The Children's Poet Laureate is a joint scheme between S4C, The Welsh Books Council, The Welsh Academy and Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Its aims are to raise the profile of poetry amongst young people and to encourage them to create and enjoy poetry. Former laureates are Twm Morys, Ifor ap Glyn, Caryl Parry-Jones, Gwyneth Glyn, Mererid Hopwood, Tudur Dylan Jones, Ceri Wyn Jones, Menna Elfyn, Mei Mac and Myrddin ap Dafydd.
The Children's Poet Laureate for 2010-11 is Dewi Pws Morris
Famous for his buffoonery, teasing and practical jokes at home and on stage, Dewi, originally from Treboeth in Swansea, is a well-known actor, singer, author, bard and TV presenter.
Dewi began his career as a teacher at Splott, Cardiff, but two years later his acting interest developed into a full time role with Cwmni Theatr Cymru (Wales Company Theatre). He has appeared on numerous TV series on S4C, including his portrayal of Wayne Harris on the Welsh soap opera, Pobol y Cwm, Hapus Dyrfa, Torri Gwynt, the travel series Byd Pws, children’s drama series Rownd a Rownd and most recently Golffio for S4C.
His accolades as a singer began in the early seventies, when he became a member of Welsh band Tebot Piws, and later the first Welsh super group Edward H Dafis. He is now a member of a Cardigan fun band, Sesh Bach.
His creative talents continue as an author and bard, with many titles to his name, including his autobiography Theleri Thŵp, Hiwmor Pws, Fo a Fi (a hi) plus children’s books such as Dewi, Dwpsi a’r Dreigie.
He now lives in Tresaith, Ceredigion with his wife Rhiannon, is a member of the Welsh bardic team, Crannog and enjoys fishing, golf and holidays in his camper van.
Dewi Pws Morris says:
"I feel very honoured to be chosen as the Children’s Poet Laureate, but I worry that the children will be far cleverer than me! I’m looking forward to working with children from all over Wales, because I consider myself a bit of a Peter Pan (children keep me young!), and after a year in this role maybe I’ll grow up to be 12 once more!"
Past Children's Poets Laureate