At 7.00 pm on Wednesday, May 1st, at the Town Hall in Ruthin, the book ‘Y Brenin, Y Bachgen a’r Afon’ by the new author Mili Williams will be launched as the third book to be published under the ‘AwDUra’ scheme by Mudiad Meithrin.
Mudiad Meithrin launched the ‘AwDUra’ scheme back in April 2022, with the aim of encouraging Welsh voices from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities to write stories for all young children in the Mudiad Meithrin community and beyond.
The organization collaborated with two experts in the field of writing and publishing in Wales, Jessica Dunrod and Manon Steffan Ros, to mentor the 10 applicants who were part of the AwDUra scheme.
Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Chief Executive of Mudiad Meithrin, said:
“The AwDUra journey to provide a platform for original and new Welsh voices continues! After the publication of Sarah Younan’s work in the magazine ‘WCW’, and the books ‘Mamgu, Mali a Mbuya’ by Theresa Mgadzah Jones and ‘Granchie a’r Dderwen Fawr’ by Chantelle Moore at the end of 2023, it is a pleasure to announce the book ‘Y Brenin, Y Bachgen a’r Afon’ by Mili Williams from Ruthin. I know that children all across Wales will enjoy Mili’s enchanting story and Valériane Leblond’s lovely illustrations.”
Mili Williams, author of her first children’s book ‘Y Brenin, Y Bachgen a’r Afon’, said:
“It has been my lifelong ambition to be a children’s author and AwDUra has made my dreams come true. Working with Manon Steffan Ros has been so inspiring and her support gave me the confidence to believe in my writing. I could not have found a better illustrator than Valériane and seeing my story come to life with her skills has been a dream come true.
As I sit here with the book in my hands, I am so grateful to Mudiad Meithrin for this opportunity and cannot wait for the book to be launched!”
Manon Steffan Ros, Welsh author and playwright, who has been mentoring Mili on her creative journey, said:
“This is a special book that is readable, interesting and feels like a brand new story tale. The combination of words and pictures is exceptional. It’s sure to be a favourite in our house!”
