21 July, 2004

TANNI AND CARYS READ TOGETHER
 
The likeable little character, Tomos Twf, will be part of a campaign throughout Wales to help parents introduce their children to the Welsh language.
 
The scheme, which is jointly run by the Welsh Books Council and Twf, a project that encourages parents to raise their children bilingually, is a result of parents requesting help in choosing suitable books to offer their children. It also links in with the National Assembly’s language strategy.
 
One parent who will be making the most of reading Welsh with her child is Tanni Grey Thompson:
 
‘There's nothing better than a quiet half hour to read with Carys,’ she said. ‘There are so many lovely Welsh books available. It gives one a really nice, warm feeling and it's a chance for me to improve my Welsh and to share a little of it with Carys.’
 
The special booklet Come and Read With Your Child, which includes cartoon pictures of Tomos Twf, lists simple bilingual books that non-Welsh speaking parents can share with their child. The booklet also includes tips and simple puzzles to introduce Welsh into the home.
 
Meryl Pierce, the Twf Project Officer, said: ‘With this booklet we are trying to share with parents the idea that you do not have to be able to speak Welsh in order to enjoy a Welsh book with your child. The important thing is to give it a go and not to be afraid of making mistakes. There are plenty of practical tips in the booklet to show you how to go about it, and we know that every child given the opportunity to speak Welsh will benefit from the start.’
 
The free booklet is being distributed through the Welsh Books Council, Twf, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, the Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association, libraries and shops.
 
Lila Piette, on behalf of the Welsh Books Council, said: ‘With the National Eisteddfod visiting Newport this year, it is appropriate that we are publishing a booklet to help young parents introduce Welsh to their children. In an area like the South East we are very aware of parents’ wish to help their children use Welsh and we are glad to be part of a project that enables us to do this in a practical way.’
 
All the books featured are for sale in bookshops and are also available on our website www.gwales.com.     
 
Copies of the booklet can be obtained from: Lila Piette at the Welsh Books Council
(01970) 624151.
 
 
For further information please contact: Elwyn Jones, Head of Administration and Public Relations, Welsh Books Council, Castell Brychan, ABERYSTWYTH, Ceredigion, SY23 2JB Tel (01970) 624151  Fax (01970) 625385  : elwyn.jones@wbc.org.uk