a mwynhau stori ‘ysgafn’ nad oedd yn rhy ddwys. Hoffais y darnau am Yoda ar ddechrau’r stori. Dyma lyfr addas ar gyfer darllen yn annibynnol (er pleser) neu gall fod yn nofel ddifyr (a gwahanol iawn) i'r dosbarth! Bonws i athrawon yw bod pecyn gweithgareddau yn cyd-fynd â’r llyfr ar Hwb sy’n arbed dipyn o amser cynllunio - grêt! Doedd gen i ddim syniad i ba gyfeiriad roedd y stori’n mynd (oedd yr awdur hyd yn oed?) ond does dim ots o gwbl am hynny! Fedra i ddim ei chymharu gydag unrhyw stori arall achos mae hi, wel, yn unigryw! Rhowch gynnig arni! This book is described as ‘a galloping novel for early teens,’ and I can confirm that the description is absolutely correct. The plot gets going right away and by the third page, we find out exactly what has happened and this directly influences the rest of the novel. There’s little explanation about ‘why’ events have occurred, but we come to learn that several of the senior teachers, including the headteacher, have disappeared. This probably sounds like a dream come true for the kids, but not quite! All that glitters is not gold – the old boring teachers may be gone, but something far worse is heading their way… I love how the novel gets going right away. Top marks for that one. There’s no long, complicated backstory required – just straight into the action. The teachers have disappeared-that is all that we need to know. The ‘who’ and ‘why’ of it aren’t really important. This is after all, a fantasy novel and thus requires some suspension of belief on the reader’s behalf. Amazingly farfetched and ever so slightly unbelievable things happen in the novel, and if you’re someone who takes things too seriously, this is probably not the book for you. It is at times, quite bonkers, for want of a better word. It takes us on a strange adventure and my advice to you is simply ‘just go with it…’ Following the disappearance of the staff, a new headmaster is quickly appointed, Mr Dŵm (Doom) - a strange, mysterious and sinister character to say the least. Have you ever heard of a principal who rides to school on the back of a motor bike and brings with him his own pet tiger, yes, you heard, A TIGER?! ‘Detention’ is no longer the go-to punishment for misbehaviour – you are simply fed to the tiger! Oh dear. With his new team of teachers- Don Econ, Morris y Beic and Barry Thousand Meters, Mr Dŵm’s intention is to transform the school, and he wastes no time in revealing a new name and motto, encouraging bad behaviour of all sorts. The place will never be the same again! As well as setting up a new on-site tattoo parlour and making ‘stealing’ lessons part of the curriculum, many other changes take place. The sports ball has been replaced for a live octopus and one of the pupils has stolen a penguin from the zoo! It’s chaos! The headteacher has set a challenge for the new ‘pupil of the week award.’ Under the new system, in order to win the £500 prize, pupils are encouraged to be as naughty cunning and devious as possible. This isn't good news for our main character, Daf. I don't want to say too much, but things go from bad to worse for poor Daf, and he will no doubt have to rely on his extraordinarily gifted friend, Heti, for help! (she has a super skill btw!) I've already heard from teachers that this book is popular, especially with the target audience of young people aged between 12-14 years (school years 7-9) It’s not out of some year 6s’ league either if I’m honest. On the whole, this is a humorous fantasy story that’s not too overly-dark. It has enough wackiness to appeal to readers of all sorts that appreciate a bit of fun. Personally, I think the book will come in useful in tempting reluctant readers and boys towards reading Welsh books. It's not too long either and can be finished quickly – I’m sure many will be unable to put it down. There’s plenty of adventure to be had and it was rather refreshing to read and enjoy a story that wasn't too ‘deep,’ intense and serious. I liked the bits about Yoda at the beginning. This book is suitable for independent reading (for pleasure) or it could be used as a fun, ‘different’ kind of class novel. A bonus for teachers is that an activity pack with questions accompanies the book which saves a lot of planning time! [See Hwb] For most of the time, I had no idea where the story was going and where it would end up (did the author even know I wonder?) but it matters not! This book will go down well with young teenage readers and we need more like this in Welsh. I can't compare it with anything else; it’s certainly… unique! Give it a go! Gwasg/publisher: CAA Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 Pris: £5.99

*Scroll down for English* "Cer o 'na, Corona!" Ychwanegiad amserol iawn i'r gyfres. A timely addition to this long running series. Genre: #lluniau, #doniol / #picture #funny Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◎◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◎◎◎ Addas ar gyfer plant ifanc. (hyd at 7) Suitable for young children. (up to age 7) Dwi’n meddwl ei bod hi’n saff dweud fod Cyfres Rwdlan yn un o’r cyfresi mwyaf llwyddiannus erioed yn y Gymraeg! Mae’n frand hynod adnabyddus a chryf ac anaml iawn y dewch chi ar draws plentyn Cymraeg sydd heb gael rhyw brofiad o ‘Rala Rwdins.’ Cyhoeddwyd y llyfr cyntaf ym 1983 ac ers hynny rydym wedi cael llu o lyfrau, adnoddau amrywiol a hyd yn oed cyfres deledu. Mae’r llyfrau’n dal i fod yn boblogaidd gyda phlant ifanc, rhieni ac athrawon ac yn amlwg maen nhw’n dal i werthu’n dda. Rŵan, mae gennym ni lyfr arall yn y gyfres - rhif 17 - y cyntaf ers wyth mlynedd! Does dim llawer o bethau da wedi dod o’r pandemig coronafeirws byd-eang, ond mae gennym ni un peth i fod yn ddiolchgar amdano - y ffaith fod Angharad Tomos wedi cael yr amser i ychwanegu llyfr arall at y gyfres fytholwyrdd. Ar ddechrau’r lockdown (sy’n teimlo fel oes yn ôl) fe gawson ni e-lyfr wedi ei fraslunio â llaw ond rŵan mae’r Lolfa wedi penderfynu ychwanegu’r llyfr at y gyfres yn llawn – ac wedi gwneud hyn yn sydyn iawn ’fyd! Tydi hyd yn oed Gwlad y Rwla ddim wedi dianc rhag y feirws felltith, ac yn anffodus aros adref sydd rhaid i Rwdlan a’r Dewin Dwl. Gan fod Rala’n brysur, caiff Ceridwen druan y dasg o ddysgu’r rhai bach. “Fydd hyn ddim yn hwyl,” meddai hithau cyn cychwyn - ac mae hi’n llygad ei lle. Wrth ddarllen, fedra i ddim peidio â meddwl am yr holl rieni a ffeindiodd eu hunain yn athrawon mwyaf sydyn, yn ogystal â thrio jyglo gweithio o adref a chadw’r heddwch ’run pryd! Tydw i ddim yn genfigennus o gwbl! Nid yw Ceridwen yn fawr o athrawes, a chyn pen dim mae Rwdlan a’r Dewin Dwl wedi diflasu ac wedi ffeindio rhywbeth mwy diddorol i wneud. Tybed pa helynt a helbul fydd i ddilyn? Cliw i chi – mae o’n cynnwys paent! O na... Petai chi’n trio esbonio sut mae llyfrau ‘Cyfres Rwdlan’ yn dal mor boblogaidd i rywun o du allan i Gymru, dwi’n siŵr y bydden nhw’n edrych arnoch chi braidd yn wirion. Mae’n wir nad ydi diwyg ac edrychiad y llyfrau wedi newid fawr ddim ers 1983, ond dwi’n meddwl mai dyma yw’r gyfrinach. Cysondeb. Mae’r lluniau yn lliwgar, yn llachar ac mae’r llyfrau’n syml. Yn hytrach na ‘hen ffasiwn’, dwi’n meddwl mai ‘retro’ yw’r gair priodol ac rwy’n cael rhuthr o nostalgia o’u gweld. Mae digon o hiwmor a giamocs yn y llyfr i blesio’r darllenwyr ifanc, ac mae'r ychwanegiad ddiweddaraf yn profi eu bod nhw'n dal i fod yn berthnasol heddiw. Yr un yw'r apêl yn 2020 a fu yno yn 1983! Mae Rala Rwdins yn ddi-oed a bydd hi’n parhau am flynyddoedd i ddod fel mae darllenwyr newydd yn ei darganfod. Gwarchod, meithrin a magu’r ‘brand’ sydd angen ac efallai ei ddatblygu ar gyfer y genhedlaeth nesaf, achos dwi’n meddwl fod digon o fywyd ynddo i barhau am ddegawdau eto. Ydi hi’n amser i Rala Rwdins ddychwelyd i'n sgriniau teledu boed hynny ar ffurf cyfres newydd neu ail-ddarlledu’r gyfres wreiddiol? Dwi’n meddwl bod gofyn am gyfres o lyfrau Cymraeg gyda rhaglen deledu gyfatebol i blant ar hyn o bryd. Sgwn i os ydi Angharad Tomos awydd ychwanegu mwy at y gyfres i’w gwneud yn gyfres o ugain...?! I think it's safe to say that the ‘Rwdlan’ series (Rala Rwdins books in other words) is one of the most successful ever in the history of the Welsh language! It’s a very strong and well-known brand and you’d be hard pressed to come across a Welsh speaker who hasn’t had some exposure to Rala Rwdins. The first book was published back in 1983 and since then we’ve had a multitude of books, various resources and even a live action television series. The books continue to be popular with young children, parents and teachers and they’re still selling well. Now we have yet another addition to the series – number 17 – and the first in eight years. Exciting! I feel like I did when I heard the announcement that they were making new Star Wars films! Not many aspects of the global coronavirus pandemic have been positive, but at least we have one thing to be grateful for- the fact that Angharad Tomos found the time to crack out another book in this long running series. At the beginning of the lockdown (which feels like a lifetime ago) we first got a glimpse of Pawennau Mursen (Mursen’s paws) as a free, hand-drawn e-book but publisher Y Lolfa has now decided to add the book to the series officially – and has turned that around quickly fair play. Even ‘Gwlad y Rwla’ (Rwla land) isn’t immune from the effects of the virus, and so our favourite young characters, Rwdlan and Dewin Dwl are forced to stay at home. As Rala Rwdins is busy with housework, poor Ceridwen is tasked with teaching the little ones. "It won't be fun," she says before getting started, as if she had some sixth sense that it would be a disaster! (which of course it is!) Upon reading, I can’t help but think of all the parents who suddenly found themselves as teachers – trying to juggle the demands of working from home with keeping the peace. I’m not envious at all! The author has been very quick on the pulse here, by integrating coronavirus into this popular series, which proves it can still be ‘current’ and relevant today. Ceridwen's not a great teacher, bless her, and before long she gives up, leaving Rwdlan and her partner in crime to get up to no good. I wonder what mischief will ensue? I’ll give you a clue – it involves paint! Oh dear this can’t be good… If you tried to explain to people outside of Wales how and why the ‘Rwdlan’ books are still so popular in 2020, they might look at you a little strange. Indeed, they haven’t changed at all really since 1983, but I think that’s the secret to their success. Consistency. Familiarity. The pictures are colourful, bright and the books are all-round simple. I won’t go as far as saying old-fashioned, because I think ‘retro’ is a more appropriate word. I certainly get this rush of nostalgia whenever I see them and it takes me back to crying my eyes out in Theatr Gwynedd when Strempan stormed on stage! There’s plenty of humour and mischief in this book to keep the young readers happy and the books still have the same appeal as they did when they were first released. I think they are simply timeless and will continue to be enjoyed for years to come as new generations of readers are introduced to them. I’m even going to go as far as saying it’s a right of passage to hear a Rala Rwdins story at some point in our childhood. The ‘brand’ needs protecting, nurturing and perhaps even developing further for the next generation, because I think there’s plenty of life left in this franchise. Is it time for Rala Rwdins to return to our TV screens - whether that be in the form of a new series or even just re-airing the original series? I think that Wales is crying out for Welsh books with a corresponding tv programme. The author herself once said that books shouldn’t aim to compete with TV but work in tandem with it. So, coming in at no.17, we get another strong entry in this ever-expanding series. But surely, she can’t just leave it there- how about rounding it up to an even 20? Gwasg/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: Gorffennaf 2020 Pris: £2.95 (BARGAIN!!)

*Scroll down for English* Mae'r byd yn poethi. Sut mae dynolryw am oroesi? The world is warming. How will mankind survive? Genre: #ffuglen #dystopaidd #Gwyddonias / #fiction #dystopian #Scifi Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◉◉◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★★ ADOLYGIAD GAN MANON STEFFAN ROS REVIEW BY MANON STEFFAN ROS Un tro, amser maith (maith maith maith) yn ôl, roeddwn i'n ddisgybl deng mlwydd oed yn Ysgol Rhiwlas. Bob dydd cyn amser mynd adref, byddai Miss Hughes yn darllen pennod o nofel i ni. Mae rhai o'r nofelau yma wedi serio ar fy nghof am byth- The Iron Man gan Ted Hughes, a Stig of the Dump gan Clive King ymysg eraill. Ond mae'n rhaid i mi gyfaddef i un o'r nofelau hyfryd yma fynd yn angof tan yn ddiweddar. Gwelais drydariad gan @grufflovgreen yn sôn am "lyfr sci-fi Cymraeg i bobol ifanc oedd yn sôn am gymuned oedd di mynd i fyw dan y ddaear am ganrifoedd am fod yr haul di mynd rhy boeth". Roedd hyn yn canu cloch, ac fe aeth â fi 'nol i'r cyfnod yna yn Ysgol Rhiwlas. Chwiliais ar y we, a chanfod mai'r nofel oedd O'r Tywyllwch, nofel o 1991 gan yr awdures enwog, Mair Wynn Hughes. Doedd y llyfr ddim ar gael yn newydd, ond cefais afael ar gopi ail-law ar-lein. Fe es ati i'w darllen. Dwn i ddim sut yn y byd i mi anghofio'r nofel yma, achos wir i chi, mae hi'n wych. Rydw i'n ffan fawr o lyfrau gwyddonias (sci fi), ac yn arbennig o nofelau dystopaidd, ond mi fydda i'n teimlo'n aml eu bod nhw'n gallu bod yn rhy brysur, gormod yn digwydd a'r cymeriadau braidd yn fflat. Dydy O'r Tywyllwch ddim fel hyn o gwbl- y peth cyntaf i'ch tynnu chi i mewn ydy'r cyfeillgarwch rhwng y ddau brif gymeriad, Hywyn a Meilyr. Maen nhw'n byw yn ein byd ni, ond, efallai, yn y dyfodol- mae'r byd wedi poethi, ac mae'n rhaid i bobol wisgo siwtiau arbennig cyn mentro allan. Mae cynlluniau mawr ar droed- Mae pawb yn gorfod mynd i fyw mewn dinas arbennig yn y mynydd, a chau'r byd a'r awyr iach allan am byth. Dim pawb sydd eisiau mynd, ond does dim dewis. A dyna i chi ddechrau'r tensiwn yn y stori. Mae ail ran i'r stori yma hefyd, am y profiad o fyw yn y ddinas danddaearol genedlaethau ar ôl y mudo mawr. Cefais fy nychryn gan y rhan yma, a hynny achos ei fod yn creu'r byd newydd hunllefus yma mewn ffordd oedd yn teimlo mor real. Roedd 'na rannau ohono yn teimlo fel y byd yn nofel enwog George Orwell, 1984- ond i mi, mae O'r Tywyllwch yn fwy personol, yn fwy cyfarwydd, ac felly ganwaith yn fwy dychrynllyd. Dwi'n gwneud fy ngorau i beidio rhoi sboilars yma, ond dwi'n meddwl efallai y bydd y diwedd yn teimlo'n rhy benagored i rai. I fi, dwi'n hoffi'r ffaith nad ydy'r nofel yn gorffen gydag ateb pendant i bob cwestiwn. A dweud y gwir, mae'r diweddglo yn teimlo fel her i ni, y darllenydd- be' 'da ni'n mynd i'w wneud nesaf wrth i'r byd boethi? Âm llaw ar fy nghalon, rydw i'n meddwl y dylai O'r Tywyllwch gael ei hystyried yn glasur. Pe byddai'r nofel wedi cael ei hysgrifennu i oedolion, dwi'n sicr y byddai ar ei chweched argraffiad erbyn hyn, ac y byddai ar bob rhestr o Hoff Lyfrau Cymru. Daeth yr amser i unioni'r cam yma- Mae angen argraffiad newydd, ac yn fwy na dim, mae angen cenhedlaeth newydd o ddarllenwyr. Dwi'n siŵr y byddai plant ac oedolion heddiw'n cael yr un wefr a chefais innau 'nol yn Ysgol Rhiwlas ym 1993. , a long (long long time) ago, I was a ten-year-old pupil at Ysgol Rhiwlas. Every day before going home, Miss Hughes would read a chapter of a novel for us. Some of the novels here have been etched in my memory forever- The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, and Stig of the Dump by Clive King among others. But I have to confess that until recently, one of these lovely novels was largely forgotten. I saw a tweet by @grufflovgreen talking about a "sci-fi book for young people that talked about a community that had gone to live underground for centuries because the sun became too hot". This rang a bell, and took me all the way back to my time at Ysgol Rhiwlas. I searched the web, and found that the novel was O’r Tywyllwch, a 1991 novel by renowned author Mair Wynn Hughes. The book is out of print, but I got hold of a second-hand copy online and started reading. I don’t know how on earth I forgot about this novel, because I tell you, it's great. I'm a big fan of Sci-Fi books and especially of dystopic novels, but I often feel they can be too busy, with too much happening and the characters fall rather flat. O’r Tywyllwch isn't like this at all- the first thing to draw you in is the friendship between the two main characters, Hywyn and Meilyr. They live in our world, but, perhaps a future one. The earth has warmed, and you have to wear special suits before venturing outside. Big plans are afoot- everyone will have to go and live in a special city in the mountains, and shut out fresh air and the outside world forever. Not everyone wants to go, but they have no choice. This is the start of the tension in the story. There’s also a second part to the story, about the experience of living in the underground city generations after the great Migration. I was frightened by this part, because this new nightmarish world felt so real. A few parts of it felt like the world in George Orwell's famous novel, 1984- but for me, O’r Tywyllwch is more personal, more familiar, and thus a hundred times more shocking. I’m doing my best not to put spoilers here, but I think the ending may feel too open to some. For me, I like the fact that the novel doesn't finish with a definite answer to each question. In fact, the ending feels like a challenge for us, the reader – What are we going to do next as the world gets hotter? Hand on my heart, I think O’r Tywyllwch should be regarded as a classic. If the novel had been written for adults, I'm sure it would be on its sixth edition by now, and that it would be on every list of ‘favourite books’ in Wales. The time has come to rectify this - we need a new edition, and more than anything, we need a new generation of readers. I'm sure the children and adults of today would get the same thrill as I got back at Ysgol Rhiwlas in 1993. Gwasg/publisher: Gomer Cyhoeddwyd/released: 1991 Pris: £3.25 (allan o brint - ar gael yn ail law neu mewn llyfrgelloedd yn unig) (Out of print - available second hand or in libraries only) AM YR AWDUR/ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Awdures plant ydy Mair Wynn Hughes (ganwyd 1 Medi1931). Ganwyd hi ym Mryncir, Eifionydd. Mynychodd Ysgol Gynradd Brynengan cyn mynd i Ysgol Ramadeg Penygroes a Choleg y Normal, Bangor. Bu'n wraig fferm ac yn athrawes yn yr ysgol ym Mhentraeth ar Ynys Môn. Mair Wynn Hughes is a children's author (born 1 September 1931) . She was born in Bryncir, Eifionydd. She attended Brynengan Primary School before going to to the Grammar School in Penygroes and Coleg Normal, Bangor. She was a farmer's wife as well as a teacher in Pentraeth, Anglesey. Llyfrau eraill gan yr awdur/ other books by the author: Y Llinyn Arian 1984 (Gwasg Gomer / CBAC) Cyfres Wichiaid Môn: Wichiaid Môn a Lladrad y Banc Ionawr 1989 (Dref Wen) Prins yr Injan Fach Ionawr 1989 (Dref Wen) Prins a Siôn Corn Ionawr 1991 (Dref Wen) Cyfres Morus Mihangel: Morus Mihangel a'r Deisen Ionawr 1991 (Dref Wen) Cyfres Wichiaid Môn: Wichiaid Môn a'r Modur Wich Un Ionawr 1993 (Dref Wen) Coch yw Lliw Hunllef Ionawr 1995 (Gwasg Gomer) Cyfres Morus Mihangel: Gwyliau Morus Mihangel Ionawr 1995 (Dref Wen) Dwyn Afalau Mawrth 1998 (Y Lolfa) Ffrindiau Pennaf Mawrth 1998 (Y Lolfa) Ragsi Ragsan Mawrth 1998 (Y Lolfa) Colli Pêl Mawrth 1998 (Y Lolfa) Brawd Newydd Mawrth 1998 (Y Lolfa) Cyfres Llinynnau: Jan Mehefin 1998 (Dref Wen) Llyfrau Darllen CBAC Cyfnod Allweddol 2 Ail Iaith (Lefelau 2/3): Lladron Sam Gorffennaf 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Llyfrau Darllen CBAC Cyfnod Allweddol 2 Ail Iaith (Lefelau 2/3): Crystyn Gorffennaf 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Llyfrau Darllen CBAC Cyfnod Allweddol 2 Ail Iaith (Lefelau 2/3): Beic Ben Gorffennaf 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Llyfrau Darllen CBAC Cyfnod Allweddol 2 Ail Iaith (Lefelau 3/4): Babi Tŷ Ni Gorffennaf 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Project Llyfrau Longman Rhan 3 CA2 - Band 3: Sali a'r Enwog Pws Mewn Sgidiau Awst 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Casetiau CBAC Cyfnod Allweddol 2 Ail Iaith (Lefelau 2/3): Lladron Sam (Casét) Rhagfyr 1998 (Uned Iaith / CBAC) Cyfres Gwaed Oer: Hen Ŵr y Môr Awst 1999 (Gwasg Gomer) Cyfres Sêr: Mi Fydd Bywyd yn Grêt Tachwedd 1999 (Dref Wen) Trip a Hanner Hydref 2001 (Gwasg Pantycelyn) Cyfres Clic 2 - Lefel 1: Diwrnod Mawr Rhagfyr 2002 (CAA) Cyfres Clic 2 - Lefel 2: Bai ar Gam Rhagfyr 2002 (CAA) Cyfres Hoff Straeon: Tipyn o Gamp 1 Mai 2003 (Gwasg Gomer) Waw - Antur! Mai 2003 (Gwasg Pantycelyn) Cyfres Clic - Lefel 2 : Dim Ond Helpu Hydref 2003 (CAA) Cyfres Clic - Lefel 2 : Trysor Pwy? Hydref 2003 (CAA) Cyfres 'Slawer Dydd: Rhyfel y Degwm Tachwedd 2003 (Gwasg Gomer) Y 'Fo' yn y Tŷ Rhagfyr 2003 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Cyfres 'Slawer Dydd: Rhyfel y Degwm - Llyfryn Athrawon Ionawr 2004 (Gwasg Gomer) Fy Hanes i: Gwas y Stabl - Dyddiadur Sion Dafydd, Plas Creuddyn, 1582-1593 Ebrill 2004 (Gwasg Gomer) Waw! Antur Eto! Ebrill 2004 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) O Na! Antur! Ebrill 2005 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Cyfres ar Wib: Brysiwch, Dad! Medi 2005 (Gwasg Gomer) Cyfres ar Wib: Ai Ysbryd? Medi 2005 (Gwasg Gomer) Cyfres Dwy-Es - Sgets a Sgwrs: Pecyn 6 - Egwyddorion Hydref 2005 (CAA) Cyfres Dwy-Es - Sgets a Sgwrs: Pecyn 6 - Egwyddorion: Pwy All Farnu? Rhagfyr 2005 (CAA) Cyfres Dwy-Es - Sgets a Sgwrs: Pecyn 6 - Egwyddorion: Y Dewis Rhagfyr 2005 (CAA) Cyfres 'Slawer Dydd: Rhy Ifanc i Ryfel Chwefror 2006 (Gwasg Gomer) Ein Rhyfel Ni Ebrill 2006 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) F'Annwyl Leusa Mawrth 2007 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Cyfres Lleisiau: Y Ferch ar y Traeth Mai 2007 (CAA) Cyfres Ysbrydion ac Ati: Ewinedd Pwy? Mawrth 2008 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Cyfres Ysbrydion ac Ati: Dim Ots Pwy! Mawrth 2008 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Cyfres Ysbrydion ac Ati: B-B-Bwgan Mawrth 2008 (Gwasg y Bwthyn) Gwobrau/ Awards Gwobr Tir na n-Og 1984 (Cyd-enillydd) - Y Llinyn Arian, (Gwasg Gomer / CBAC) Gwobr Tir na n-Og 1990 - Llygedyn o Heulwen, (Gwasg Gomer / CBAC) Gwobr Tir na n-Og 1996 - Coch yw Lliw Hunllef, (Gwasg Gomer) Gwobr Mary Vaughan Jones 2006 Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2007 - Ein Rhyfel Ni, (Gwasg y Bwthyn)

*Scroll down for English* Mae rhywbeth o'i le. Mae'r goleudy yn dywyll. Something's wrong. The lighthouse is in darkness. Lluniau/illustrations: Andrew Whitson Addaswyd/adaptation: Anwen Pierce. Welsh adaptation of 'Molly and the Lighthouse' published by Graffeg. Genre: Llyfr #lluniau #môr / #picturebook #sea Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◎◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◎◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★☆ Wedi ei gymeryd o wefan Graffeg.com Link copied from Graffeg.com Cefais fy magu yn nhref hanesyddol Conwy, ar arfordir Gogledd Cymru ac felly fe fu’r cysylltiad â’r môr yno erioed. Bob dydd wrth deithio i’r gwaith, gallaf weld goleudy Penmon yn sefyll yn gadarn rhwng Ynys Seiriol ac Ynys Môn fel angel gwarcheidiol. Doedd hi fawr o syndod felly, fod llyfr sy’n sôn am y môr yn mynd i apelio’n syth. A hefyd - mae ‘na jest rywbeth rhyfeddol am oleudai- ‘da chi’n cytuno? Yn gyntaf, rhaid sôn am y clawr a’r arlunwaith. Mae darluniau Andrew Whitson yn hudolus ac yn gelfydd. Mae dyfnder i’r gwaith a dwi’n sicr y bydd plant yn mwynhau eu hastudio ac ymgolli ym myd morwrol Mari. Ar ôl darllen y stori’r tro cyntaf, mi es i’n ôl eilwaith i gael ail-fwynhau’r lluniau hardd. Mae Mali wedi hen arfer gyda golau’r goleudy yn fflachio’n rheolaidd bob nos, yn ddi-ffael ac mae’n arferiad ganddi gyfri’r saib rhwng y fflachiadau. Mae’n siŵr fod ‘na gysur i’w gael o wybod ei fod o yno bob nos. Ond, un noson fe sylweddola Mali nad yw’r goleudy wedi ei oleuo, sy’n beth rhyfedd dros ben... Ar unwaith fe aiff Mari i nôl ei Mam, a gyda'i chyfaill, Dylan, fe aiff y tri ar frys i ymchwilio beth sydd o’i le. Mae lluniau Andrew Whitson yn cyfleu cyffro a brys y tywydd garw a’r tonnau tymhestlog yn effeithiol. Cyn hir, fe ddarganfyddant fod Gerallt, ceidwad y goleudy wedi cael pwl o salwch. Tybed fydd Mali a’i chriw yn gallu cyd-weithio i achub y dydd? (neu’r nos i fod yn hollol gywir!) Mae digon o antur a chyffro i’w gael yn y stori wrth i Mali helpu ceidwad y goleudy a bydd yr elfen o beryg i’r pysgotwyr yn siŵr o sicrhau fod darllenwyr ar dân i gael gwybod os fydd hi’n llwyddiannus ai peidio. Llwydda’r awdur i’n cael ni fel darllenwyr i falio am y cymeriadau. Ond yn fwy ‘na’r antur a’r cyffro, mae’r awdur wedi cyfleu’r gymuned glos sy’n bodoli ar yr ynys yn dda. Mae pawb mor barod yno i helpu ei gilydd ac mae hyn yn neges bwysig i’w rannu â darllenwyr ifanc. Mae iaith y llyfr yn syml sy’n gwneud stori dda i riant a phlentyn fwynhau amser gwely. Does dim byd brafiach na gwrando ar y gwynt a’r glaw yn chwythu tu allan a chithau’n glyd dan y cynfas! Dyma stori annwyl a theimladwy am gymuned sy’n dod at ei gilydd pan fo’r angen ac mae digon o gyfleoedd trafod a all ddeillio o’r stori am draddodiadau morwrol fel goleudai a bywyd ar y môr (sydd efallai’n rhywbeth dieithr i blant ifanc heddiw). Mae’r stori hyfryd a’r lluniau bendigedig yn cyd-fynd i greu llyfr hardd iawn y gellir ei drysori a’i fwynhau dro ar ôl tro. Ydi, mae’r llyfr clawr-caled yn ddrytach na rhai llyfrau eraill cymharol, ond mae’n lyfr o ansawdd uchel ac yn werth y gost ychwanegol yn fy nhyb i. Y newyddion da yw bod mwy o lyfrau i chi fwynhau yn y gyfres yma... Having been raised in the medieval town of Conwy on the North Wales coast, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the sea. Every day whilst travelling to work, I can see the Penmon Lighthouse standing proud between Puffin Island and Anglesey as a guardian angel to seamen. It was therefore hardly surprising that a book based around the sea was going to immediately appeal. Also, there’s just something wonderous about lighthouses in general – don’t you think? Firstly, I must mention the cover and artwork contained inside. Andrew Whitson’s illustrations are rich, textured and pleasing to the eye. There is depth to his work and I'm sure children will enjoy studying the pictures closely and immersing themselves in Mali’s maritime world. After reading the story the first time, I went back for a second glance and those wonderful pictures. They almost remind me of a Disney Pixar animation. Mali is accustomed to the lighthouse sending out it’s powerful beams of light regularly each night. She normally counts the space of time before the next flash, and she knows it will be there, come rain or shine. I think she derives comfort from this. One night, things take a most unexpected turn... the lighthouse does not shine. Very strange indeed. Mali goes to fetch her Mum at once, and together with her friend, Dylan, they urgently go to investigate the cause. Andrew Whitson's pictures convey the excitement, urgency and the harsh weather conditions very well. They soon discover that Gerallt, the lighthouse keeper, has been taken ill, and they must help by working together to achieve a successful outcome for Mali’s Father, a local fisherman. Will they manage to save the day? (or night to be more accurate!) There’s plenty of adventure and excitement to be found in the story as Mali & co fight to re-start the lighthouse. The mild element of peril to the fishermen will be sure to engage readers who will be keen to find out what happens. The writer expertly gets us emotionally invested in the story but more than this, he conveys the close-knit community that exists on the island. Everyone is on hand to help each other in times of need and this is an important message to share with young readers. The language of the book is simple and makes a good story for a parent and child to enjoy at bedtime. There’s nothing cosier and more relaxing than snuggling up under the covers listening to the heavy rain and howling wind blowing outside. This is a lovely story about a small community that comes together when required and there’s plenty of discussion opportunities that can arise from the reading. Perhaps lighthouses in general will be unfamiliar to younger children? Mali is a brave and resourceful character, but the main message here is teamwork. The lovely story and the wonderful pictures go hand in hand to create a very beautiful hardback book that can be cherished and enjoyed time and again. Yes, hardbacks are a bit pricier than your average children’s book – but the quality look and feel makes it worth it in my view. The good news is that there are more books in this series for you to enjoy… Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Graffeg Cyhoeddwyd/published: July 2020 Pris: £12.99 Ffurf/fformat: Hardback ISBN: 9781913634179 AM YR AWDUR A'R ARLUNYDD Mae dros gant o lyfrau Malachy Doyle wedi cael eu cyhoeddi, o lyfrau bwrdd i'r plant lleiaf i nofelau afaelgar i ddarllenwyr yn eu harddegau. Mae wedi ennill nifer o wobrau pwysig, ac mae ei lyfrau wedi'u cyfieithu i ryw ddeg ar hugain o ieithoedd. Yn ogystal â'r ddwy stori flaenorol yng nghyfres Mali, Mali a'r Môr Stormus a Mali a'r Morfil, rhai o'i deitlau diweddar eraill yw Miracle of Hanukkah, Rama and Sita, Jack and the Jungle a Big Bad Biteasaurus (Bloomsbury), Fug and the Thumps (Firefly), Cinderfella (Walker Books) a Ootch Cootch (Graffeg), wedi'i ddarlunio gan ei ferch, Hannah Doyle. Daw Andrew Whitson o Belfast ac mae'n artist arobryn sy'n hoffi cael ei alw'n Mr Ando! Mae Mr Ando wedi darlunio dros ugain o lyfrau o dan ei enw ei hun. Y diweddaraf o'r rhain yw llyfrau cyfres Mali gyda Malachy Doyle, a chyfres arobryn Rita, sef llyfrau stori-a-llun, gyda Myra Zepf. ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR Malachy Doyle has over 100 children's books published by leading English, Welsh and Irish publishers, from picture books to teenage novels. His work has been translated into 27 languages and he is a previous winner of the Tir na n-Og Award (Georgie), the Nestle Children's Book Award (The Dancing Tiger), the English Association Award for Non-Fiction (Cow) and many other awards in the UK and USA. Andrew Whitson has illustrated books on various aspects of Irish mythology including The Creatures of Celtic Myth, The Field Guide to Irish Fairies and The Dark Spirit. In 2011, Andrew received the Bisto honorary award for book illustration. LLYFRAU ERAILL YN Y GYFRES/ OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES: Mali a’r môr Stormus Mali a’r Morfil Mali a’r Cloi Mawr Mali a’r Goleudy

*Scroll down for English* Stori am yr aliens gwyrdd oedd isio bod yn binc. Story about the green aliens who wanted to be pink. Genre: llyfr lluniau, #moesol / Picture book, #moral Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◉ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◉ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty: ◉◉◎◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★★ Lawrlwythwch gopi PDF o'r stori YMA: Download a PDF copy of the story here: Click link below. Wrth i’r newyddion am y digwyddiadau erchyll ein cyrraedd o’r Amerig am George Floyd, y dyn du a gafodd ei ladd gan heddwas gwyn, efallai fod hyn yn amser da i dynnu eich sylw at lyfr addas i blant am ragfarn a hiliaeth. Mae’r protestiadau sy’n digwydd ar draws y byd fel rhan o’r ymgyrch #blacklivesmatter yn dangos fod llawer o waith eto i’w wneud i gael gwared â hiliaeth, rhagfarn ac anghydraddoldeb. Dwi ond yn gobeithio y bydd y genhedlaeth newydd o blant ifanc yn llawer mwy goddefgar o’i gilydd na fuon ni. Cofiwch, tydi plant ddim yn cael eu geni â rhagfarn - mae o’n cael ei ddysgu. Yn yr un modd ag y mae’n bosib dysgu a magu casineb, mae hi hefyd yn bosib lledaenu negeseuon positif am gariad a heddwch. Dyna pam dwi wrth fy modd gyda llyfrau sy’n dathlu ein tebygrwydd a’n gwahaniaethau; sy’n ein dysgu i barchu a charu ein gilydd. Mae ’na dipyn go lew o lyfrau newydd wedi eu cyhoeddi’n ddiweddar sy’n gwneud jest y peth, ond, mae ’na un ‘clasur’ o 1990 sy’n enghraifft dda iawn. Tybed os oes ’na blant o’r 90au yn cofio ‘Y Bobol Fach Wyrdd’ gan Mai Parri? Dwi wedi colli cownt o sawl tro y clywais i’r stori mewn gwasanaethau yn yr ysgol gynradd ac mae’r neges wedi aros gyda mi ers hynny. Ydi, mae’r llyfr wedi dyddio mymryn ond mae’r neges mor bwysig ag erioed. Cyfres o lyfrau i ddarllenwyr ifanc oedd ‘Prosiect 3D’ (Denu, Difyrru, Darllen) a gomisiynwyd ar ôl i Bwyllgor Cymru dderbyn grant gan y Swyddfa Gymreig bryd hynny, i greu adnoddau newydd. Athrawon greodd y llyfrau, a wir i chi, mi wnaethon nhw job mor dda, mae’r llyfrau i’w gweld hyd heddiw yn ein hysgolion ac yn dal i gael defnydd cyson. [Ocê, ella fod hyn fwy i wneud efo cyllidebau ysgolion wedi cael eu torri cymaint nad oes ganddyn nhw lawer o bres i brynu llyfrau newydd, ond ta waeth, wna i ddim dechrau mwydro am y politics, neu yma fyddwn ni.] Mae’n dod â gwên i fy wyneb pan dw i’n gweld y llyfrau yma’n dal i gael eu defnyddio yn ein hysgolion (fatha Bili Broga) ac yn amlwg maen nhw’n rai o safon os ydyn nhw wedi para cyhyd. Stori yw hon am aliens bach gwyrdd sy’n dod o outer-space i chwilio am help Meri a’i thaid am fod rhai ohonynt wedi laru ar fod yn wyrdd. Mae ambell un yn newid lliw eu croen er mwyn bod yn binc. Ar ôl ‘pincio’, maen nhw’n troi eu cefnau ar eu cymdogion gwyrdd ac yn meddwl eu bod nhw’n well. Yna, fe gawn dudalen sy’n reit shocking yn fy marn i gan eu bod nhw wedi codi ffens weiren bigog fawr i wahanu’r ddwy gymdeithas, gan ein hatgoffa o wal Donald Trump neu'r Berlin Wall. Y peth mwyaf brawychus am yr arwyddion ‘lle ni’ a ‘lle chi’ wrth gwrs, yw bod segregation o’i fath i gyd wedi digwydd go iawn yn y gorffennol. Dwi’n siŵr y bydd plant yn gallu gweld pam fod hyn mor ofnadwy o gas, annheg ac annerbyniol. Mae’r bobl binc yn meddwl mai nhw yw’r gorau, tan i rywbeth wenwyno’r tir, y pridd a’u gwneud yn sâl. Maen nhw’n newynu cyn i’r bobl wyrdd ddod i’w helpu, gofalu amdanynt, a’u croesawu’n ôl i’w cymdeithas werdd er gwaetha’r ffaith fod y bobl binc wedi eu trin nhw’n annheg. Erbyn y diwedd, mae’r cyn-bincwyr wedi dysgu eu gwers, yn sylweddoli fod bywyd yn well pan mae pawb yn cefnogi ei gilydd, ac mae pawb yn cyd-fyw’n ddedwydd. Y dudalen olaf yw’r gorau gan ei bod yn crynhoi neges bwysig iawn iawn. Ella fod ’na rai ohonom ni’n fawr, rhai’n fach, rhai’n ddu, rhai’n wyn, rhai’n dal, rhai’n fyr, ond rydym ni i gyd yn bobl. Dyma stori wych i’w rhannu gyda phlant ifanc gan ei bod yn trafod testun dwys mewn ffordd ddealladwy ac yn codi amryw o bwyntiau trafod. Ydi hi’n bryd i’w hail gyhoeddi? As our newsfeeds are filled with the terrible events from the USA about George Floyd, a black man killed by a white policeman, perhaps this is an appropriate time to draw your attention to a child-friendly book about prejudice, racism and class. The protests that are taking place across the globe as part of the #blacklivesmatter campaign show that there is still much work to be done to eradicate racism, prejudice and inequality. I only hope that the new generation of young children will be more tolerant of each other than our generation. Remember, children are not born with prejudice – it is learned. In the same way that it is possible to teach and preach hatred, it is also possible to spread positive messages about love and peace. That's why I love books that celebrate our similarities and differences; that teach us to love and respect each other. There have been a lot of great new books published recently that do just that, but, today, I want to talk about a ‘classic’ from 1990 which is a good example. I wonder if there are 90s children out there who remember ‘Y Bobl Fach Wyrdd’ by Mai Parri [The Little Green People] I’ve lost count of the times that I heard the story in assemblies in Primary School but obviously the message has stayed with me since. Yes, you could say the book is slightly out of date by now, but on the whole it still stands up pretty well - the message is as important now as it ever was. 'Project 3D' (attracting, entertaining, reading) was a series of books for young readers that were commissioned after the Welsh Committee received a grant from what was then known as the Welsh Office, to create new resources. Teachers created the books, and honestly, they did such a good job, the books can still be found today in our schools and are still used regularly. [Ok, maybe the fact that they are still being used is more to do with the fact that school budgets have been cut so much, they don’t have money to buy the new books, but anyway, I won't go into the politics, or we’ll be here awhile…] It does bring a smile to my face when I see these books still being used and cherished (such as Bili Broga) and they were obviously of a good standard if they have lasted for so long. This is a story about small green aliens from outer-space who come to look for help from Meri and her grandfather because some of them are sick of being green. Some of them change the colour of their skin in order to be pink. After 'pinking up', they turn their backs on their green neighbours and start to think that they are better. We then get what is in my view, a rather shocking page which shows they have erected a large barbed wire fence to separate the two societies. (reminding us somewhat of Donald Trump's wall or the Berlin Wall). The scariest thing about the ‘your place’ and ‘our place’ signs is that this kind of segregation is all based on real events from history. I’m sure that children will be able to see why this is so terribly nasty, unfair and unacceptable. The pink people think they are the best, until something poisons the land and soil, causing them to become sick. They are starving until the green people come to their rescue, taking care and nurturing them back to health. They welcome the separatists back to green society despite the ill treatment they received. By the end, the former pinksters have learned their lesson, and have come to realise that life is better when everyone supports each other; co-habitating happily. The last page is my favourite as it summarises the book’s key message. Some of us may be big, others small, some black, some white, some tall, some short, BUT we are ALL people. This is a great story to read with young children as it discusses what is a complicated subject in an understandable way and does raise many valuable discussion opportunities. Could it do with being re-published? Gwasg/publisher: Gwasg Taf Cyf. Rhyddhawyd/released: 1990 Ar gael/available: Allan o brint / out of print - library loan only

*Scroll down for English* Brwydr rhwng y gweithwyr a pherchnogion y pyllau. A battle between the workers and the pit-owners. Genre: #hanesyddol #hanes #ffuglen #glo / #historical #history #fiction #coal Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◉ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◎◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◉◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◉◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★☆☆ Hogyn o Ogledd Cymru ydw i, ac er mod i’n nabod fy milltir sgwâr yn reit dda, dwi wedi rhyfeddu cyn lleied dwi’n gwybod am rannau eraill o Gymru, yn enwedig De Cymru. Mi wnes i fwynhau nofel hanesyddol ddiwethaf Myrddin, Y Goron yn y Chwarel, ac felly penderfynais roi cynnig ar Drws Du yn Nhonypandy - er mwyn cael dysgu dipyn am ardal lofaol Cwm Rhondda, tref Tonypandy. Erbyn heddiw, mae strydoedd Tonypandy yn edrych yn debyg iawn i nifer o drefi eraill – ond os edrychwch yn ddigon agos, mae tystiolaeth o’r diwydiant glo yn parhau – gadawodd ei farc mewn mwy nag un ffordd. Mae glo yn rhan annatod o’r ardal, ac fe adnabyddir Tonypandy bellach fel safle’r ‘1910 Riots.’ Yn bersonol, ni wyddwn am y digwyddiad yma ynghynt, a dwi wedi dysgu llawer o ddarllen y llyfr. Mae’n amlwg fod yr awdur wedi gwneud ei waith cartref – dwi’n siŵr ei fod o wedi mwynhau darllen a siarad gydag unigolion wrth baratoi at y gwaith ’sgwennu. Mae’r nofel yn seiliedig ar ddigwyddiadau go iawn, ac yn cynnwys cyfeiriadau at ambell berson go iawn, ond ffuglen yw e. Dwi wrth fy modd gyda mapiau, ac mi oeddwn i’n hapus fod rhai wedi cael eu cynnwys ar ddechrau’r nofel. I roi cyd-destun ehangach, cawn restr enwau hefyd– syniad da iawn o ystyried nifer y cymeriadau yn y stori, ac roedd yn help i mi ‘gadw trac’ fel petai. Gwerthfawrogais y ‘Nodyn gan yr Awdur’ ar ddiwedd y stori hefyd, sy’n hynod ddiddorol a defnyddiol i roi cyd-destun hanesyddol i ddigwyddiadau’r nofel. Dilynwn hanes Guto Lewis, bachgen pedair ar ddeg oed, sydd ar fin cychwyn gweithio yn un o’r pyllau glo, fel gweddill y dynion yn ei deulu. Yn rhan gynta’r nofel, cawn wybod mwy am fywyd Guto, ei deulu a’r gymuned. Diolch i waith disgrifio manwl gan yr awdur, cawn gyflwyniad da i fywyd yng Nghwm Rhondda yn ystod y cyfnod. Down i wybod am beryglon y gwaith wrth i un o’r cymdogion gael ei anafu’n ddifrifol yn y lofa. Rhywbeth oedd yn gyffredin iawn yn y cyfnod: “Roedd y diwydiant yn un peryglus. Câi dros 50 o lowyr eu lladd bob blwyddyn yng Nghwm Rhondda rhwng 1900–1910." Mae’r awdur yn llwyddo i gyfleu’r amodau byw yn y cyfnod yn effeithiol iawn, a rhoddir llawer o sylw i’r manylion. Mae’r tai yn fychan iawn, ac mae pawb yn byw ar ben ei gilydd - does dim hyd yn oed digon o welyau i bawb. Clywn am yr adeiladau gwael, y dŵr budur, y tir lithriadau a’r llygod mawr sydd i gyd yn gwneud i mi werthfawrogi'r cyfleusterau moethus sydd gennym heddiw - a dwi’n eithaf balch nad ydw i’n löwr. Mae cyflwr cyrff y glowyr yn dyst ei fod o’n fywoliaeth galed a didrugaredd! Yn ogystal, mae afiechydon yn teithio’n sydyn drwy’r Cwm, ac roedd y disgrifiad ohonynt fel rhyw fath o anghenfil sinistr yn effeithiol: “tamprwydd yn y tir yn cerdded drwy’r waliau i’w hysgyfaint”. Cyfeiria hyn wrth gwrs at Diptheria, neu’r Clefyd Coch, a oedd yn lladd nifer. Pan syrthiai brawd Guto, Llew, yn sâl, clywn am effaith dychrynllyd y cyflwr: “O bellter, gallai Guto graffu a gweld cnawd gwyn trwchus fel afon dew o rew o gwmpas cloch y gwddw a’r bibell wynt.” Swnia fel rhywbeth annifyr iawn - diolch i’r drefn am vaccines! Gwyddwn eisoes fod bywyd y dynion yn galed gan iddynt dreulio oriau hir dan ddaear mewn amodau llai na delfrydol, ond cawn ein hatgoffa hefyd o ba mor galed oedd bywyd y merched- y nhw oedd yn gorfod gwneud y gwaith tŷ a chynnal y teulu cyfan wrth grafu byw. Un peth sy’n dod drosodd yn gryf yn y nofel yw pa mor glos yw’r gymdeithas yn y Rhondda – rhywbeth sydd dal yn wir hyd heddiw. Ymgartrefodd nifer o Eidalwyr yng Nghymru yn ystod y 20fed ganrif, ac roedd cynnwys y teulu Bertorelli yn dangos fod Cymru’n wlad amlddiwylliannol, hyd yn oed bryd hynny. Mi ddysgais ’chydig o Eidaleg hefyd wrth ddarllen! Erbyn canol y nofel, er bod y cynnwys yn ddiddorol, dechreuais ofyn i mi fy hun beth oedd y prif ddigwyddiad a phryd oedd o am ddigwydd? Yn sydyn iawn, fe aiff pethau’n flêr iawn yn Nhonypandy wrth i eiddo gael eu difrodi ac i lawer o bobl gael eu hanafu mewn gwrthdaro cas â’r Heddlu – sefyllfa digon brawychus. Heb ddweud gormod, (i ddysgu mwy cewch chi brynu’r llyfr!) cwffio am well cyflog ac amodau gweithio oedden nhw. Roedd y gweithwyr mewn brwydr gyda pherchenogion y glofeydd; oedd wedi cynllwynio ers blynyddoedd i gadw cyflogau’n isel. Yn anffodus, aflwyddiannus fu’r streic yn y pen draw, ac ar ôl llawer o ddioddef a thlodi, bu raid i’r gweithwyr ddychwelyd i’r gwaith a derbyn cynnig y perchnogion. Cydymdeimlwn â’r glowyr yn eu brwydr yn erbyn y perchnogion. Cant eu hecsploetio a’u trin yn wael ganddynt a does ryfedd fod y sefyllfa wedi ffrwydro yn y diwedd. Ffeindiais fy hun yn wyllt gacwn ar sawl achlysur wrth ddarllen am y fath anghyfiawnder! Roedd perchennog y siop, Wilkins, yn enghraifft dda o rywun oedd yn haeddu cweir go iawn! Dwi hefyd yn deall rŵan pam nad oedd fawr o groeso i Winston Churchill yn Ne Cymru wedi digwyddiadau 1910 a dwi’n ei weld mewn goleuni newydd erbyn hyn. Tybed a yw credoau gwleidyddol yr awdur i’w gweld yn y stori, ac ydi o’n siarad â ni drwy’r cymeriadau? Fel y glowyr a feiddiodd frwydro am well hawliau, tybed a yw’r nofel yn symbol o’n cenedl ni heddiw? O ystyried agwedd ddirmygus San Steffan tuag at Gymru, efallai fod ’na wirionedd yng ngeiriau Gwyneth Mas o’r Ffordd: “Weda i hyn wrthot ti, dyw Prydain Fawr ddim fawr o help iti os mai un o blant y cwm wyt ti.” Dyfarniad Mae’r cynnwys hanesyddol a’r ffeithiau a gynhwysir yn y nofel yma’n rhyfeddol. Llwydda’r awdur i wehyddu sawl is-naratif i’r brif stori, a chawn lyfr ‘prysur’ iawn o ganlyniad, os nad mymryn yn ddryslyd ar brydiau (i ddarllenwyr iau). Bydd defnydd o dafodiaith yr ardal yn apelio at rai, ac mae’n ychwanegu at ddilysrwydd y nofel - ac nid yw’n rhy anodd i’r ‘Gogs’ ei ddeall chwaith. Does dim oedran wedi ei awgrymu ar wefan y wasg, ond fel cyn-athro Bl.5 a 6, dwi’n meddwl y byddai’r nofel tu hwnt i afael y mwyafrif, heb law am y darllenwyr mwyaf aeddfed. Byddai cynulleidfa hŷn yr ysgolion uwchradd yn gwerthfawrogi’r nofel yma’n fwy dwi’n meddwl. Dwi’n falch fod Gwasg Carreg Gwalch yn cyhoeddi cymaint o nofelau â gogwydd Cymreig iddynt. Bydd y llyfr yma’n ddefnyddiol iawn ar gyfer astudio hanes Cymru yn y Cwricwlwm newydd. I’m a North Wales lad, and although I know my patch quite well, it’s amazing how little I know about other parts of Wales, particularly South Wales. I enjoyed Myrddin's last historic novel, Y Goron yn y Chwarel, and so I decided to give Drws Du Yn Nhonypandy a go. The hope was, that I learn a thing or two about Cwm Rhondda and its coal mining history. Today, the streets of Tonypandy look very similar to many other towns – but if you look closely enough, evidence from bygone days is all around– coal has left its mark in more ways than one. Tonypandy is today remembered as the site of the '1910 Riots.' I had never heard of these until now, and I was eager to find out more... It’s obvious that the author has done his homework – I'm sure that he enjoyed reading and talking to individuals in preparation for the writing. The novel is based on real events, and includes references to a few real people, but it is fiction. I love maps, and I was happy that some had been included at the beginning of the novel. To give some background information, we also get a name list – a very good idea given the number of characters in the story, and it helped me to 'keep track.’ I also appreciated the ‘Note by the author' at the end of the story, which not only gave more context, but is extremely interesting. We follow Guto Lewis, a fourteen-year-old boy, who is about to start working in one of the mines, like the other men in his family. In the first part of the novel, we find out more about Guto’s life, family and the community. Thanks to detailed descriptive work by the author, we get a good glimpse of day to day life during the period. We learn of the dangers of mining as one of the neighbours is seriously injured in the colliery. Something was very common in the period. The author tells us of the living conditions of the mining families, and there’s a lot of attention to detail. The houses are very small, and everyone is crammed on top of each other. Without enough rooms and beds for everyone, as the men work shift, they share the beds – a form of hotbedding. We hear about the poor quality of the buildings, the dirty water, frequent landslides and rats - all make me appreciate the modern-day luxuries we enjoy today. It also makes me pretty glad I’m not a miner. Their bruised and battered bodies is proof enough of how tough it was. Disease and illnesses spread quickly through the valley, and the sinister description of the mould working it’s way into the lungs of the residents was akin to a monster. This refers of course to Diptheria, which killed many. When Guto's brother, Llew, falls ill, we hear about the condition in graphic detail. Thank goodness for vaccines is all I say! We already know that the men's lives are tough because they spend long hours underground in less than ideal conditions, but we are also reminded of how hard the women work – doing housework and caring for the family, all whilst scraping a living. One thing that really comes across in the novel is what a tight-knit community it is in the Rhondda- something that’s still true today. A number of Italians settled in Wales during the 20th century, and the inclusion of the Bertorelli family shows us that Wales was a multicultural country, even then. I learned a little Italian whilst reading too! By mid-novel, although I was still intrigued by the historical content, I did begin to ask myself where was the novel going? But then, all of a sudden, things get quite messy in Tonypandy as riots break out, property is damaged which results in some ferocious clashes with the constabulary. Without going into detail (you’ll have to read the book!) the workers were fighting for more rights-to receive a basic payment of 2 shillings and 9 pence per tonne of coal. The workers were locked in battle with colliery owners who had conspired for years to keep wages low. The miners wanted a better standard of living and, of course, this was something worth fighting for. Unfortunately, the strike was unsuccessful, and after much suffering and poverty, the workers had to return to work and accept a reduced offer. The miners were manipulated, exploited and treated quite badly on the whole so its no wonder the situation exploded in the end. I found myself getting really wound up on numerous occasions because of the injustices of it all! Wilkins, the grocer is a prime example of someone that deserved a punch in the face! I now also realise why Winston Churchill got such a frosty reception in South Wales following these events, and I think I see him in a different light now. I wonder if the author's political leanings come across in the story, as if he is talking to us through the characters? Is the miners struggle for better conditions, against the regime symbolic of our Nation today? Given Westminster's contemptuous attitude towards Wales, there may be some truth in Gwyneth’s words: "I’ll tell you this, Great Britain is not much help if you’re one of valley children.” Verdict The historical content contained in this novel is remarkable but I wouldn’t say the plot was action-packed. The author successfully weaves several sub-narratives into the main story, and as a result we get a ‘busy' book, if not a tad confusing at times (for younger readers anyway). Use of the local dialect will appeal to some, and certainly adds authenticity to the novel- it’s not too difficult for the ‘Gogs’ to understand either. I can’t find a suggested age on the publisher’s website, but as a former Yr 5&6 teacher, I think the novel would be beyond their grasp, apart from the most mature of readers. An older audience (secondary school age) would better appreciate this novel, I think. I am pleased that Gwasg Carreg Gwalch publishes so many Welsh historical novels and I can see this book being very popular as part of the new curriculum. Gwasg/publisher: Carreg Gwalch Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2020 Pris: £7.99

*Scroll down for English* Bachgen yn hiraethu am ei ffrind gorau. Story about a boy who's missing his best friend. Based on a true story. Genre: llyfr lluniau, #iechyd #lles / Picture book, #health #wellbeing Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◉◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◎◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★☆ Dyma'r Jack go iawn yn hapus gyda'r llyfr wedi ei gyhoeddi! Here's the real Jack - really happy with the published book! Tedi-bêr y Sêr is the Welsh adaptation of Bear Shapes (Oxford University Press) Wel, roedd rhaid i mi frwydro i gadw’r dagrau’n ôl wrth ddarllen Tedi Bêr y Sêr. Dyma lyfr cyntaf yr awdur/arlunydd Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden, sydd wedi cael ei addasu’n llwyddiannus iawn i’r Gymraeg gan Non Tudur. Oeddech chi’n gwybod fod y llyfr yma’n seiliedig ar stori hollol wir? Yn gymharol ddiweddar fe gollodd bachgen ifanc awtistig ei ffrind gorau’n y byd – ei dedi bêr. Roedd y bachgen bach mor ddigalon ar ôl colli ei gyfaill, fe aeth ei Dad ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol i rannu’r stori, ac roedd yr ymateb cyhoeddus yn syfrdanol i ddweud y lleiaf. Anfonodd llawer iawn o bobl anrhegion a negeseuon calonogol i’r bachgen oedd mewn gymaint o boen. Mae’n ffantastig meddwl fod pobl yn gallu bod mor hael a charedig gyda’i gilydd pan fo’r angen. Darllenwch erthygl papur newydd am y stori go iawn yma cyn parhau â’r adolygiad: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5629417/Fathers-plea-devastated-son-loses-favourite-bear-goes-viral.html Roedd Jac yn gwneud pob dim gyda’i ffrind gorau, y tedi bêr. Mae’r tedi yn fwy na thegan meddal - mae’n gyfaill triw ac yn help enfawr wrth i Jac fynd allan i wynebu’r byd mawr dryslyd. Er enghraifft, pan yn swil, mae Jac yn siarad drwy’r tedi. Un diwrnod, ar ôl bod yn y parc, mae’r gwaethaf yn digwydd – mae tedi’n mynd ar goll. Llwydda’r awdur i gyfleu trasiedi’r digwyddiad a’r effaith fawr a gafodd hyn ar y bachgen. Gallwn weld ei fod mewn poen a’i fod yn dioddef ar ôl y golled. Dwi’n teimlo’n swp sâl ar ôl colli unrhyw eiddo – hyd yn oed eitem fach – felly i Jac, mae colli ffrind yn teimlo fel diwedd y byd. Yn y llyfr, yn hytrach na defnyddio’r cyfryngau cymdeithasol, mae Jac yn creu posteri, ac er na ddaw’r tedi i’r golwg, mae llawer o bobl ddieithr o bob cwr o’r byd yn anfon tedi bêrs newydd iddo yn ogystal â nodiadau caredig. Mae’n gwneud i rywun deimlo mor hapus a balch fod pobl yn gallu bod mor glên gyda’i gilydd. Er fod gan Jac dwll ‘siâp tedi’ mawr yn ei galon, gydag amser mae pethau’n dechrau gwella. Wrth i bethau wella, dechreua deimlo dros bobl eraill sy’n dioddef. O ganlyniad, mae’n penderfynu rhannu’r holl dedi bêrs mae o wedi’u derbyn gyda phlant eraill llai ffodus. Dyma neges bwysig, sef y gall helpu eraill wneud i ni deimlo’n well hefyd. Mae’r ddwy dudalen olaf yn llawn emosiwn – cymysgedd o dristwch a hapusrwydd wrth i Jac barhau â’i fywyd gan gofio’r amseroedd da gyda tedi, ond gan ddod i dderbyn na fydd yno gydag ef eto – dim ond yn ei atgofion ac yn ei galon. Dyma lyfr stori a llun sy’n gweithio ar sawl lefel. Bydd y plant lleiaf yn gallu uniaethu â’r teimladau sydd ynghlwm â cholli hoff degan fel tedi, ond hefyd, gweithreda’r llyfr fel trosiad am ddelio â cholled neu brofedigaeth. Y prif neges a geir yn y llyfr yw bod amseroedd trist a chaled yn dod yn dilyn colled agos, ond y bydd pethau’n siŵr o wella yn y pen draw gydag amser. Rydym yn gorfod derbyn nad yw bob tro’n bosib cael rhywbeth neu rywun yn ôl, ond byddwn yn trysori’r amseroedd da am byth. Dyma stori annwyl, hardd ac emosiynol sy’n sbardun ar gyfer trafod profedigaeth neu golled gyda phlant ifanc mewn ffordd sensitif a dealladwy. Gall hefyd gynnig cyfle i drafod awtistiaeth, er mai subtle iawn yw’r cyfeiriadau at y cyflwr. Well, I won’t lie - I had to fight to hold back the tears back whilst reading Tedi-bêr y Sêr. This is the first book by author/illustrator Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden, that has been very successfully adapted into Welsh by Non Tudur. Did you know that this book is based on a true story? Relatively recently, a young autistic boy lost his best friend in the whole world – his teddy. The little boy was so distraught after losing his buddy, that his Dad went on social media to share the story, and the public response was astounding to say the least. Loads of total strangers rallied round to send the boy lots of new teddies and heart-warming messages of support. It’s fantastic to think that people can be so generous and kind to each other in times of need. If you like, read the newspaper article about the story before you continue with the review: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5629417/Fathers-plea-devastated-son-loses-favourite-bear-goes-viral.html Jac did absolutely everything with his best friend, who was much more than just a soft-toy. Tedi is a loyal companion who helps Jac face our mad, chaotic world. For example, when he’s feeling shy or nervous, Jac feels more comfortable speaking through Tedi. One day, after a visit to the park, the unimaginable happens – teddy goes missing. The author manages to convey the tragedy of the event and the great impact it has on the boy. We can clearly see his pain and distress following the loss. I tend to feel sick to my stomach when I lose any of my belongings – even a small item – so when Tedi disappears, it feels like the end of the world to Jac. In the book, instead of using social media, Jac creates posters, and although teddy never comes to light, he instead receives gifts and messages from strangers all over the world. You can’t help but feel touched by people’s kindness and generosity. Although Jac still has a large 'teddy-shaped' hole in his heart, with time, things begin to improve. Jac starts to feel for other people who are less fortunate or are suffering in some way or another. As a result, he decides to share all the gifts he received with them. This is an important message, that helping others can also make us feel better. The last two pages are heart wrenching and emotional– a mixture of sadness and happiness as Jac goes on with his life - remembering the good times he had with Teddy, but also accepting that teddy will no longer be there– only in his memory. So, in one way, he will always be with him. This is a story picture book that works on many levels. The smallest children will be able to identify with the feelings associated with losing a favourite toy like teddy, but the book also acts as a metaphor for dealing with loss or bereavement. One of the main messages contained in the book is that sad and hard times inevitably come following a close loss, but things will get better in time. We have to accept that it’s not always possible to get something or someone back, but we can always cherish the good times. We have here a beautifully illustrated and heart-warming book – the perfect instigator for a discussion about grief and loss. The book raises these issues in a sensitive and understandable manner. It can also serve as an opportunity to discuss autism, although the references to it are quite subtle. Gwasg/publisher: Rily Rhyddhawyd/released: 2019 Pris: £6.99

*Scroll down for English* Mae anifeiliaid yn lot haws na phobl... Animals are so much easier than people... Genre: #ffuglen #amrwyiaeth #hiliaeth / #fiction #diversity #racism Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◉ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◉ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◉◉◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★☆ ✿ TRWYN MEWN LLYFR GYDA MAGW JÊN: ADOLYGIAD DISGYBL BL.5 ✿ Cyflwynir drwy ganiatâd Y Lolfa ADOLYGIAD MORGAN DAFYDD Beth sy’n digwydd yn y llyfr? (Y Plot) Mae Sara Mai yn byw gyda’i Mam, ei Thad, a’i brawd Seb - ond nid teulu cyffredin mohonynt! Maen nhw’n rhedeg sw ac yn byw ar y safle sy’n rhoi cyfleoedd arbennig ac unigryw i Sara Mai - faint o bobl sy’n gallu dweud fod nhw’n rhannu eu cartref gyda chymaint o anifeiliaid anhygoel? Mae Sara Mai yn dallt anifeiliaid yn iawn, ac mae'r sw yn well na phobl - mae gormod o reolau dryslyd anweledig gyda phobl! Mae hi’n cael trafferth ‘ffitio i mewn’ yn yr ysgol, ac mae merch newydd ym mlwyddyn 5, Leila, yn gwneud bywyd yn anodd iddi. Mae hi’n gwneud ei gorau i lywio Cors Fochno’r (minefield) buarth a’r dosbarth, ond tydi hi methu deall pam fod rhai pobl mor gas. Beth fydd yn digwydd tybed pan mae ei hathro’n ei gosod mewn grŵp gweithio gyda’r bwli?! Wrth i’r nofel fynd yn ei flaen, mae’r sw yn cael newyddion ofnadwy fod ‘dyn busnes’ dirgel eisiau prynu’r tir er mwyn ei ddatblygu a throi'r sw yn ganolfan siopa! O na!! Bydd rhaid i Sara Mai wneud rhywbeth reit handi os ydi hi am achub y sw! Darllenwch y stori er mwyn ffeindio allan os yw hi’n llwyddiannus a beth yw ei chynllun arbennig?! Pryd cafodd y stori ei osod? Mae’r stori wedi cael ei osod yn Ne Cymru yn y presennol yn y byd go iawn. (hynny ydi – nid mewn byd hudol) Oedd ‘na gymeriadau da? Mae Sara Mai, y prif gymeriad, yn un hoffus iawn ac yn unigryw iawn gan ei bod hi’n helpu i redeg sw. Er bod hyn yn sefyllfa anarferol, bydd darllenwyr gallu uniaethu gyda hi wrth iddi gael trafferthion yn yr ysgol -dwi’n siŵr fod nifer ohonom ni wedi cael amser caled yn yr ysgol rhyw bryd neu'i gilydd. Rydym ni’n gweld y byd drwy ei llygaid hi, ac mae ei harsylwadau ar ba mor ddryslyd mae pobl eraill yn ymddwyn yn rhywbeth fydd pawb yn gallu deall. Mi wnes i fwynhau gweld Sara Mai yn dod allan o’i chragen ac yn tyfu mewn hyder wrth i’r nofel fynd yn ei flaen ac mae hi’n gwneud ffrindiau newydd. Roedd hi’n dod drosodd fel cymeriad penderfynol iawn oedd yn barod i wneud unrhyw beth i achub y sw- y peth pwysicaf yn ei bywyd! Mae’r ffaith fod hi’n gallu maddau i’r bwli ar ddiwedd y nofel hefyd yn dangos aeddfedrwydd yn ei chymeriad. Mae’r ffaith fod yr anifeiliaid yn cael eu henwi hefyd yn gwneud iddyn nhw deimlo fel cymeriadau go iawn hefyd. Ar gyfer pa oedran mae’r llyfr? Mae’r llyfr ar gyfer plant Cyfnod Allweddol 2 (sef rhwng 7-11 oed). Tydi’r iaith ddim yn rhy anodd yn y llyfr, ond mae o’n llyfr reit sylweddol. Mae’r llyfr yn addas ar gyfer plant sydd wedi dysgu i ddarllen yn annibynnol. Wedi dweud hyn, efallai byddai darllenwyr mwy ifanc o fewn yr ystod oedran yn buddio o gyd-ddarllen y llyfr gyda rhiant neu ddarllenwr mwy profiadol. Beth oedd yn dda am y llyfr? Mae’r awdur yn llwyddo i drafod y pwnc o fod yn wahanol yn naturiol ac yn ei blethu â’r stori yn llwyddiannus iawn. Efallai fod rhai pobl yn teimlo braidd yn nerfus/ansicr wrth drafod lliw croen, ond mae Casia yn agor y drws ar gyfer trafodaeth drwy siarad yn blaen. Yng ngeiriau Sara Mai ei hun, “Ia, felly, mae Mam a Dad yn edrych yn wahanol iawn i’w gilydd.” Mae hi’n sôn am ei lliw croen hi ei hun fel bod yn “frown tywyll, rhywle rhwng lliw croen Mam a lliw croen Dad.” Mae hi’n cydnabod fod pawb arall yn yr ysgol yn wyn – sefyllfa reit gyffredin yng nghefn gwlad Cymru. Dwi’n falch fod y prif gymeriad yn codi proffil y gymuned BAME [Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic] mewn llyfrau Cymraeg – rhywbeth sy’n eithaf prin. O ganlyniad felly, mae’r stori yn adlewyrchu Cymru fodern, amlddiwylliannol yn well. Gall y stori gael ei ddefnyddio fel sbardun ar gyfer trafodaeth ar ymddygiad hiliol. Er mai dim ond awgrym o fwriad sy’n cael ei gynnwys yn y llyfr, mae’n amlwg fod sylwadau Leila at Sara Mai yn cyfeirio at liw ei chroen, ac o ganlyniad yn gwbl annerbyniol. Roeddwn yn hoffi’r ffaith fod Sara Mai yn trafod y ‘rheolau anweledig’ sydd yn ein cymdeithas. Mae nifer o blant (ac oedolion) yn cael trafferth deall rhai o’r rheolau dryslyd anffurfiol yma. Gwnaeth hyn i mi feddwl am gonfensiynau cymdeithasol a sylweddoli pa mor anodd ydi o yn y bôn. Er enghraifft - cadw cyswllt llygaid wrth siarad gyda rhywun - rhaid edrych arnynt, ond byddai syllu am rhy hir yn teimlo’n chwithig - rhain ydi’r rheolau “llwyd” sydd yn ein bywydau dydd i ddydd. ​ YR ANIFEILIAID WRTH GWRS!!! Dwi’m yn meddwl mod i wedi dod ar draws neb sy’n casáu anifeiliaid! Mae stori sy’n cynnwys anifeiliaid yn siŵr o blesio’r gynulleidfa darged. Mae o’n byrlymu gyda ffeithiau diddorol am anifeiliaid a dwi’n siŵr fydd pawb yn gorffen y llyfr wedi dysgu dipyn o bethau newydd! Fysa rhywbeth yn gallu cael ei wella/newid? ​ ​Efallai fod y prif ddigwyddiad (sef clywed fod y sw o dan fygythiad) wedi dod braidd yn hwyr yn y nofel (dim tan bennod 8) ond wedi dweud hynny, roedd hyn yn rhoi amser i sôn am yr anifeiliaid ac i gyflwyno’r cymeriadau eraill a thrafod perthynas Sara Mai gyda’r disgyblion eraill. Mae’r profiadau o weithio fel grŵp yn rhywbeth fydd llawer o blant yn gyfarwydd ag. ​ A oeddet wedi rhagweld sut fyddai’r stori’n gorffen? ​ ​Roedd gen i deimlad y byddai Sara Mai yn llwyddo i achub y dydd yn y pen draw, gyda chymorth ei ffrindiau newydd! Mi fyddai’r stori yn gallu gorffen yn fanna yn daclus iawn, ond dwi’n siŵr fod ‘na le am ragor o anturiaethau - mwy gyda’r anifeiliaid tro nesaf efallai. Darn ar gyfer y rhieni (ac athrawon)! Dwi’n meddwl fod y llyfr yn wych, ac yn un oedd wir ei angen. Dyma lyfr cyfoes, sy’n cymryd cam yn y cyfeiriad cywir er mwyn adlewyrchu Cymru amrywiol a chynwysedig heddiw yn llawer gwell. Mae’n holl bwysig fod plant yn gallu ‘gweld eu hunain’ mewn llenyddiaeth ac mae hwn yn llyfr perthnasol iawn. Gall weithio fel stori i’w fwynhau wrth ddarllen er pleser, ond dwi’n meddwl fod iddo fuddion addysgiadol hefyd, fel sbardun drafodaeth neu fel nofel sydd wrth wraidd uned o waith. Pan oeddwn yn dysgu, roeddwn yn dewis un nofel ac yn cynllunio tasgau traws cwricwlaidd yn deillio o’r stori. Mae digon o ddeunydd a all ddeillio o’r llyfr yma: Syniadau ar gyfer y dosbarth: · Dadl ddosbarth: Ydi Sw’s yn bethau da neu ddrwg? · Gwaith ymchwil, yna ysgrifennu adroddiad – anifeiliaid y byd · Trip i’r sw (go iawn neu rhithiol) · Rhifedd – rhedeg sw (elw a cholled) · Diweddglo arall/stori newydd – dial Michael Hughes.... · Cyflwyniadau llafar – anifeiliaid – gwaith grŵp · Gwaith ar fwlio/hiliaeth/dathlu amrywiaeth Ffaith ddiddorol! Oeddech chi’n gwybod....?! Daeth yr ysbrydoliaeth ar gyfer y stori i Casia pan oedd hi’n fardd plant Cymru ac yn ymweld ag ysgolion ledled y wlad. Meddai: “Gwnes i gyfarfod â merch fach mewn ysgol oedd yn annwyl tu hwnt ac yn gwirioni ar anifeiliaid, ac mi ddywedodd wrtha i – “Mae Mam yn dweud bod gen i gysylltiad arbennig gydag anifeiliaid.” A dyma fi’n meddwl – rydw i am dy roi di mewn llyfr! Rydw i wir yn gobeithio y bydd plant yn hoffi’r llyfr – er mwyn i Sara Mai gael sawl antur arall!” What happens in the book? (The Plot) Sara Mai lives with her mother, father and big brother Seb - but this is no ordinary family! They run a zoo and live on the site - which gives Sara Mai loads of special and unique opportunities -how many people can say they share their home with so many amazing animals? Sara Mai understands animals, in fact, she prefers them to people -there are too many invisible, unwritten, confusing rules with human beings! She struggles to 'fit in' at school, and a new girl in Year 5, Leila, makes life difficult for her. She does her best to steer the minefield that is school life, but she just can’t understand why some people are so nasty. What will be the result when the class teacher decides to put her in a group with her bully? As the novel progresses, the zoo gets some bad news that a mysterious businessman wants to buy the land in order to develop it into a shopping centre! Oh no!! Sara Mai will have to do something quite handy if she wants to save the zoo! Read the story to find out what her plan is an if she is successful or not… When was the story set? The story takes place in South Wales in the present day in the real world. (That is – not in a magical fantasy land) Were there good characters? Sara Mai, the main character, is very likeable and unique in that she helps to run a zoo. Although this is an unusual situation, readers will be able to identify with her as she struggles at school – I'm sure many of us have had a hard time at school at some time or another. We see the world through her eyes, and her observations on how confusing other people behave are sure to be amusing. I enjoyed seeing Sara Mai come out of her shell and grow in confidence as the novel progresses and she makes new friends. She came over as a very determined character who was ready to do anything to save the zoo- the most important thing in her life! The fact that she forgives the bully at the end of the novel also shows maturity in her character. The fact that the animals are named also makes them feel like real characters too. For what age is the book? The book is for Key Stage 2 children (aged from 7-11). The language isn't too difficult, but it's quite a substantial book. It’s suitable for children who have learned to read independently. Having said this, younger readers within the age range might benefit from co-reading the book with a more experienced parent or reader. What was good about the book? The author manages to discuss the topic of being different very naturally and integrates it with the story very successfully. Some people may feel a bit nervous/insecure when discussing skin colour, but Casia opens the door for discussion by talking plainly. In Sara Mai's own words, "Mum and Dad look very different from each other." She mentions her own skin colour as being "dark brown, somewhere between mum's skin colour and Dad's skin colour." She recognises that everyone else in the school is white – this situation is probably quite common in rural Wales. I am pleased that the main character raises the profile of the BAME community in Welsh-language books – something that needs to be further developed. As a result, the story better reflects a modern, multicultural Wales. The story can be used as a springboard for discussion on racist behaviour. Although only an indication of intent is included in the book, it is clear that Leila 's comments to Sara may refer to the colour of her skin, and consequently are totally unacceptable. I liked the fact that Sara Mai refers to the 'invisible rules’ in our society. Many children (and adults) have difficulty understanding some of the unwritten and frankly confusing rules out there. This made me think about social conventions and how difficult it can be to follow. Take as an example – eye contact when speaking -it is considered polite to look at the person you’re speaking to, but stare for too long and it could be considered awkward and inappropriate. These are the "grey" rules in our day-to-day lives. ​ THE ANIMALS OF COURSE!!! I don’t think I've come across anybody who dislikes animals! A story that includes animals is bound to appeal to the target audience. The book is teeming with interesting facts about animals and I'm sure everyone finishes the book having learned a lot of new things! Would something be improved/changed? ​ Perhaps the main plot event (the zoo coming under threat) came rather late in the novel (not until chapter 8) but having said that, this gave time to talk about the animals, present the other characters and discuss Sara Mai's relationships with her peers. The up’s and downs of group work is something that many children will be familiar with. ​ Did you foresee how the story would end? ​ I Had a feeling that Sara Mai would eventually save the day, with the help of her new friends! The story concluded neatly, but I'm sure there's a place for more adventures-maybe more with the animals next time. A piece for the parents (and teachers)! I think the book is brilliant, and a timely one that was really needed. This is an up-to-date and contemporary book, which takes a step in the right direction in order to reflect a diverse and inclusive Wales. It is vital that children are able to ' see themselves ' in literature and this is a very relevant book. It can work as a story to enjoy when reading for pleasure, but I think that it also has educational benefits, as a stimulus for discussion or as a novel at the heart of an unit of work. When I was teaching, I picked one novel and planned cross-curricular tasks stemming from the story. There are plenty of tasks that can be derived from this book: Ideas for the class: · Class debate: Are Zoo's good or bad? · Research, then write non-chron reports - animals · Trip to the zoo (real or virtual) · Numeracy – run a zoo – profit and loss accounts · Another ending/new story – The Revenge of Michael Hughes.... · Oral Presentations – Animals – Group work · Work on bullying/racism/celebrating diversity Gwasg/publisher: Y Lolfa Rhyddhawyd/released: 2020 Pris: £5.99

*Scroll down for English* Mae'r ci wedi brathu rhywun pwysig - nawr mi fydd na drwbl... The dog's bitten someone important - now there'll be trouble.. Genre: ffuglen hanesyddol / historical fiction Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◎◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: n/a Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: n/a Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: n/a Rhyw/sex: n/a Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★☆☆ Pryd cafodd y stori ei osod? Yn syml, mae’r llyfr wedi cael ei osod yng Nghymru amser maith yn ôl, yng nghyfnod Y Brenin Hywel Dda. Roedd o’n Frenin oedd yn teyrnasu dros ran fwyaf o Gymru ac roedd e’n gyfrifol am gyflwyno rheolau pwysig o’r enw ‘Cyfraith Hywel Dda.’ Rhain mewn ffordd oedd cyfraith draddodiadol Cymru, cyn i Gymru ddod yn rhan o’r Deyrnas Unedig. Beth sy’n digwydd yn y llyfr? (Y Plot) Mae Nest, merch ifanc, yn gorfod dianc gyda’i chi, Griff, oherwydd ei fod o wedi gwneud rhywbeth drwg iawn (yn ôl y gyfraith). Yng nghanol y nos, mae’r hanner ci, hanner blaidd wedi brathu marchog pwysig ac mae hwnnw am ei ladd! Rhaid I’r ddau fynd i guddio rhag y milwyr yn y fynachlog gyda’r Abad Cynwrig rhag ofn. Roedd Tad Nest yn arfer bod yn ddyn pwysig iawn yn y gymuned gan mai ef oedd y gof. Ond roedd rhaid iddo adael Llangurig mewn cywilydd. Beth oedd o wedi gwneud oedd mor ddrwg â pham fod y ci wedi brathu’r marchog yn y lle cyntaf? Mae rhywbeth o’i le yn rhywle…. Dewch i ddarllen mwy am y dirgelwch a sut ddaeth Griff yn rhan bwysig o stori’r Brenin ei hun! Beth oedd yn dda am y llyfr? ​Yn anffodus, wnes i byth ddysgu am y cyfnod yma yn hanes Cymru pan oeddwn yn yr ysgol, felly roedd hi’n ddiddorol iawn cael dysgu mwy am fy ngwlad ers talwm a sut oedd pethau’n arfer bod. Yn wahanol i lawer o straeon, mae’r stori i gyd yn cael ei adrodd o safbwynt Griff, y ci, yn hytrach na storïwr arall. Felly, mae’r stori’n cael ei hadrodd yn y person 1af - ond mae’r person yn anifail! Dwi’n meddwl bydd unrhyw un sy’n hoffi anifeiliaid yn poeni’n fawr am beth fydd yn digwydd i Griff druan a byddent eisiau gorffen y llyfr i gael yr atebion. Mae’r llyfr yn gwneud hanes Cymru yn fwy diddorol drwy greu stori ffuglen gyffrous sydd hefyd yn cynnwys ffeithiau hanesyddol go iawn. Mae’r ffeithiau yn cuddio o fewn y stori – prin eich bod chi’n sylweddoli eich bod yn dysgu pethau Newydd… Ar ddechrau’r stori ac ar y diwedd, mae ‘na nodiadau diddorol sy’n rhoi dipyn mwy o gyd-destun i’r stori. Mae’r nodiadau yn esbonio pwy oedd y Brenin Hywel ac mae’n esbonio dipyn ar y gyfraith draddodiadol. Fe wnaeth y stori i mi fynd i ddarllen mwy am gyfraith Hywel dda, achos roeddwn i eisiau gwybod mwy am rai o’r rheolau sy’n teimlo’n rhyfedd iawn erbyn heddiw. E.e. fod 'na ddirwy (fine) amrywiol am niwed i wahanol ddarnau o’r corff! Roedd o’n cŵl darllen fod gan ferched fwy o hawliau yng Nghymru ers talwm na mewn llawer o wledydd eraill! Cymru yn arwain y ffordd - wrth gwrs! Oedd ‘na gymeriadau da? Dwi’n meddwl fod llyfr ble mae’r prif gymeriad yn gi yn rhywbeth gwahanol iawn ac roeddwn i’n hoffi gweld y byd drwy lygaid anifail. Fe wnaeth hi gymryd ‘chydig o ddarllen cyn i mi sylweddoli pwy oedd yn adrodd yr hanes. Mae’r marchog yn ddyn drwg iawn – tybed beth fydd yn digwydd iddo? ​ Fysa rhywbeth yn gallu cael ei wella/newid? ​ Dwi’n meddwl byddai’r llyfr wedi gallu gwneud gyda lluniau tu fewn er mwyn helpu i gyfleu’r stori. Dwi’n gwybod mai geiriau yw’r prif beth mewn llyfr, ond mae gan y lluniau ran bwysig i chwarae. Dwi’n meddwl byddai ambell lun wedi helpu darllenwyr iau i ddychmygu rhai o’r sefyllfaoedd. ​ Ar gyfer pa oedran mae’r llyfr? Hmmm. Mae hwn wastad yn gwestiwn anodd. Mae’n dibynnu ar lot o bethau. Yn sicr byddwn i’n argymell y llyfr yma i bobl sy’n mwynhau darllen am hanes (ac anifeiliaid!) Tydi’r iaith yn y llyfr ddim yn anodd anodd, ond tydi o ddim yn hawdd chwaith felly yn fy marn i, mae o ar gyfer darllenwyr hyderus, aeddfed. Os faswn i’n gorfod rhoi oedran, mi fyddwn i’n dweud Bl.5/6 ac ymlaen i’r uwchradd. Wrth gwrs, mi all hwn fod yn llyfr byddai oedolyn yn gallu darllen i blentyn ac felly dwi’n meddwl byddai plant iau yn gallu ei mwynhau hi hefyd wedyn. ​ Darn ar gyfer y rhieni (ac athrawon) Dwi am fod yn onest, fydd y llyfr yma ddim i bawb. Dwi’n meddwl y bydd o’n fwy tebygol o apelio at blant sy’n darllen dipyn yn barod. Efallai faswn i ddim yn dewis y llyfr yma ar gyfer rhywun sydd ddim yn darllen fel rheol, achos nad oes digon o ‘action’ neu hiwmor ynddo i gadw diddordeb darllenwyr anfoddog. Ond, o safbwynt athro, dwi MOR falch fod cwmni fel Gwasg Carreg Gwalch yn cyhoeddi nofelau hanesyddol sydd â gogwydd Cymreig. Mae’n bwysig iawn fod ein plant yn cael cyfleoedd i ddysgu am hanes Cymru yn hytrach na dim ond hanes Lloegr fel cefais i yn yr ysgol gynradd. Athrawon - mi fydd y llyfr yma’n ticio sawl bocs ar gyfer y Cwricwlwm Newydd ac maen berffaith fel llyfr i fwynhau gyda’r dosbarth ddiwedd y prynhawn. Ambell syniad trawsgwricwlaidd yn deillio o’r llyfr: · Gwaith ymchwil ar fleiddiaid · Ysgrifennu – ymson y ci, neu ddyddiadur Nest · Gwaith ymchwil rheolau Hywel Dda – cyfleoedd trafod/mynegi barn · Daearyddiaeth – edrych ar deyrnas Hywel Dda (Seisyllwg, Dyfed, Brycheiniog, Gwynedd a Phowys · Rhifedd yn deillio o’r hen arian (e.e. 240 ceiniog mewn punt) When was the story set? The book is set in Wales a long, long time ago, during the reign of the King, known in Welsh as Hywel Dda. (Howel the Good, or Hywel ap Cadell) He was King who reigned over most of Wales and was responsible for introducing important rules called the Laws of Hywel Dda. These were the traditional laws of Wales, before Wales had to become part of the United Kingdom. What happens in the book? (The Plot) Nest, a young girl, has to escape with her dog, Griff, because he has done something very bad (in the eyes of the law). In the middle of the night, the half-dog, half wolf, has bitten an important knight and he wants revenge! They must escape and hide from the troops so they seek refuge in the monastery with the Abbot Cynwrig. Nest’s father, Gronw, used to be a very important man in the community as he was the blacksmith but he had to leave Llangurig in self-imposed exile. What had he done that was so bad as why did the dog bite in the first place? Things are not as they seem… Come and read more about this mystery and how Griff became an important part of the King's own story! What was good about the book? Unfortunately, I never learned about this period in Welsh history when I was in school so it was fascinating to learn more about my country long ago and how things used to be. Unlike many stories, the story is all told from the perspective of Griff, the dog, rather than another narrator. So, the story is told in the 1st person but that person is an animal! I think anyone who likes animals will be very concerned about poor Griff and will want to finish the book to know what happens to him. The book makes Welsh history more interesting by creating an exciting fictional story around true facts. These are scattered cleverly amongst the story – you hardly realise you are learning new things… At the beginning of the story and at the end, there are interesting notes that give the story a bit more context. The notes explain who King Hywel was and explains more about his laws. The story made me go and find out more about these laws – some seem quite strange to us today. For example – did you know there were different fines for damage done to different limbs of the body? It was pretty cool to read that women had more rights in Wales long ago than they had in many other countries! A fine example of Wales leading the way, even back then! Were there good characters? I think a book where the main character is a dog is something rather different and I enjoyed seeing the world through the eyes of an animal. It took me awhile to realise what was going on though! The knight is a very naughty man – I wonder what will happen to him? ​ What would you improve/change? ​ I think the book could have done with illustrations to help communicate the story. I know that words are the main part of a book, but the pictures have an important part to play too. I think some pictures would have broken up the story and helped younger readers imagine some of the situations (seeing as it is from an unfamiliar time period) ​ For which age is this book appropriate? Hmmm. This is always a difficult question. It depends on a lot of things. I would certainly recommend this book for people who enjoy reading about history (and animals!) The language in the book isn’t difficult, difficult, but its not that easy either so in my opinion it’s better for more confident, mature readers. If I were forced to put an age on it, I would say Yrs.5/6 and upwards. (Up to Yr.9 possibly) Of course, adults could read this book to a child too, then slightly younger readers could enjoy it also. For the parents (and teachers) I want to be honest; this book will not be for everyone. I think it will be more likely to appeal to children who are already reading a lot. I probably wouldn’t suggest this book for someone who doesn't normally read a lot, because there may not be enough ‘action’ or humour to sustain the interest of reluctant readers. However, from a teacher's perspective, I am SO pleased that a company like Gwasg Carreg Gwalch is publishing historical novels with a Welsh orientation and flavour. It is very important that our children are given opportunities to learn about Welsh history not just the history of England. Teachers – this book will tick a number of boxes for the new curriculum and it’s one you could read to the class at the end of the day. A few cross-curricular ideas derived from the book: · Research on Wolves/dogs. Report writing. · Writing – A dog’s monologue, or Nest’s diary · Cartoon strips of the events or even ICT animation · Hywel Dda Laws research – opportunities for discussion/opinion. · Geography – looking at the kingdoms of Hywel Dda (Seisyllwg, Dyfed, Brycheiniog, Gwynedd and Powys) · Numeracy from the old money (e.g. 240 pence in a pound) Gwasg/publisher: Carreg Gwalch Rhyddhawyd/released: 2020 Pris: £5.95

*Scroll down for English* Llyfr sy'n dathlu bod yn wahanol! A book that celebrates our uniqueness! ♥Llyfr y Mis i Blant: Gorffennaf 2019♥ ♥Children's Book of the Month July 2019♥ Genre: llyfr lluniau, #moesol #amrywiaeth / Picture book, #moral #diversity Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◉ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◉ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◉◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty: ◉◉◎◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★☆ Y peth cyntaf sy’n fy nharo am y llyfr yw’r defnydd o liwiau llachar. Mae’r clawr melyn yn denu’r sylw yn syth ac mae’n hyd yn oed mwy lliwgar tu fewn. Bydd hyn yn siŵr o apelio at ddarllenwyr ifanc – mae’r cyfuniad o liwiau, prysurdeb a chyffro’r tudalennau yn gwneud y darllen yn fwy difyr. Llythyr gan frawd mawr at ei frawd neu ei chwaer fach yw hon. Cafodd y prif gymeriad ei ddylunio yn gender neutral gan yr awdur/arlunydd, Sophy Henn. Dwi’n meddwl fod hyn yn eithaf cŵl ac yn dangos fod pobl yn rhydd i fod yn pwy maen nhw eisiau bod - heb yr angen am labeli. Mae o wedi gwylio ei frawd/chwaer fach yn tyfu fyny ac wedi sylwi ar wahanol agweddau o’i chymeriad a’i phersonoliaeth a sut maen nhw’n amrywio o un dydd i’r llall. Er enghraifft, weithiau maen nhw’n ‘ddihiryn drwg’ ac ar adegau eraill fe allent fod yn ’arwr da.’ Weithiau fe all fod yn swnllyd iawn, yn llawn cyffro ac egni, a throeon eraill, maen nhw’n dawel ac yn well yng nghwmni ei hun. Dwi’n siŵr fydd plant a rhieni yn gallu uniaethu gyda’r gwahanol hwyliau/tymer ar wahanol adegau - mae hyn yn naturiol iawn ac yn bwynt trafod defnyddiol. Un o fy hoff ddarnau’r llyfr oedd tudalennau 17-18 lle mae’n disgrifio’r dillad: “Ac os yw pawb mewn streipiau smart, rwyt ti mewn sbotiau, sbo.” Efallai y bydd hyn yn mynd dros bennau rhai o’n darllenwyr ifanc ond mae’r neges tu ôl i’r dillad yn un mor bwysig. Hynny yw, does dim ots beth mae pawb arall yn wneud - maen nhw’n bod yn nhw heb boeni am beth mae pobl yn feddwl. Do your own thing ynte? Does dim rhaid i chi fod yn ddefaid a dilyn y dorf er mwyn ‘ffitio i mewn’ - byddwch yn chi a byddwch yn falch o hynny. Own it. Wrth ddarllen y stori, caf fy atgoffa o un o fy hoff ganeuon gan Fleetwood Mac – ‘You can go your own way.’ Ok, efallai mai ffrae rhwng cariadon yw ystyr y geiriau, ond dwi’n dal i feddwl eu bod nhw’n berthnasol iawn i fywyd – ‘go your own way’ -gwnewch bethau eich ffordd chi! Mae’r stori yma yn ddathliad o wahaniaethau a hunaniaeth sy’n rhoi neges bositif iawn i blant ei bod hi’n iawn i fod yn wahanol. Mae’r defnydd o’r enfys a lliwiau Pride hefyd yn gwneud cyfeiriad subtle tuag at rywioldeb. Defnyddiol hefyd yn fod cyfeiriad at yr elusen Stonewall Cymru yng nghefn y llyfr. Caiff y stori ei adrodd yn y person cyntaf, mewn ffordd gyfeillgar, dyner. Un peth dylid nodi - gan fod mydr ac odl i’r llyfr, mae llyfrau fel hyn yn gallu bod yn anodd eu cyfieithu, ac o ganlyniad mae hwn yn fwy o addasiad. Mae’n drosiad llwyddiannus sy’n cadw naws a theimlad y gwreiddiol ond mae angen bod yn ymwybodol efallai na fydd y fersiwn Cymraeg a Saesneg yn cyfateb yn union. Fodd bynnag, dwi mor falch o weld ei fod yn llyfr dwyieithog. Gall lyfrau fel hyn gyrraedd cynulleidfa ehangach ac yn ffordd dda i riant a phlentyn ymgyfarwyddo â’r Gymraeg gyda’i gilydd drwy ddarllen. Dwi’n falch o weld cynrychiolaeth BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) yn y llyfr sy’n adlewyrchu amrywiaeth ein cymunedau. Dwi wedi teimlo ers tro fod y gymuned BAME yn cael ei dangynrychioli mewn llyfrau Cymraeg, felly dwi’n falch o weld mwy o diversity yn dechrau ymddangos yn ein llyfrau plant. Mae ‘na wastad lle i wella... Dyma lyfr hynod o annwyl sy’n werthfawr iawn fel stori amser gwely, neu fel adnodd yn yr ysgol i ddathlu fod ni gyd yn unigryw – pa neges well i roi i blant wrth iddyn nhw dyfu i fyny a datblygu hunaniaeth eu hunain? The first thing that strikes me about the book is the use of bright colours. The yellow cover attracts immediate attention and is even more colourful inside. This will undoubtedly appeal to younger readers – the combination of colours, busyness and excitement of the pages makes the reading more enjoyable. The book is basically a letter from a big brother to his little brother or sister. The main character was drawn gender neutral by the author/illustrator Sophy Henn. I think this is rather cool and feeds into the idea that you are free to be who you want to be without the need for labels. He has watched his little sibling grow up and noticed different aspects of their character and personality and how they vary from day to day. For example, sometimes they are a ‘bad baddie’ and at other times they’re a hero. Sometimes they are very noisy, excited and full of energy, and at other times, would rather their own company. I'm sure children and parents alike will be able to identify with the different moods and tempers we experience at different times – this is totally natural and an useful point of discussion. One of my favourite bits of the book were pages 17-18 where he describes their sibling’s choice in fashion: "Sometimes you’re polka-dotty, when everyone’s in stripes.” Perhaps this message may end up going over some of our younger readers heads initially, but behind the clothes is a really important message. It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing – they are being themselves. You don't have to be sheep and follow the crowd in order to ' fit in ' – you be you and be proud of that. Own It. Reading the story, I am reminded of one of my favourite songs by Fleetwood Mac – 'You can go your own way.’ Ok, the words may actually have been about a row between two people, but hey, I still think they’re good bits of advice for life in general – 'go your own way' in life – do things your way! This story is a celebration of differences and identity which gives children a very positive message that it’s OK to be different. The use of the rainbow and Pride colours makes a really subtle reference to sexuality and personal choice which is totally age appropriate for this book. We also have a link to the charity, Stonewall Cymru in the back of the book. The story is told in the first person, in a friendly, gentle way. One thing should be noted-as the book contains rhyme, these sorts of books can be difficult to translate, and as a result this is more of an adaptation. It is a successful one at that, which preserves the tone and feel of the original but we need to be aware that the Welsh and English versions may not exactly correspond. However, I am so pleased to see that it is a bilingual book. Books such as this can reach a wider audience and are a good way for a parent and child to practice in Welsh together through reading. I am pleased to see the representation of the BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) community in the book which reflects the diversity here in Wales. I’ve always felt that the BAME community has been under-represented in Welsh language books, so it’s good to see more diversity being presented. We still have a way to go… This is a sweet book that could be valuable as a bedtime story, or as a resource in schools to celebrate the uniqueness that makes us Super Duper! What better message to give to young children who are developing their sense of self-identity? Gwasg/publisher: Rily Rhyddhawyd/released: 2019 Pris: £5.99