Tir na n-Og Judges 2026

I’m from Ammanford originally, but have lived in Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion, for 38 years.

Having begun my career in graphic design, I ventured into education and was a teacher for over 25 years. I became Head of the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department of the Books Council in 2017 – a happy and exciting time, as I met many creative and talented authors, illustrators and designers. Whatever I choose to do these days, creativity still excites and inspires me.

I’m a columnist for Golwg magazine, and my first creative autobiography, Y Delyn Aur, was published by Gwasg y Bwthyn in November 2023. Its sequel, Paradwys Coll, was published in October 2025.

I believe that representation in our literature is important, and in these books I examine my mixed-race, multi-cultural and religious identity while tracing my family history in Ireland and Barbados.

I have a son and two daughters, and it’s exciting to rediscover literature for children and young people by reading to them, or, increasingly, by them reading to me!

I am passionate about reading and consider it an honour to be one of the adjudicators for this year’s Tir na n-Og Awards. I look forward to immersing myself in Wales’ best children’s and young people’s literature.

After spending three years in Aberystwyth studying Politics and International Relations, I have now returned to south-east Wales to study for a MA in Digital Media and Society.

From a young age, I’ve read at every opportunity, including reading out loud to my brother and sister. As a child my favourite book was Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. Stepping into the world of theatre with the three sisters was magical.

Recently I had the honour of being on the Young People’s Panel and it was a fantastic experience. We looked at books of all kinds, and made me appreciate the effort, time and passion that goes into making these books. I also contributed to Young. Proud. Wales. which won a Tir na n-Og Award last year.

Reading opens doors to different worlds, nurturing confidence and imagination. I still love reading and often have a book in my hand.

As a child I was an avid reader, devouring all books, and this in turn led me to an English Literature degree. After university, I started working in libraries and decided this is where I wanted my future to be. As an academic librarian at Cardiff University, I witness the impact being a reader has on a person’s academic career, enhancing their vocabulary, increasing their general knowledge, as well as benefitting their mental well-being.

Having children who have inherited their mother’s love of reading, I’ve revisited my childhood favourites and discovered a few more along the way. Sharing books we love is a joy, and the bedtime reads are still an important part of our day as a family.

I love recommending books to friends and family as I fully believe a love of reading starts in childhood. I’m incredible excited to be on the Tir na n-Og Awards’ panel.

My career in libraries began in 2010 and I quickly came to feel that this was my field. I completed a Master’s degree in Information and Library Studies in 2019, and was appointed as Children and Young People’s Librarian for the Vale of Glamorgan in February 2020.

As an avid reader from childhood, getting lost in a book has always been one of my favourite ways to spend time. Reading for pleasure can have profound benefits, and by working closely with schools across the Vale, I have the oppourtunity to share my love of reading with children. It’s also a lot of fun!

I was thrilled to be asked to join the adjudicating panel for the Tir na n-Og Awards. Having grown up speaking both Welsh and English, I’m particularly interested in examining the Welsh identity aspect of this year’s submissions. Cultural identity is a fascinating phenomenon that’s so unique to each one of us, and plays a big part in who we are as people.

Hello! I’m Molly from Bedwas, Caerphilly, and I’m currently studying English and French at the University of Warwick.

I’ve always had a passion for reading! Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson and Jacqueline Wilson were my favourite authors as a child, and attending literary festivals and getting to meet authors further added to my engagement with books.

As a teenager and young adult, I was eager to discover books with a Welsh connection, and I still have a keen interest in books about the history, identity, and heritage of Wales. Being on the Young People’s Panel two years ago gave me fantastic experiences and the opportunity to be part of the discussion around promoting reading for pleasure among young people.

I’m honoured to be asked to be one of the judges for this year’s awards, and very much look forward to reading the titles, and celebrating Welsh children’s literature.