Chwilio

*Scroll down for English* Ail antur gyda'r lygoden fach ciwt! Second adventure with our little mousey friend! Genre: ffuglen / fiction 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 ail yng nghyfres Tomos Llygoden y Theatr sy’n mynd a ni ar antur gyda’r llygoden fach wrth iddo orfod achub y dydd unwaith eto. Dwi’n hoff iawn o waith arlunio hardd Leri Tecwyn sy’n dod a byd bach Tomos yn fyw! Er bod maint y llyfr yn fach (sy’n reit handi a dweud y gwir) yn sicr mae ‘na ddigon o stori i’n diddanu- mwy nac oni’n ei ddisgwyl! Mae actor enwog yn dod i’r theatr ac mae Tomos wedi gwirioni’n lan i gael cyfarfod ei arwr! Y broblem yw, mae Trystan Gwynfyd ap Rhych (trïwch ddweud hwnna drosodd a throsodd yn gyflym!) yn ofn llygod! Mae Tomos bron a marw eisiau ei gyfarfod, ond well iddo beidio â chyflwyno ei hun - fydd ‘na fawr o groeso iddo. Wyddoch chi be? Mae gan Trystan Gwynfyd gyfrinach enfawr.... mae ei wallt mawr adnabyddus yn ffug - mae o’n foel fel wy! Ar ôl damwain anffodus sy’n achosi i’r wig hedfan i ffwrdd, dim ond Tomos ein llygoden fach arbennig fydd yn gallu achub y dydd cyn i’r actor gamu ar y llwyfan o flaen cynulleidfa fawr. Mae’r ffordd y mae o’n datrys y broblem yn reit ddyfeisgar, chware teg! Mi fydd y plantos yn morio chwerthin pan fydd y ‘gwallt’ yn hedfan i ffwrdd, ac mae’n siŵr o roi gwen ar wyneb unrhyw oedolyn. Sgwn i os fydd Trystan Gwynfyd a Tomos yn gallu bod yn ffrindiau? Dwi’n hoff iawn o’r straeon yma gan eu bod nhw’n cadw pethau’n ddiddorol drwy symud ar gyflymder addas, ac mae’r cymeriad bach hoffus jest yn gwneud i chi deimlo’n gynnes tu fewn! Dwi isio Tomos Llygoden fach fy hun yn fy nhŷ rŵan! Mae neges bwysig i garu eich hun fel ac yr ydych hefyd. Dyma lyfr sy’n addas i blant ifanc ddarllen gyda rhiant, a gan fod eithaf tipyn o ysgrifen ar y tudalennau, byddai’n rhoi digon o her i ddarllenwr annibynnol newydd. Mae ‘na iaith ogleddol a deheuol hefyd sy’n gwneud y llyfr yn berffaith i blant Cymru gyfan! Dwi’n gwybod bydd ‘na fwy o anturiaethau yn y gyfres yma... This is the second in the Tomos Llygoden y Theatr series which takes us on another adventure with the friendly, helpful little mouse he’s called upon to save the day yet again. I'm really fond of the beautiful artwork contained in this book which brings Tomos’s small world alive! Although the book is small in size, (which is quite handy actually) it certainly contains enough actual story to keep us entertained- more than you’d expect from this sort of book really. A renowned actor is coming to the theatre and Tomos is thrilled with the news that his all-time hero is on his way. The problem is, Trystan Gwynfyd ap Rhych (yeah – try saying that tongue twister over and over quickly!) is absolutely terrified of mice! Despite Tomos barely being able to contain himself with excitement, he’d better not introduce himself because I doubt he’ll be welcome! Did you know? Our famous actor has a huuuge secret? His well-known, trademark hair is all fake- he’s as bald as an egg! After an unfortunate mishap that causes the wig to come flying off, only Tomos can save the day before his hero walks out live on stage in front of a packed-out audience. The way he solves the problem is quite ingenious, fair play! The little ones will surely be laughing when the hair flies off, and I'm sure it will put a smile on any adult reader’s face! I wonder if Trystan Gwynfyd and Tomos can become friends? I love these stories because they keep things interesting by moving along at a suitable pace, and our loveable little character just makes you feel warm inside! I want a little Tomos Llygoden in my own house now! There’s an important message at then end too about loving and accepting yourself as you are. This is a suitable book for young children to read with a parent, and as it has quite a bit of text on some pages, it would provide enough challenge, yet be manageable for new independent readers. The book contains Northern and Southern dialect too which makes it the perfect book for children from across Wales. I know there will be more adventures in this series... Gwasg/publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 Pris: £4.95

*Scroll down for English* Nofel am fwlio a Streic y Penrhyn. Novel about bullying and Penrhyn Quarry Strike. Genre: ffuglen hanesyddol / historical fiction 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 glasur o nofel fer hanesyddol oedd yn rhan o gyfres hynod o boblogaidd, Cyfres Cled. Dwi’n cofio ei ddarllen am y tro cyntaf ym mlwyddyn 5 (amser hir yn ôl) ac mi fyddai’n hoffi rhoi spin i’r llyfr bob hyn a hyn. Dwi’n siŵr mod i wedi ei darllen degau o weithiau erbyn hyn! Nofel wedi’i gosod ar ddechrau’r ugeinfed ganrif (1900-1903) yn ardal Bethesda yng nghyfnod cythryblus streic fawr chwarel y Penrhyn. Mae’r nofel yn glyfar gan ei bod hi’n plethu stori ddiddorol ar iard yr ysgol gyda ffeithiau hanesyddol am y streic yn effeithiol. Bron eich bod chi’n dysgu hanes heb feddwl! Mae defnydd yr awdur o ddetholiadau byr o lyfrau lòg (dyddiaduron) ysgolion lleol y cyfnod yn rhoi blas go iawn o sut oedd bethau. Mae’r awdur wedi creu'r stori o amgylch y pytiau yma ar ôl gwneud gwaith ymchwil yn Archifdy Caernarfon. Mae Guto’n dioddef yn yr ysgol oherwydd Robat, y bwli, sy’n pigo arno’n ddiddiwedd. Yn ogystal â bod yn ddifrifol wael yn y gwely a’i frodyr yn ddi-waith ar ôl streicio o’r chwarel - teg fyddai dweud bod bywyd yn anodd i’r teulu! Un person sydd wastad yno i Guto yw ei ffrind gorau, Defi, sy’n barod i’w amddiffyn rhag y bwli. Yn dilyn ffrae rhwng y gweithwyr a pherchennog y chwarel, Lord Penrhyn, mae nifer o’r dynion wedi penderfynu streicio. Gan nad oes pres yn dod i mewn, mae bwyd yn brin a chaiff y streic effaith fawr ar y gymuned leol, sydd wedi’i hollti’n ddwy. Ar un ochr, mae’r streicwyr, sy’n trio gwneud safiad i gael hawliau gwell, ac ar yr ochr arall, mae’r dynion sydd wedi penderfynu dychwelyd i’r gwaith gan dorri’r streic. Y Bradwyr. Wrth i amser fynd yn ei flaen, a’r streic anodd yn parhau, gwelwn newid mawr yn Guto, ar ôl iddo sefyll i fyny i’r bwli. Newidia Guto o fod yn hogyn gwantan ac eiddil, i fod yn hogyn cryf, cyhyrog ac yn arweinydd newydd y giang. Treulia’r giang hwnnw lawer o amser yn gwneud bywyd yn anodd i blant ‘y bradwyr’ a trist yw gweld Guto’n troi’n raddol i fod yn fwli ei hun. Beth fydd ymateb y bwli newydd pan fydd o’n clywed fod tad ei ffrind gorau wedi dychwelyd i’r chwarel ac wedi bradychu’r dynion eraill? Mi fydd yr hogia’ eraill yn disgwyl i Guto ddysgu gwers iawn i Defi.... Mae iaith y nofel yn hawdd i’w darllen ac mae stori bwlio Guto a helynt y chwarel yn gweithio’n dda gyda’i gilydd. Roeddwn i’n hoffi’r darnau Saesneg lle mae’r athro’n siarad sy’n atgyfnerthu sut oedd pethau bryd hynny. Strict iawn o gymharu â heddiw! Stori ddiddorol a phwysig, sy’n ein dysgu am gyfnod trafferthus iawn yn hanes Cymru ac yn esbonio tarddiad y dywediad “nid oes bradwr yn y tŷ hwn.” Oeddech chi’n gwybod fod y streic wedi cael gymaint o effaith andwyol ar y gymuned, fod nifer o drigolion yr ardal yn gwrthod mynd i Gastell Penrhyn, hyd heddiw!? Mwy am y streic: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/looking-back-great-strike-penrhyn-4698535 This is a classic short historic novel that was part of a hugely popular series, Cyfres Cled. I remember reading it for the first time in Year 5 (a long time ago) and I often like to give it another spin every now and then. I'm sure I've read dozens of times by now! A novel set in the early twentieth century (1900-1903) in the Bethesda area during the turbulent time of Penrhyn Quarry's great strike. The novel is clever in that the author interweaves an interesting schoolyard story with historical facts about the larger strike going on in the quarry. It’s almost as if you’re learning about local history without realizing! The author's use of short selections from the Log books (diaries) of the local schools of the period gives a real flavour of how things were. These are peppered amongst the pages; Brenda Wyn Jones created the story around these snippets after carrying out research at the Caernarfon archives. Guto suffers at school because of Robat, the bully, who picks on him endlessly. As well as being seriously ill in bed and his brothers finding themselves unemployed after striking from the quarry - it would be fair to say that life was tough for the family! One person who is always there for Guto is his best friend, Defi, who is always there to protect him from the bully. Following a row between the workers and the wealthy quarry owner, Lord Penrhyn, many of the men decided to strike. With little money coming in, food is scarce and the strike has a major impact on the local community, which is effectively split into two. On one side, the strikers, who are campaigning for better pay and conditions, and on the other side, the men who have broken the strike by returning to work. The Traitors, or ‘bradwrs’ as they were labelled. As time progresses, and the strike continues, we see a major change in Guto, after he stands up to the bully. Guto changes from being a frail and weak little boy to being a strong, confident new leader of the schoolyard gang. That gang spends a lot of time making life difficult for the children of ‘the traitors' and it’s sad to see Guto gradually turning into a bully himself. What will the new bully's response be when he learns that the father of his best friend has returned to the quarry and betrayed the other men? The other lads will expect Guto to teach Defi a lesson he won’t soon forget… The novel’s language is easy to read and both the bullying storyline and the quarrymen’s struggle work well together. I liked the English language bits where the teacher speaks which reinforces how education was back then. Very strict compared to today! An interesting and important story, which teaches us about a very troubled time in Welsh history and explains the origins of the saying "Nid oes bradwr yn y tŷ hwn.” [there is no traitor in this house] Did you know that the strike has had such a detrimental effect on the community, that many residents of the area refuse to go to Penrhyn Castle, to this day!? Read more here. More about the strike: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/looking-back-great-strike-penrhyn-4698535 Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Gwasg Gwynedd Cyhoeddwyd/released: 1998 Pris: Triwch siopau llyfrau, elusen neu lyfrgell. Try independent bookshops, or libraries.

*Scroll down for English* Stori syml sy'n esbonio'r firws i blant ifanc! Social story that explains coronavirus to children! Free bilingual e-book. Genre: Social story / stori gymdeithasol 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:: ◉◉◎◎◎ Pwy sydd wedi cael cwestiynau anodd gan eu plant yn ddiweddar? “Mami pryd gawni fynd allan i’r parc eto?” “Pa bryd mae Nain a Taid yn dod rownd eto?” “Pryd dwi’n mynd nôl i’r ysgol?” Ia, cwestiynau da iawn - ond rhai sy’n andros o anodd ei hateb! Mewn gwirionedd, ‘da ni ddim wedi gweld cyfyngiadau ar ein rhyddid fel hyn ers Yr Ail Ryfel Byd - a hyd yn oed bryd hynny, dwi ddim yn cofio sôn am bobl yn gaeth i’w tai bob dydd. Gall hwn fod yn gyfnod ansicr, pryderus a dryslyd iawn i blant bach a phobl ifanc gan eu bod nhw’n hiraethu am eu ffrindiau a’u teulu ac yn crefu am jest gael “routine” bywyd arferol yn ôl. Mi gafodd un Fam, Lauren Cooper, gwestiynau gan ei mab am y coronavirus, a doedd hi ddim yn siŵr iawn sut i’w hateb. Gan ei fod o’n caru llyfrau, a doedd dim byd ar gael ar y farchnad, fe benderfynodd hi esbonio pethau’n gliriach drwy ‘sgwennu stori a chyhoeddi llyfr ei hun! Mae ‘Social stories’ wedi cael eu defnyddio mewn cyd-destun addysg arbennig ers blynyddoedd lawer, yn aml i helpu esbonio teimladau ac ati i blant ar y sbectrwm awtistiaeth. Wedi dweud hyn, dwi’n meddwl fod straeon a llyfrau yn ffordd arbennig o esbonio cysyniadau i blant ifanc ar unrhyw adeg! Yn enwedig pan mae’r pwnc dan sylw mor gymhleth a sensitif a’r firws felltith ‘ma. Mae esbonio rhywbeth mor frawychus, ond mewn ffordd sy’n ddealladwy ac addas i blant yn gamp yn ei hun. Mae Lauren wedi bod yn gweithio’n galed i sgwennu a dylunio’r stori ei hun, ac mae’n edrych yn broffesiynol iawn rhaid i mi ddweud. Blynyddoedd yn ôl, mi fasa hyn wedi bod yn amhosib, erbyn heddiw, yr unig beth sydd ei angen arnoch ydi laptop, Canva a dipyn bach o ddychymyg! ( a mymryn o sgil TGCH ac amynedd yn amlwg!) Dwi wrth fy modd gyda’r teitl! Y Firws Drewllyd. Dyma’n union sut dwi’n teimlo am y peth! Mae’r stori yn dilyn hanes y firws, ac yn ei bortreadu fel cymeriad yn ei hun. Mae ‘na drafodaeth am rai o oblygiadau cymdeithasol y firws ac mae esboniad syml o pam fod hyn i gyd yn digwydd. Dwi’n hoff iawn o’r ffaith fod hi wedi dewis gorffen y stori ar nodyn positif, gyda’r firws yn mynd i ffwrdd! HWRE! Er bod yr adeg yna’n teimlo’n bell i ffwrdd ar hyn o bryd, dwi’n meddwl fod hi’n bwysig iawn i ni gael ‘chydig o obaith y bydd hyn YN dod i ben yn y pen draw. Oes, mae 'na naws ‘homemade’ i’r peth, a tydi’r gramadeg ddim yn berffaith, ond s’dim ots! Mae’r lluniau lliwgar a’r stori syml yn gwneud hwn yn berffaith fel stori cyn mynd i’r gwely. Mae’n rhoi ‘ffordd i mewn’ er mwyn cychwyn trafodaeth gyda’ch plentyn am yr holl sefyllfa. Byddai’n ddiddorol gweld hyn drwy lygaid plentyn! Fersiwn PDF Cymraeg a Saesneg ar gael i’w lawrlwytho isod! Tybed os bydd gan wasg ddiddordeb mewn cyhoeddi llyfr Lauren yn iawn?! https://bit.ly/VirusEnglish https://bit.ly/cymraeg1 Who’s had some difficult corona-related questions from their children recently? "Mami, when can we go out to the park again?" "When are Nain and Taid coming round again?" "When do I go back to school?" Yes, very valid questions -but ones that are difficult to answer! In fact, we have not seen restrictions on our freedom in this manner since the Second World War- and even then, I don't remember people being confined to their houses day after day. This can be a very worrying and confusing time for children and young people because they long for their friends and family and yearn to have life’s little ‘routines’ back. One Mum, Lauren Cooper, had questions from her son about the coronavirus, and she wasn't very sure how to answer them. Because he loves books, and there was nothing available on the market, she decided to explain things more clearly by writing a story of her own! 'Social Stories ' have been used in a special education context for many years, often to help explain feelings and so on for children on the autistic spectrum. Having said this, I think stories and books are a brilliant way of explaining concepts to young children at any time! Especially when the subject matter is as complex and sensitive as this virus pandemic. To explain something as frightening, but in a way that’s understandable and child-friendly, is an achievement in itself. Lauren has been busy writing and designing the story itself, and it looks very professional I must say. Years ago, this would have proved impossible, but nowadays, the only thing you need is a laptop, Canva and a little bit of imagination! (of and some ICT skills and patience of course!) I love the title! The Stinky Sticky Virus. This is exactly how I feel about it! The story follows recent events regarding the virus, and portrays it as a character in itself. There’s discussion about some of the social implications of the virus and there’s a simple explanation of why this is all happening. I love the fact that she chose to finish the story on a positive note, with the virus going away! WOHOOO! Even though this feels very far away at the moment, I think it's very important for us to have a little ‘hope’ and knowing that this WILL end eventually! Yes, there's a 'homemade' feel to it, and the Welsh grammar isn't perfect, but who cares really! The colourful pictures and the simple story make this the perfect story to share at bedtime. It gives parents ‘a way in’ to start a discussion with your child about the whole situation. It would be very interesting to see this whole thing through a child's eyes! English and Welsh PDF versions available to download below! I wonder if a publishing company may be interested in Lauren's book?! https://bit.ly/VirusEnglish https://bit.ly/cymraeg1

*Scroll down for English & comments* Llyfr adar lliwgar i blant! Colourful bird book for children! ♥♥Llyfr y Mis Chwefror- February Book of the Month♥♥ ✦✦Cymraeg gwreiddiol - Welsh Original ✦✦ Genre: ffeithiol, natur / factual, nature Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◎◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting,tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Dyfarniad/verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Hwn yw’r llyfr mae PAWB wedi bod yn siarad amdano’n ddiweddar! Llyfr adar mawr y plant gan Onwy Gower. Dyma lyfr arbennig nid yn unig am y ffaith mai hwn yw’r un cyntaf o’i fath ar gyfer plant yn y Gymraeg ers blynyddoedd, ond hefyd achos fod yr awdur yn blentyn ei hun! Mi oedd na lyfr tebyg gan GCG yn y 90au - ond roedd hi'n hen bryd i gael un newydd! (llun chwith) Mae ‘na dudalen ddwbl ar gyfer 50, ia, 50 o adar sydd i’w gweld yng Nghymru ac mae pob un yn cynnwys ffotograffau a ffeithiau diddorol. Crëwyd y lluniau adar yn arbennig ar gyfer y gyfrol hon. Mewn sawl ffordd, mae’r llyfr yn debyg iawn i Lyfr Adar Iolo Williams,ond mae hwn yn llawer mwy deniadol ac addas i blant. Mae’r ffeithiau diddorol hawdd-i’w-deall yn cynnwys disgrifiadau, gwybodaeth am eu maint, eu cynefin a’u bwyd. Ffordd syml a gweledol o ddangos pryd mae’r adar i’w gweld o amgylch ein gwlad oedd cynnwys mis-o-metr ar gyfer pob un. Dwi’n hoff iawn o’r ‘Ffaith Ffab!’ sy’n dewis un ffaith ddiddorol i gael sylw ychwanegol ar y dudalen. Er enghraifft, oeddech chi’n gwybod fod y Brenin Siôr V a’i fêts wedi torri record drwy saethu 3,937 o ffesantod... mewn un diwrnod!! Ffaith hynod o ddiddorol i ni, ond ddim mor dda i’r ffesantod druan! I'r rhai ohonoch sy’n hoffi barddoniaeth, mae Onwy wedi dewis cerddi byr i gyd-fynd â’r adar. Mae’r holl eiriau a lluniau ar y tudalennau’n rhoi i ni lyfr hynod o ddiddorol a fydd yn cadw naturiaethwyr brwd yn brysur am hir! Gallaf weld y llyfr yma’n cael ei ddefnyddio’n ymarferol wrth fynd allan gyda’r binocs a’r clipfwrdd i chwilio am adar! Sgwn i p'run yw’r mwyaf cyffredin neu’r mwyaf prin? Mewn cyfnod lle mae enwau Saesneg yn cymryd drosodd ac yn ailosod ein termau Cymraeg hardd, mae’n bwysicach nac erioed cael adnodd sy’n ein haddysgu a’n hatgoffa o’r enwau gwych Cymraeg sydd i’w cael. Yn bersonol, dwi wrth fy modd gyda’r enw Sigl-di-gwt! Am un da! Wedi dweud hyn, dwi’n andros o falch fod yr enwau Saesneg yn cael eu cynnwys hefyd, fydd yn gwneud hi’n llawer haws i rai darllenwyr adnabod yr adar. Mae hefyd ystyriaeth i ddysgwyr (dwi’n falch o weld) gan iddo gynnwys rhestr eirfa yng nghefn y llyfr. Mae’r llyfr ei hun yn derbyn sêl bendith neb arall ond Iolo Williams, un o arwyr byd natur Cymru gan iddo ‘sgwennu rhagair hyfryd ar ei gyfer. Roeddwn yn falch o weld fod y llyfr wedi cael ei argraffu ar bapur o goedwigoedd cynaliadwy – touch bach neis. Mae’n anhygoel i feddwl fod yr awdur mor ifanc, ac wedi clywed Onwy’n siarad yn dda ar raglenni megis ‘Heno’ ar S4C, dwi’n gallu gweld ei bod hi’n angerddol iawn dros amddiffyn a hyrwyddo bywyd gwyllt Cymru. O ganlyniad i waith caled y wasg a’r awdur, rydym wedi cael adnodd hardd a gwerthfawr yn y Gymraeg. Dylai pob ysgol yng Nghymru gael copi o’r llyfr yma, gan fod 'na bosibiliadau lu gyda hwn. Gallai sawl tasg ddeillio o’r llyfr, gan gynnwys gwaith llythrennedd ysgrifennu cerddi am adar, neu hyd yn oed gwaith rhifedd trin data drwy wneud graffiau amlder. Beth am drip teuluol i safle RSPB? Yn ogystal â gwerthu pob un copi ar ei rediad gyntaf, mae’r llyfr hefyd wedi bod yn Llyfr y Mis, mis Chwefror. Dwi’n gwybod y bydd hwn yn boblogaidd am flynyddoedd i ddod. This is the book EVERYONE’S been talking about lately! Llyfr Mawr Adar y Plant by Onwy Gower. This is a special book not only due to the fact that this is the first book about birds for children in Welsh since the 90s, but also because the author is a child herself! The old one, published by GCG was in need of an update! There’s a double page spread for 50, yes, 50 birds that can be found throughout Wales and each one contains photographs and interesting facts. The bird illustrations were created especially for this volume. In many ways, the book is similar to Iolo Williams's book, but this is child-friendlier. The easy-to-understand facts include descriptions, information about their size, habitat and food. We also get a simple and visual way of showing when the birds are generally to be seen with the inclusion of a month-o-meter. I like the ‘Fab Facts!' bit which gives one interesting fact for each bird a bit of special attention. For example, did you know that King George V and his mates once broke a record by shooting 3,937 Pheasants... In one day!? A fascinating fact no doubt, but not so good for the poor pheasants! For those of you who love poetry, Onwy has selected short poems to accompany each bird. All the words and pictures give us a fascinating book that will keep keen nature lovers busy for long! I can see this book being taken outside with the binoculars and clipboard birdwatching! I wonder which bird is the most common and which is the rarest? At a time when English names are taking over and replacing our beautiful Welsh terms, it is more important than ever to have a resource that teaches and reminds us of the wonderful Welsh names. Personally, I love the name Sigl-di-gwt! Having said this, I am very pleased that the English names are also included, which will make it easier for some readers to identify the birds. There is also consideration for learners as it includes a glossary at the back of the book. The book itself has the blessing of none other than Welsh wildlife legend, Iolo Williams, who writes a fitting foreword. I was pleased to see that the book had been printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests – a nice touch. It's incredible to think the author’s so young, and having heard her talk so well recently on various programs such as 'Heno' (S4C’s version of The One Show), I can see that she is very passionate about protecting and promoting Welsh wildlife. The hard work of the author and publisher clearly pays off and what we get is a beautiful, valuable and useful Welsh resource. Every school in Wales should have a copy of this book. Several tasks could result from the book, including literacy work bird poetry writing or even some numeracy data collection work. You could even work in some family outings to various RSPB reserves. As well as selling every single copy during its first print run, the book has also been named February’s Book of the Month. I know this will be a popular one for years to come. Gwasg/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 Pris: £7.99

*Scroll down for English* Stori am arwisgo Siarl yn 1969 - a lot o baent! Story about the Investiture of 1969 - and lots of paint! Genre: ffuglen hanesyddol / historical fiction 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: ★★★★☆ Pwy sydd wedi bod yn gwylio Season 3 o ‘The Crown’ ar Netflix? Mae episode 6 yn ffocysu ar hanes Arwisgo Siarl yn Dywysog Cymru yng Nghastell Caernarfon ym 1969. Mae’r rhaglen yn werth i’w weld – am y production value os dim byd arall! Mi faswn i’n gallu ‘sgwennu post jyst am hwnna ond am lyfr dwi isio sôn heddiw! Fe ddes i ar draws pamffled yn Swyddfa Gwasg Carreg Gwalch oedd yn dangos yr holl nofelau hanesyddol maen nhw wedi eu cyhoeddi. Roedd nifer yn edrych yn ddiddorol ond gan fod yr Arwisgo’n ffresh yn fy meddwl, mi wnes i ddewis ‘Paent’ gan Angharad Tomos. O ystyried yr awdur, ro’n i mewn dwylo saff o’r cychwyn! Robert Aneurin Jones yw prif gymeriad y stori, sef bachgen ysgol o Gaernarfon. ‘Da ni’n dilyn ei hanes dros gyfnod o ‘chydig fisoedd, lle mae bywyd ‘neis’ y teulu’n cael ei droi wyneb i waered ac mae’r profiad yn newid persbectif Robert am byth. Stori sy’n trafod digwyddiadau mawr, hanesyddol ond fe welwn y cyfan drwy lygaid plentyn. Prif ffocws y llyfr yw Arwisgiad Charles (sef y Frenhines yn dod i wneud Charles yn Dywysog Cymru yn swyddogol) ac ymgyrch peintio gwyrdd Cymdeithas yr Iaith i gael arwyddion ffordd ddwyieithog. Ar ddechrau’r stori, tydi Robert ddim yn meddwl llawer o’r peth, ond wrth iddo dyfu’n agosach at ei chwaer fawr, mae o’n dod i sylwi arwyddocâd y digwyddiad yma. Un noson, fe gaiff Robert y cyfle i ymuno â hi a’i ffrindiau yn paentio dros yr arwyddion uniaith Saesneg o amgylch Gaernarfon. Arweinia hyn at run-in gyda’r heddlu, a ffrae fawr rhwng y teulu, ar ôl i Megan gael ei harestio am ddifrod troseddol. Mae’r holl beth yn peri i Robert ddechrau cwestiynu’r drefn. Pam fod ei chwaer wedi colli ei swydd am ateb ffôn yn Gymraeg? Pam mai Saesneg yw iaith y llys? Pam fod rhaid iddo fynd i’r arwisgiad i ddathlu coroni Sais yn dywysog Cymru? Pam fod yr oedolion i gyd mor llwfr? Tydi Robert methu deall pam fod pawb mor hapus i weld hyn yn digwydd – wel, pawb ond cymdeithas yr Iaith! Cyn bo hir, mae Robert yn cael ei dynnu i mewn i ymgyrchoedd Cymdeithas yr Iaith, ac wrth iddo fynychu rali ar y Maes, aiff pethau’n flêr a chyn hir mae o’n gwrthdaro gyda’i athrawon– pam? Am nad ydi o’n barod bellach i ufuddhau’r drefn - ac mae hyn yn beryglus! Roedd datblygiad a llais y prif gymeriad yn y nofel yn dda iawn - roedd o fel petawn i’n mynd gyda fo ar ei daith o fod o’n hogyn bach diniwed i fod yn llencyn aeddfed sy’n deall llawer mwy am wleidyddiaeth, cenedlaetholdeb a’r anghyfiawnderau sy’n bodoli. Erbyn diwedd y nofel, mae ‘na rhyw ymwybyddiaeth a balchder cyffrous wedi ‘deffro’ tu mewn iddo ac erbyn y bennod olaf mae o’n dipyn o Welsh Nash ei hun! Grêt! Llwydda’r awdur i ennyn teimladau cryf yn y darllenydd hefyd -roedd darnau o’r llyfr (tud.94/95 er enghraifft) yn fy nghorddi! A rŵan, dwi jest yn gwrando ar ‘Peintio’r Byd yn Wyrdd’ a ‘Carlo’ gan Dafydd Iwan ar repeat! I’r gad! Stori ar ffurf lyfr nodiadau yw hon, gyda’r prif gymeriad yn siarad yn uniongyrchol â’r darllenydd ar brydia – effeithiol iawn (gweler Pennod 1) Mi wnes i wir fwynhau dull personol, anffurfiol, doniol yr awdur – mae llais y cymeriad yn gryf iawn. Doniol iawn oedd helyntion Robert yn yr ysgol gyda’r athrawon (ma’r ffordd y mae o’n siarad am yr athrawon yn bril!) O ystyried barn wleidyddol yr awdur, a’i chysylltiad gyda Chymdeithas yr Iaith, mi fase hi’n deg dweud efallai bod y llyfr mymryn yn biased. Ella ei fod o. Dwnim. Ydi o ots? Dim o gwbl achos tydi o ddim wedi amharu ar ei gallu i ‘sgwennu llyfr hynod o ddoniol ac addysgiadol ar yr un pryd. Mi fydd o’n siŵr o roi gwen ar eich wyneb. Mae negeseuon y llyfr mor berthnasol heddiw ac oedden nhw bryd hynny, gan fod y frwydr i gadw’r iaith yn fyw yn parhau. Dwi ond yn teimlo piti na faswn i wedi clywed mwy am yr hanes yma pan oeddwn i yn yr ysgol. Who’s been watching Season 3 of ‘The Crown’ on Netflix? Episode 6 focuses on the history of the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1969. It’s well worth watching – for the production value if nothing else! I could write a post just about that but this is blog for books! I came across a pamphlet at the Gwasg Carreg Gwalch office which showed all the historical novels they’ve published. Many looked interesting but as the investiture was fresh in my mind, I picked ‘Paent' by Angharad Tomos (the author of Rala Rwdins). I knew I was in safe hands from the start! The main character is Robert Aneurin Jones, a school boy from Caernarfon. We follow his story over a period of a couple of months, where the family's nice, peaceful life is turned upside down Robert is forever changed. A story that discusses major, historical events but all done through a child's eyes. The main focus of the book is Charles’ investiture (where the Queen officially makes him Prince of Wales) and Cymdeithas yr Iaith's green paint campaign for bilingual road signs. At the beginning of the story, Robert doesn't think much of it, but as he grows closer to his big sister, he realises the significance of the event. One night, he ends up joining her and her friends in painting over the English-only signs around Caernarfon. This leads to a run-in with the police, and a big row between the family, after Megan gets arrested for criminal damage. The whole thing causes Robert to start questioning things. Why did his sister get sacked for answering the phone in Welsh? Why is English the main language of the courts? Why must he go to the ceremony to pay homage to the crowning of a foreign usurper as Prince of Wales? Why are all the adults so obsessed with it? Robert couldn't understand why everyone was so happy to see this happen. He’s soon drawn into the Welsh Language Society's campaigns, and as he attends a rally on the street, things get messy. This puts him at odds with his teachers – why? Because he is no longer prepared to toe the line. He has started thinking for himself – that is what they fear the most! The development of the main character in the novel was done well- as if I was with him on his journey, watching him evolve from an innocent little boy to a teen who understands much more about politics, nationalism and the injustices that exist. By the end of the novel, an exciting ‘awareness’ and pride has awoken inside him. By the last chapter, he’s become a bit of a Welsh Nash! The author manages to evoke strong feelings in the reader – parts of the book (page 94/95 for example) made me so angry I was shouting at the book! Now I just want to listen to political protest songs 'Peintio’r Byd yn Wyrdd' and 'Carlo' by Dafydd Iwan on repeat! The story is told through a series of notes, with the main character speaking directly to the reader at times– very effective (see chapter 1) I really enjoyed the writer's personal, informal, humorous approach (along with the childlike handwriting and doodles) Robert's interactions and observations at school about his teachers were particularly funny and amusing! Given the author's political views, and her association with Cymdeithas yr Iaith, it’s fair to say that the book is perhaps a little biased. Does it even matter? Not at all - it doesn’t detract from what is a genuinely funny and informative book. It’ll definitely put a smile on your face. Gwasg/publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2015 Pris: £5.99 https://www.gweiddi.org/rhifynnau/rhifyn-36-gwrthdaro/paent-angharad-tomos/

*Scroll down for English & to leave comments* Stori annwyl sy'n sôn am barchu eraill. Beautiful story about respecting others. ♥♥Rhestr Fer Gwobr Tir na n-Og 2020♥♥ Genre: iechyd a lles, ffuglen / health and wellbeing, fiction 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: ★★★★☆ Un peth fyddai’n cofio’n glir am yr ysgol gynradd oedd amser gwasanaeth pan fyddai’r athrawes yn darllen stori ‘prosiect 3D’, Y Bobol Fach Wyrdd. Dwi’n cofio teimlo mor flin fod y pobl pinc yn trin y pobl wyrdd yn frwnt am eu bod nhw’n edrych yn wahanol. Rŵan, mae Manon Steffan Ros yn cyflwyno i ni lyfr newydd ar gyfer y 21ain ganrif sy’n sôn am themâu tebyg. Mae’r stori yn cael eu hadrodd o safbwynt y bachgen bach ‘gwyrdd’ (sy’n digwydd bod yn alien!) Mae teulu o bobl ‘piws’ wedi symud drws nesaf ac mae’n nhw’n wahanol iawn. Heblaw lliw eu croen, mae eu tŷ yn wahanol, mae nhw’n bwyta pethau gwahanol ac mae’n nhw’n siarad iaith wahanol. Er yr holl wahaniaethau, mae’r ddau fachgen yn hoff o bel-droed ac yn datblygu cyfeillgarwch agos drwy rannu’r un diddordebau. Pan mae ei ffrind newydd yn cael trafferth yn yr ysgol gyda’r bwlis, mae o’n camu i mewn i helpu ei ffrind. Mae’r stori yn dathlu’r gwahaniaethau rhwng y teulu piws a’r teulu gwyrdd, ond yn ein hatgoffa fod nhw’n debyg iawn hefyd. Mae’r stori’n ein dysgu i barchu a bod yn fwy goddefgar o eraill. Does na ddim llawer o ysgrifennu yn y stori – sy’n gweddu plant ifanc i’r dim. Mae’r ychydig eiriau sydd yno wedi cael eu dewis yn ofalus ac yn adrodd neges hynod o bwysig. Dim ots beth yw lliw ein croen, rydym ni gyd yn bobl – neu yn aliens! Dwi wrth fy modd gyda lluniau Jac Jones a dwi’n meddwl y byddwch chithau hefyd. Mae’r lluniau dyfrlliw yn byrstio gyda lliwiau o bob math ac mae digonedd yn mynd ymlaen ym mhob un. Rhywbeth da am y llyfr yma yw ei fod yn rhoi sail ardderchog ar gyfer trafodaeth ystyrlon. Dwi’n meddwl y byddai rhiant a phlentyn yn sgwrsio a thrafod am wahanol bethau sy’n codi wrth ddarllen drwyddo. Stori annwyl a dweud y gwir sydd yn amserol iawn mewn cyfnod lle mae na lawer o wrthdaro a chasineb yn y byd rhwng gwahanol bobloedd/hiliau. Anrheg perffaith yn yr hosan Nadolig am £3.99 neu stori sydyn handi i athro/awes sy’n gorfod cymryd y gwasanaeth foreol. One thing I always remember from my primary school days was assembly time when the teacher used to read a particular story Y Bobol Bach Wyrdd [the little green people]. I remember feeling so angry that the pink people treated the green people so badly because they looked different. Now, Manon Steffan Ros presents us with a brand-new book fit for the 21St century with similar themes. The story is told from the perspective of the little ‘green’ boy (who happens to be an alien!) A family of 'purple' people have moved next door and are very different. Not only their skin colour, but their house is different, they eat different things and they speak a different language. Despite all these differences, the two boys are fond of football and develop a close friendship by sharing the same interests. When his new friend struggles at school with the bullies, he steps in to help his mate. The story celebrates the differences between the purple and green family, but reminds us that they are very similar too. The story teaches us to be respectful and more tolerant of others. There isn’t much writing in the story – which is perfect for young children! The precious few words have been carefully selected and convey a very important message. No matter what the colour of our skin, we are all people – or aliens! I love Jac Jones’s pictures and I think you will too. The watercolour drawings are bursting with vibrant colours and there’s plenty going on in each one. A good thing about this book is that it provides so many rich opportunities for meaningful discussion. I can see a parent and child chatting and talking about different things and issues when reading through it together. An endearing story that is very topical at a time where there’s much conflict and hatred in the world between different people/races. A perfect gift in the Christmas stocking for £3.99 or a handy quick story for any teacher having to take the morning service. Gwasg/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 ISBN: 978-1-78461-723-3

*Scroll down for English & comments* Mae'n iawn i freuddwydio am rywbeth gwell... Its ok to dream for something better... Gwerth addysgiadol/educational value: ◉◉◉◉◎ Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◉◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting,tough themes: ◎◎◎◎◎ Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◎◎◎◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◎◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◎◎◎◎ Dyfarniad/verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Adolgiad gan Morgan Dafydd Dyma lyfr lluniau newydd gan yr arlunydd/cartwnydd talentog, Huw Aaron. Rydym ni’n gyfarwydd iawn gyda’i luniau a’i dwdls mewn nifer o lyfrau poblogaidd a’r cylchgrawn Mellten. Y tro hwn, Huw ei hun sydd wedi bod wrthi’n ysgrifennu’r stori yn ogystal â pheintio’r lluniau! Dywedodd Huw fod y stori wedi bod yn ffrwtian yng nghefn ei ben ers blynyddoedd - wel o’r diwedd, dyma hi! Stori yw hon am ferch fach o’r enw Petra, sy’n byw mewn dinas yn llawn pobl brysur iawn, iawn. Mae’r gweithwyr yn treulio drwy’r dydd, pob dydd yn adeiladu tyrrau uchel iawn sy’n ymestyn at yr awyr. Yn wir, mae’r gweithwyr yn fy atgoffa o forgrug gwyn, sy’n treulio eu bywydau’n adeiladu tomenni mawr. Mae Petra druan wedi diflasu gyda’r gwaith beunyddiol o adeiladu tyrrau. A dweud y gwir, mae hi’n hollol fed-up! Dechreua Petra gwestiynu’r drefn wrth iddi bendroni’r cwestiwn mawr athronyddol: oes 'na fwy i fywyd? Er bod 'na oedolion pwysig yn ei siarsio i ‘dyfu fyny’ a ‘derbyn y drefn,’ yn ei chalon tydi hi ddim yn gallu rhoi’r gorau i freuddwydio. Un diwrnod, pan ddaw dynes i lawr o’r cymylau mewn balŵn aer poeth fe ânt ar antur dros y byd, gan weld yr holl ryfeddodau sy’n bodoli. Tybed a fydd Petra’n gallu perswadio gweddill trigolion y ddinas fod mwy i fywyd na adeiladu tyrrau? Mae lluniau dyfrlliw Huw Aaron yn hyfryd o liwgar ac fe geir yma stori annwyl iawn gyda neges glir i blant ifanc (ac oedolion gwaetha’r modd!) fod hi’n gwbl dderbyniol i gwestiynu’r drefn. Mae’r llyfr yn cyfleu chwilfrydedd a rhyfeddod plant gyda’r byd o’u cwmpas. Bydd plant ac oedolion yn deall y neges fod rhyfeddodau lu i’w gweld yn y byd, ond i chi fentro mynd i chwilio. Ceir trosiad yn y llyfr sy’n dangos sut mae bywyd modern wedi’n cyflyru i frysio o un lle i’r llall, gan weithio’n ddi-stop, heb weithiau gymryd amser i werthfawrogi ein byd yn llawn. Ewch allan i weld y byd a mwynhau profiadau newydd -mae bywyd yn rhy fyr! Adolygiad oddi ai www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. Review by Morgan Dafydd This is a new picture book by talented artist/cartoonist Huw Aaron. We are very familiar with his drawings and doodles in a number of popular books and the magazine Mellten. On this occasion, Huw himself has taken care of writing the story as well as painting the pictures! Huw said that the story had been simmering in the back of his mind for years- well finally, here it is! This is a story about a little girl called Petra, who lives in a city full of very busy people. The workers spend all day, every day building very high towers that stretch to the sky. In fact, the workers remind me of termites, who spend their lives building large mounds. Poor Petra is bored with the daily grind of constructing towers. In fact, she is absolutely fed up! Petra begins to question the regime as she ponders the big philosophical question: Is there more to life? Even though some very important people order her to 'grow up' and ‘get on with it’, in her heart she never stops dreaming. One day, when a lady comes down from the clouds in a hot air balloon, they go on an adventure all over the world, seeing all the wonders that exist. I wonder if Petra will be able to persuade the rest of the city's inhabitants that there is more to life than building towers? Huw Aaron’s watercolour paintings are beautifully colourful and we get a very affectionate story with a clear message to young children (as well as adults!) that it’s perfectly acceptable to question things. The book conveys children's natural curiosity and wonder about the world around them. Children and adults will understand the message that there are many wonders and opportunities out there to be seen and enjoyed, if you take the chance! There’s a metaphor in the book that shows how modern life has conditioned us to hurry from one place to another, working non-stop, without taking time to fully appreciate our world. Go out to see the world and enjoy new experiences- life is too short! Review from www.gwales.com, by permission of Welsh Books Council. Gwasg/publisher: Atebol Pris/price: £6.99 Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019

*Scroll down for English & comments* Cri Greta Thunberg i achub y blaned, Greta Thunberg's call to save the planet. ♥♥Llyfr y Mis i Blant Mawrth 2020♥♥ ♥♥Children's Book of the Month March 2020♥♥ Genre: ffeithiol, amgylcheddol / non-fiction, environmental 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: ★★★☆☆ Cyn i’r pandemig coronafeirws ’ma sgubo ar draws y byd, yr amgylchedd oedd y pwnc llosg mawr dan sylw, a does neb wedi codi cymaint o ymwybyddiaeth ohono ymysg pobl ifanc â Greta Thunberg. Mae Greta, 17, sy’n wreiddiol o Sweden, yn enwog am ei barn gref am yr argyfwng amgylcheddol sy’n wynebu ein byd. Tynna sylw cyson at y pwnc, drwy areithiau cyhoeddus ac ymgyrchoedd, gan feirniadu nifer o arweinwyr y byd (fel Donald Trump) am eu diffyg gweithredu. Yn dilyn un o’i phrotestiadau, trefnwyd ‘Streiciau Ysgol Dros yr Amgylchedd’ ledled y byd gan bobl ifanc angerddol. Dangosodd hyn i’r byd fod pobl ifanc yn barod i leisio’u barn ac na ellir eu hanwybyddu. Gan ei bod hi mor adnabyddus ac mor ddylanwadol, does dim rhyfedd fod llyfr wedi’i seilio arni. Mae hi’n amlwg wedi taro nodyn gyda nifer o bobl a dywedodd Jeanette Winter, yr awdur: “pan glywais i ei hareithiau hi, ro’n i’n teimlo bod Greta’n siarad drosta i. Ac rwy’n wyth deg oed.” Adrodda’r llyfr hanes siwrne Greta. Trafoda sut yr oedd yn teimlo fel merch ‘anweledig’ yn yr ysgol - cyfnod eithaf anhapus yn ei bywyd. Bellach, rydym yn deall fod gan Greta ddiagnosis o Aspergers Syndrome, cyflwr a achosodd cryn drafferth iddi yn ystod ei phlentyndod. Roedd hi’n cael cyfnodau digalon gyda phyliau o iselder, ac arweiniodd hyn ati’n peidio â bwyta rhyw lawer. Mae Greta eisoes wedi siarad yn gyhoeddus am ei chyflwr, gan gyfaddef “ei fod o’n ei gwneud hi'n wahanol,” ond ei bod hi’n ystyried y peth fel “superpower.” Mae Greta’n esiampl dda o rywun sydd heb adael i'r ffaith eu bod nhw fymryn yn wahanol gyfyngu ar eu potensial i lwyddo. Yn ogystal â hanes Greta, trafoda’r llyfr nifer o’r argyfyngau amgylcheddol sy’n effeithio ar ein byd fel llifogydd, tannau coedwig, diffeithdiro a llygredd ymysg eraill. Er bod y llyfr yn trafod hyn mewn ffordd sensitif, dwi’n credu y byddai rhai darnau’n anaddas i blant ifanc y Cyfnod Sylfaen. Yn wreiddiol, nodwyd fod y llyfr yn addas i blant 3-8 oed, ond teimlaf y byddai rhai rhannau yn peri gofid a chynnwrf i blant ifanc e.e. anifeiliaid yn brwydro i aros yn fyw. Mae gan y teitl ei hun (er yn drawiadol) y potensial i greu pryder diangen. Yng ngeiriau Greta ei hun: “dwi eisiau i chi gael panig. Dwi eisiau i chi deimlo’r ofn.” Dwi ddim yn credu y byddai plant hŷn yn cymryd y neges mor llythrennol felly byddai’r llyfr yn fwy addas i blant yng Nghyfnod Allweddol 2. Sonia’r llyfr am danwydd ffosil a phrotestiadau gan blant a byddai hyn yn fan cychwyn da ar gyfer tasgau trafodaeth mewn uned o waith daearyddol/amgylcheddol/thematig. Mae’n sicr yn llyfr y dylid ystyried ei ddarllen gydag oedolyn, gan ei fod yn siŵr o arwain at fwy o gwestiynau. Yn ôl y llyfr, un o athrawon Greta a daniodd ei hangerdd a’i brwdfrydedd am yr amgylchedd – prawf fod gwersi diddorol, effeithiol yn gallu tanio dychymyg ac ennyn chwilfrydedd pobl ifanc. Prif neges y llyfr yw bod rhaid gweithredu dros yr amgylchedd, ac os nad yw oedolion am wneud hynny, mae plant a phobl ifanc yn barod iawn i gymryd yr awenau. Gorffenna’r llyfr gyda her i’r darllenydd: “Be wnei di nawr?” Cwestiwn da iawn. Before this coronavirus pandemic swept across the world, apart from Brexit, the environment was probably the other hot topic, and no-one has raised so much awareness of it among young people as Greta Thunberg. Greta, 17, originally from Sweden, is renowned for her strong views on the environmental crisis facing our world. She draws constant attention to the subject, through public speeches and campaigns, criticizing several world leaders (such as Donald Trump) for their inaction. Following one of her protests, “school strikes for the environment" were organized around the world by passionate young people. This showed the world that young people are willing to voice their opinions and cannot be overlooked. This book recounts Greta’s journey to fame, so far. It discusses how she felt like an ' invisible ' girl in school- quite an unhappy time in her life. We now understand that Greta has a diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome, a condition that caused her considerable issues during her childhood. She had periods of depression which led to her not eating much. Greta has already spoken publicly about her condition, admitting that although it makes her different, she considers it a "superpower." Greta is a good example of someone who has not let the fact that they are slightly different limit their potential for success. As well as Greta’s story, the book discusses many of the environmental crises affecting our world such as floods, forest fires, desertification and pollution amongst others. Although the book discusses these sensitively, I think some bits would be unsuitable for young children in the foundation phase. Originally, it was noted that the book was suitable for children aged 3-8, but I feel that some areas would be distressing and upsetting for young children e.g. animals struggling to stay alive. The title itself (though impactful) has the potential to create unnecessary anxiety. In Greta's own words: "I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear. " I don't think older children would take the message quite so literally therefore the book would be more suitable for children in Key Stage 2. The book mentions fossil fuels and child protests and this would be a good starting point for discussion tasks in an unit of geographical/environmental/thematic work. It is certainly a book that should be considered for reading with an adult, as it is bound to lead to more questions. According to the book, it was one of Greta's teachers who fostered her enthusiasm for the environment – proof that interesting, effective lessons can ignite passion in young people. The book’s main message is that we must act to save the environment, and if adults aren’t willing to do so, children and young people will happily take the lead. The book finishes with a provocative challenge: "What will you do now?” A very good question. Gwasg/publisher: Rily Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2020 Pris: £6.99

*Scroll down for English & comments* Gweithgareddau dychmygus, prysur, creadigol 'da Nel! Imaginative, busy, creative activities with Nel! Genre: posau, gweithgareddau, ffeithiol / puzzles, activities, non-fiction 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: ★★★☆☆ Mae’r gyfres ‘Na, Nel!’ wedi bod yn hynod o boblogaidd gyda phlant Cymru, yn enwedig gyda merched rhwng 7-9 oed. Rŵan, yn ogystal â sawl llyfr stori, mae llyfr gweithgareddau cyffrous ar gael yng nghwmni’r ferch fach ddireidus! Ar hyn o bryd, oherwydd y pandemig coronafeirws, mae plant ar hyd a lled Cymru yn gorfod aros adref gan fod yr ysgolion wedi cau. Efallai fod peidio gorfod mynd i’r ysgol yn hwyl i ddechrau, ond buan iawn mae pethau’n mynd yn ddiflas. Mewn cyfnod mor ansicr, mae’n bosib y bydd pobl yn gorfod hunan ynysu yn eu cartrefi am amser hir... o na! Diolch byth felly fod llawer o weithgareddau ar gael ar-lein a bod siopau llyfrau (ar hyn o bryd) yn dal i gynnig gwasanaeth bostio. (does dim ond hyn a hyn o deledu mae rhywun yn gallu ei wylio!) Mae Na, Nel! Waw! yn cynnwys 27 o weithgareddau amrywiol, lliwgar, llawn hwyl ar gyfer plant sy’n siŵr o gadw nhw’n brysur am oriau! Mae ambell un yn eithaf addysgiadol hefyd! Mae’r llyfr ar gael am ddim o lyfrgelloedd hefyd, ond mi fydda’n rhaid cysylltu gyda Y Lolfa er mwyn cael hawliau llungopïo. Llawer gwell prynu copi eich hun – bargen am £4.99 os ydi o’n golygu oriau o dawelwch tra mae’r plantos yn brysur! The ‘Na, Nel!’ series has been hugely popular with children across Wales, especially with girls aged 7-9. Now, as well as several storybooks, there is an exciting activity book to enjoy with this mischievous little character! At present, because of the coronavirus pandemic, children all over Wales are having to stay at home because the schools have closed. Not having to go to school may be fun to begin with, but be assured, things turn boring very quickly! In these uncertain times, people may have to self-isolate in their homes for a long time… Oh no! Although this will help our health in the long run, it will mean lots of bored and restless children with cabin fever! Thankfully, many activities are becoming available online and the book shops are still operating a delivery service (for the time being, anyway!) There's only so much television someone can watch!) Na, Nel! Waw! contains 27 varied, colourful and fun activities for children that will surely keep them occupied for hours! Some of them are even educational! The book is also available free in most libraries, but you would have to contact Y Lolfa to obtain photocopying permissions. I’d recommend buying your own copy – a bargain at £4.99, especially if it means a few hours of peace and quiet while the little ones are busy! Gwasg/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2018 Pris: £4.99

*Scroll down for English & comments* Stori fer drawiadol a gafaelgar. Hard-hitting and compelling short story. Genre: ffuglen arddegau / teenage fiction Negeseuon positif/positive messages: ◉◉◉◎◎ Themau trist,anodd/upsetting, tough themes: ◉◉◉◉◎ (abuse/alcoholism) Trais, ofn/violence, scary: ◉◉◉◎◎ Iaith gref/language: ◉◎◎◎◎ Rhyw/sex: ◉◉◉◉◎ Hiwmor/humour: ◎◎◎◎◎ Her darllen/reading difficulty:: ◉◉◉◎◎ Dyfarniad/Rating: ★★★★★ Mi oeddwn i’n fyr o amser felly mi oedd maint [byr] y nofel yma’n sicr yn ffactor wrth ddewis rhoi cynnig arni. Yn y pen draw, mi oeddwn i mor involved yn y llyfr ar ôl cychwyn, mi orffennais i hi mewn un eisteddiad (jyst llai nag awr). Mae Clec Amdani yn cychwyn mewn ystafell wely budr, llawn llanast, gyda dynas yn crio yn y gwely. Mae o’n ddisgrifiadol iawn ac yn debyg i ffilm. Dwi’n meddwl fod hyn wedi apelio’n syth ata i, gan ei fod o’n rhoi darlun clir, effeithiol a thrawiadol o’r sefyllfa druenus. Mi fydd y pwnc dan sylw yn siwr o apelio at y gynulleidfa darged; mi wnes i ffeindio'r cyfeiriaidau at focsio a Rocky yn ddiddorol. Stori ddirdynnol sy’n adrodd hanes Josh a’i fam. Mae ei rieni wedi gwahanu ac mae hyn wedi gyrru ei fam at y botel. Mae hi’n alcoholig llwyr ac mae’r sefyllfa wedi dirywio cymaint nad ydi hi’n poeni dim am ei mab, na hi ei hun chwaith. Dwi wir yn tosturio dros Josh, wrth iddo deimlo atgasedd at ei Fam am anghofio amdano. Ar ôl ceisio cuddio ei sefyllfa gartref, ni allai guddio’r peth rhagor ac mae Josh yn cael outburst yn y dosbarth lle mae’n dweud y cyfan wrth bawb. Mae pethau’n mynd o ddrwg i waeth pan rydym ni’n clywed fod Josh wedi cael ei arestio ar ôl ymosod ar y sglyfath sy’n trin ei Fam fel baw. Beth fydd hanes Josh? Fydd o’n gallu symud ‘mlaen a dod drwy’r cyfnod anodd ‘ma? Dwi’m yn meddwl mod i ERIOED wedi darllen llyfr sy’n llifo mor gwbl naturiol a hwn. Mae’r awdur yn deall yn union sut i sgwennu fel ac ar gyfer pobl yn eu harddegau. Mae’r defnydd o dafodiaith, bratiaith, dywediadau a pheth ddefnydd casual o’r Saesneg yn adrodd y stori mewn ffordd gwbl lafar, naturiol – dim yr hen Gymraeg stiff, artiffisial fel sydd mewn nifer o straeon! Clyfar iawn oedd ‘sgwennu’r stori i gyd ar ffurf cwestiwn ac ateb. Fel mae’r stori’n mynd yn ei flaen, caiff mwy o wybodaeth ei ddatgelu ac rydym yn dod i ddeall pwy sy’n holi. Mae ‘mwynhau’ yn teimlo fel y gair anghywir i’w ddefnyddio, o ystyried y cynnwys graffig ac eithaf upsetting ond wir i chi, mae hi’n chwip o nofel fer. Plîs plîs plîs Esyllt Maelor, wnei di ‘sgwennu mwy ar gyfer yr arddegau? Dwi’n meddwl basa ‘na lot mwy o bobl ifanc Cymru yn darllen llyfrau Cymraeg os tasan nhw gystal â hon! I didn’t have much time on my hands so the fact that this book was quite short was definitely a factor when I decided to give it a go. By the end, I was so involved in the book, I finished it in one sitting (just under an hour.) It starts in a dirty, messy bedroom with a woman crying in her bed. The descriptions are almost film-like. I think this immediately appealed to me, as it conveys a clear, and striking picture of the sad situation. The topic at hand will certainly appeal to a teenage audience. I liked the references to boxing and Rocky Balboa! A powerful and fast paced story that introduces us to Josh and his mum. His parents have separated and this in turn drove her to the bottle. She's a total alcoholic and the situation has deteriorated so much that she doesn't care about anything, other than her next drink. She has completely forgotten about her son. I really empathize with Josh, as he feels hatred towards his mum for behaving in this way. Having tried to hide his home situation, it all came to a head when he revealed all in an outburst in class. Things go from bad to worse when we learn that Josh has been arrested after attacking the awful man who’s been mistreating his mother. What happens to Josh? Can he pull through this and move beyond this awful situation? I don’t think I have ever read a book that flows as naturally as this one. The author understands exactly how to write as a/for teenagers. The use of dialect, slang, spoken informal Welsh and the casual use of English means the story feels very natural. This is really important in Welsh, because so many of our books are off-putting because of overly complicated, stiff, formal Welsh. Not so here. It was very clever to write the story in a question and answer format. As the story progresses, more information is uncovered and we come to understand who is doing the questioning. 'Enjoyed’ ' feels like the wrong word to use, given the graphic and rather upsetting content, but honestly, this is one hell of a short story! Please, please, please Esyllt Maelor, can you write some more teenage fiction? I think a lot more young people in Wales would read in Welsh if the novels were as hard hitting, effective, yet utterly readable as this one. Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Y Lolfa Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2014 Pris: £2.95 Cyfres/series: Copa

*Scroll down for English review and comments* 19 stori fer am fachgen direidus a'i ffrindiau! 19 short stories about a mischievous little boy! Genre: ffuglen, doniol / fiction, funny 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: ★★★☆☆ Dwi’n falch fod 'na fwy o lyfrau’n cael eu haddasu o ieithoedd eraill heblaw ‘r Saesneg o’r diwedd! Mae hyn yn beth da iawn ac yn sicrhau fod 'na ddigon o amrywiaeth o ddeunydd darllen. Mae Direidi Nicolas yn gyfres o straeon pytiog gan awdur y gyfres boblogaidd Asterix. Ar yr edrychiad cyntaf, mae’n edrych fel clamp o lyfr, ond peidiwch â phoeni, achos 19 o straeon byrion sydd yma, felly gallwch eu darllen fel ac y mynnwch - un y noson cyn mynd i’r gwely er enghraifft! Straeon am Nicolas a’i ffrindiau sydd yma. Bachgen bach direidus a drygionus sydd, ynghyd a’i ffrindiau, yn gwneud bywyd yn anodd i’w athrawes druan, Miss Evans. A dweud y gwir, mae Nicolas a’i griw yn llwyddo i roi cur pen i’w rieni ac unrhyw oedolion eraill sy’n dod ar eu traws! Dwi’n hoffi’r ffaith fod yr awdur yn ysgrifennu o safbwynt Nicolas ei hun, felly rydym ni’n gweld popeth drwy lygaid plentyn. Tydi Nicolas druan byth yn gallu gweld safbwynt yr oedolion- ac mae hyn yn ddoniol yn ei hun! Mae hiwmor sych yr awdur yn gryf yn y llyfr ac mae’r asides bach (siarad gyda’i hun ar yr ochr) yn reit amusing gan ei fod o’n pwysleisio rhai o’r pethau drosodd a throsodd bob yn ail stori bron. e.e. “Mae’n wir taw Aneurin yw’r gore yn y dosbarth ( a taw fe yw ci rhech Miss Evans, ei ffefryn hi) , ond dyw e ddim wir yn un o’r bois achos mae e’n lefen drwy’r amser…. a gan ei fod e’n gwisgo sbectol, dyn ni ddim yn gallu pwno fe.” Fel ‘da chi’n gweld – tydi’r stori ddim yr un mwyaf ‘P.C’ erbyn heddiw (rhaid i chi gofio mai yn y 50au y mae’r stori’n digwydd) ond mae’r drygioni’n ddigon diniwed – yn ddiniwed iawn os ydych chi’n ei gymharu hefo ymddygiad mewn rhai ysgolion heddiw! Mae bechgyn y dosbarth yn cambihafio drwy’r adeg a dim ots faint o weithiau y cânt nhw eu cosbi (fel arfer drwy orfod sefyll yn y gornel) tydi eu hymddygiad byth yn gwella! Mae’r cymeriadau yn blant drwg, ond ar yr un pryd, maen nhw reit charming hefyd. Yn sicr, mae’r awdur yn llwyddo i greu sefyllfaoedd ysgafn a doniol heb orfod defnyddio hiwmor toiled, budreddi a rhegfeydd fel sydd yn nifer o lyfrau modern. Wedi dweud hyn, mae rhai o’r sefyllfaoedd o’r straeon yn annhebygol neu anghyfarwydd erbyn heddiw, ond dwi ddim yn meddwl fod hyn yn amharu ar y stori. Mae’n fy atgoffa i o hunangofiant Roald Dahl, Boy - y math yna o straeon drygionus. Mae Nicolas a’i gyfeillion yn llwyddo (bron heb drio weithiau) i achosi helynt a stŵr - maen nhw’n cael y gorau o’r arolygwr ysgolion, yn weindio eu hathrawon i fyny, yn smocio sigâr, derbyn adroddiadau ysgol wael, sbwylio drama, torri ffenestr, creu llanast a chwarae triwant ymysg pethau eraill! Mi oedd rhaid i mi ganolbwyntio wrth ddarllen y llyfr achos roedd iaith y De yn drwm yn y llyfr ac roedd nifer o eiriau anghyfarwydd i mi. Ar y cyfan, mi wnes i fwynhau’r hwyl ddrygionus, ddiniwed. Roedd arlunwaith cartwnaidd, syml Jean-Jaques Sempe yn siwtio’r llyfr i’r dim. Does ‘na ddim straeon emosiynol, dwys a fawr ddim o ddatblygiad cymeriad - dim ond casgliad o straeon ysgafn, light-hearted. Dwi’n meddwl y bydd nifer o blant tua 8-11 oed yn mwynhau’r llyfr yma, heblaw am y rhai mwyafstreetwise, - efallai y bydden nhw’n gweld yr hwyl mymryn yn hen ffasiwn, diflas ac yn rhy ddiniwed. Dibynnu ar y plentyn, bur debyg. Mae gwasg Dalen yn gado fod mwy o anturiaethau Nicolas ar y ffordd yn fuan! I’m very pleased that there are more books being adapted into Welsh from languages other than English at last! This is good news and ensures that there is sufficient variety of reading material. Direidi Nicolas is a series of short tales by the author of the popular series Asterix. At first glance, it looks like a substantial book, but not to worry, because it’s split into 19 short stories, so you can read them as and when you like. How about one a night before going to bed for example? What we get are stories of Nicolas and friends. A little mischievous boy, who, together with his friends, makes life difficult for his poor teacher, Miss Evans. In fact, Nicolas and his crew manage to cause a headache for their parents and any other adults who come their way! I like the fact that the author writes from Nicolas's own perspective, so we see everything through a child's eyes. Poor Nicolas can never see the adults' viewpoint-and this is funny in itself! The author's dry humour is and the small asides (speaking with himself on the side) are quite amusing because he emphasizes some things over and over, such as his ‘fat’ best friend and the teacher’s pet who they can’t beat up because he has glasses. As you see – the story isn't the most ‘P.C.’ by today’s standards, but you must bear in mind that the story takes place and was written in the 50s) The misdemeanours are innocent enough though – very innocent if you compare it with standards of behaviour in some schools today! The boys misbehave all the time and no matter how many times they are punished (usually by having to stand in the corner) their behaviour never improves! The characters are naughty, but at the same time they're quite charming too. Certainly, the author manages to create mildly funny situations without having to resort to toilet humour, swearing and crassness found in many modern books. Having said this, some of the story situations seem unlikely or unfamiliar by now, but I don't think this impacts the story. I mean, does it really matter that the kids write with ink pots on their desks – especially if it results in funny situations! It reminds me of Roald Dahl's autobiography, Boy- it’s that type of thing. Nicolas and his friends succeed (sometimes without trying) in causing trouble and they get up to all sorts. They get the better of a school inspector, wind their teachers up no-end, smoke a cigar, receive terrible school reports, ruin a play, smash a window, create a mess and play ‘hooky’ (skipping school) amongst other things! I had to concentrate on reading the book as the Southern dialect was strong and there were a number of unfamiliar words to me. On the whole, I enjoyed the mischievous, innocent fun. Jean-Jaques Sempe's simple scribblings really suit the book. There are no deep, emotional stories here and little- if any character development- just a collection of light hearted, fun stories. I think a number of children around the age of 8-11 will enjoy this book, except for the most streetwise, - maybe they would see it as being a bit outdated, naïve and tepid. Depends on the child, I guess. Dalen press promises that more of Nicolas's adventures are on the way very soon… Cyhoeddwr/publisher: Dalen Cyhoeddwyd/released: 2019 Pris: £6.99

*Scroll down for English & comments* Nofel hanesyddol am y 'Merched Beca' Historical fiction about Rebecca Riots Genre: hanesyddol, ffuglen / historical, fiction 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: ★★★☆☆ Dwi’m yn siŵr pam, ond ron i’n nerfus iawn wrth feddwl am ddarllen llyfrau T Llew Jones. Dwi’n meddwl fod hyn yn deillio o fy nghyfnod yn yr ysgol, yn astudio un o’i nofelau. Ar y pryd, dwi’n meddwl fod y llyfr braidd yn anodd i mi a doeddwn i ddim cweit wedi deall y plot. Beth bynnag, fe welais fod Gomer wedi ail brintio rhai o’i glasuron, felly mi benderfynais roi ail-gynnig ar un o lyfrau Brenin Llenyddiaeth Plant Cymru… Tybed os ga i fwy o lwc yr ail dro? Mae Cri’r Dylluan yn nofel sy’n dilyn hanes Merched Beca yng nghanol yr 19eg ganrif, rhwng 1839-1843 yn Ne Orllewin Cymru. Nofel hanesyddol ydi hon, sy’n golygu fod y digwyddiadau yn rhai go iawn, ond maen nhw’n cael eu hadrodd drwy stori ffuglen. Roedd ffermwyr tlawd Cymru’n cael eu cosbi’n ariannol gan fod rhaid iddynt dalu er mwyn cael croesi’r tollbyrth ar hyd a lled Cymru. Roedd y ‘turnpike trusts’ yn rheoli’r ffyrdd a chawsent eu sefydlu gan y gwŷr bonheddig, er mwyn codi tollau ar y ffermwyr tlawd pob tro roeddent angen defnyddio’r ffyrdd. Roedd y dynion cyfoethog yn elwa ar draul y werin dlawd. Yn y pen draw, cafodd y ffermwyr lond bol, ac felly dechreuodd sefydliad ‘Merched Beca.’ Grŵp o ffermwyr oedd y rhain, oedd yn gwisgo dillad merched, yn duo eu hwynebau ac yn mynd allan ganol nos i chwalu’r tollbyrth yn racs mewn protest. I’r bobl gyffredin, roedd ‘Merched Beca’ yn arwyr - yn amddiffyn hawliau’r ffermwyr, ond i’r gwŷr bonheddig, roedden nhw’n drafferthus iawn- yn cael eu gweld fel terfysgwyr a throseddwyr. Galwyd y ‘troops’ i’r ardal i geisio atal y difrod. Mae’r stori yn dechrau’n syth wrth i un o’r ffermwyr, Tomos Bryn Glas, golli ei dymer gyda Mitchell, un o swyddogion y tollbyrth am fod o wedi ceisio hawlio toll dwywaith mewn diwrnod. Yn ei ddicter, mae Tomos yn ymosod ar ŵr y tollborth ac yn ei anafu’n ddrwg. Hyn yw’r digwyddiad sy’n cychwyn y stori, wrth i’r awdurdodau chwilio am y ffermwr sy’n euog o sefyll i fyny yn erbyn y tollau annheg. Rydym ni’n dod i gyfarfod dau fachgen lleol, Guto’r Gof a Huw Parri, wrth i’r ddau gael eu tynnu’n ddyfnach i fywyd giang y “Merched Beca”. Mae’r ‘merched’ wedi clywed am yr ymosodiad ar ddyn y tollborth ac yn awyddus i recriwtio aelodau newydd yn yr ardal. Cyn bo hir, mae’r ddau yn dod i gyfarfod rhai o arweinwyr dirgel y mudiad, fel Twm Carnabwth ac yn ymuno gyda nhw i ymosod a dinistrio tollbyrth yr ardal. Maen nhw’n mynychu cyfarfodydd cyfrinachol ac yn gwneud difrod troseddol yn enw’r ‘merched.’ Mae hyn yn beryglus iawn achos mae’r gwŷr bonheddig yn gandryll ac yn barod i wobrwyo’n dda i geisio cael y ffermwyr i droi ar ei gilydd. Ydy eu cyfrinach yn saff neu oes 'na fradwr yn eu mysg? Mae Huw Parri mewn sefyllfa anodd iawn - er ei fod o’n un o ferched Beca, mae o’n perthyn i Gyrnol Lewis, y sgweier cyfoethog sy’n gyfrifol am y tollbyrth. Mae’r ‘merched’ hynod o ddrwgdybus ohono oherwydd y cysylltiad peryglus yma. Yn ogystal â hyn, mae’r ferch y mae o’n ei garu yn meddwl fod o wedi bradychu ei thad, ac mae ffrae fawr gyda’i fam yn achosi iddi fynd yn ddifrifol wael. Fydd Huw yn gallu parhau i fod yn fab, yn gariad acyn un o’r ‘Merched Beca’? Mi wnes i fwynhau’r nofel oherwydd mae’n amlwg fod yr awdur wedi gwneud ei waith ymchwil, gyda nifer o gyfeiriadau at ddigwyddiadau a phobl go iawn. Mae’r “Merched Beca” yn defnyddio trais ac yn ‘cosbi’ un o ddynion y tollbyrth gyda’r “geffyl pren” - rhywbeth sy’n swnio’n beth cas iawn! Fe wnaeth y nofel wneud i mi fynd i ddarllen ac ymchwilio ar y we am hanes diddorol y merched Beca. Dwi’n hoffi’r ffaith fod T Llew Jones yn defnyddio dipyn o Saesneg yn y llyfr, yn enwedig ar gyfer y deialog. Mae hyn yn amlygu’r gwahaniaeth rhwng y werin a’r bonedd ac yn teimlo’n fwy credadwy. Roedd y stori’n gwneud i mi deimlo’n flin ar ran y ffermwyr yn erbyn y bobl dlawd ac roeddwn i’n sicr ar ochr y werin! Mae ‘na ddigon yn digwydd yn y stori i ddal diddordeb y darllenydd, ond roeddwn i braidd yn siomedig gyda’r diweddglo. Efallai fod yr hanes go iawn yn brin, ond dwi’n siŵr fod modd o orffen y stori’n well na hyn – dipyn bach yn frysiog. Meh. Dwi’n meddwl y byddai darllenwyr profiadol/hyderus yn ffeindio’r stori’n ddifyr ond efallai ei fod o braidd yn anodd i ddarllenwyr newydd/ifanc. Pan ysgrifennwyd y llyfr yn wreiddiol, roedd yn addas i blant top yr ysgol gynradd, ond erbyn heddiw, mae o’n fwy addas i blant Bl.7-9 ar y cyfan. Yn sicr yn llyfr defnyddiol yn yr ysgol fel rhan o’r Cwricwlwm Cymreig wrth astudio hanes Cymru. Doedd hynny ddim mor ddrwg ac yr oeddwn i wedi disgwyl -dwi’n meddwl rof i gynnig ar lyfr arall gan T Llew! I'm not sure why, but initially I was a bit reluctant about reading one of T. Llew Jones’s books. I think this stems from my time at school, studying one of them. At the time, I think the book was a bit difficult for me and I didn’t quite understand the plot. In any case, I saw that Gomer had re-printed some of his classics, so I decided to try again. The author was hailed as the King of Children’s literature in Wales.... I wonder if I’ll have more luck the second time? Cri’r Dyllan (The Owl’s cry) is a novel that follows the history of the Rebecca Riots in the mid-19th century, between 1839-1843 in South West Wales. This is a historical novel, which means that the events are real, but they are told through a fictional story. The poor farmers of Wales were being penalized financially because they had to pay in order to cross the toll gates throughout Wales. The 'Turnpike trusts' were in control of the roads and were set up by the gentry, in order to charge the peasant farmers every time they needed to use the roads. The wealthy men benefited at the expense of the poor folk. In the end, the farmers grew tired of this shameless exploitation, and so “Merched Beca” (Beca’s Girls) was formed. These were a group of farmers who went out at night to destroy the toll booths. They blackened their faces and wore women’s clothing to protect their identities. For the ordinary people, 'Merched Beca' were heroes – defending the rights of the farmers, but for the gentlemen, they were very troublesome-seen as terrorists and criminals. The "Troops" were called to the area to try to halt the riots and put an end to lawlessness. The story begins straight away as one of the farmers, Tomos Bryn Glas, loses his temper with Mitchell, a toll clerk because he tried to claim a toll twice in one day. In his anger, Tomos attacks the man and injures him badly. This is the event that gets the story going as the authorities search for the farmer who is guilty of standing up against the unfair tolls. We come to meet two local boys, Guto’r Gof (the blacksmith) and Huw Parri, as the two are drawn deeper into gang life as part of "Beca girls". The 'girls' have heard about the assault on the toll gatekeeper and are eager to recruit new members in the area. The two soon come to meet some of the mysterious leaders of the movement, such as the infamous Twm Carnabwth. They soon join with them in attacking and destroying the area’s tollhouses. They attend secret meetings and do criminal damage in the name of ‘Rebecca.' This is very dangerous because the wealthy landowners are furious and willing to dish out handsome rewards for anyone willing to give them the names of the members. Is their secret safe or is there a traitor amongst them? Huw Parri is in a very difficult position – even though he becomes a committed and fully-fledged member of ‘Beca’, he is in fact related to Colonel Lewis, the wealthy Squire who is responsible for the toll gates. The gang leaders are extremely suspicious of him because of this dangerous connection. In addition to this, the object of his desires, Elin, mistakenly thinks he has betrayed her father. A big row with his mother causes her to become seriously ill and this begs the question: Can Huw maintain the two sides to his life – can he be a fine upstanding citizen, a son and a lover as well as being part of ‘Beca’? I enjoyed the novel because it is clear that the author did his research, with numerous references to real events and people. The ‘Rebecca’ movement uses violence and 'punishes' one toll keeper with a particularly unpleasant and humiliating device, “Y Geffyl Bren” (The wooden horse) The novel sparked my interest to do some further online research about the riots. I like the fact that T Llew Jones uses a bit of English in the book, especially for the dialogue. This highlights the difference between the common folk and the wealthy landowners and feels more credible. The story is successful in getting me to empathize with the downtrodden, oppressed farmers against the gentry! I was definitely on team Rebecca!! There's enough going on in the story to maintain the reader's interest, but I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Perhaps the author ran out of real historical source material, but even so, I'm sure there was a better way of wrapping up the story. A little bit rushed, finishing all too sudden and happy ever after. Meh. I think experienced/confident readers would find the story engaging but it may be a bit difficult for new/younger readers. When the book was originally written, it was aimed at top primary age, but nowadays I feel it is more suitable for children in early secondary school, perhaps yrs.7-9. It’s certainly an useful book in schools during studies of Welsh history. Well, that wasn't so bad - I think I’ll try another book by T Llew! Gwasg/publisher: Gomer Cyhoeddwyd/released: 1974, 1975, 1988, 2005, 2019 Pris: £7.99