At last we have a book that makes picture books cool and shows they are not just something for small children! I’m thrilled with Aidan Saunders’ version of an old legend from the Mabinogi, the story of Branwen. It’s a myth/legend that is part of the ancient history of Celtic Wales and one that has been told and retold over the centuries. I think this is my favourite version of the story that currently exists in print. The story has been updated for a modern audience but has lost none of the magic of the original story.
This has been bugging me for quite some time now but why do we tend to look down on picture books as being childish? I’m 29 years old and I enjoyed reading a book that is full of striking illustrations. The colourful prints are so simple, modern and refreshing but they still have an ancient, historical feeling about them. A colourful tapestry of images, they support the story and add a great deal to it. I still say that ‘keeping it simple’ works best – the comic-style pictures are simple, yet very effective.
Before I discuss the story, I just want to talk about the book itself. I’ve said before, that Atebol produces books of a very high standard (and no, they don’t pay me to say that!) The thin, rectangular size and shape of the book are quite different to the usual books available. This will certainly stand out on a bookshelf and we imagine it will attract the attention of young readers’ eyes. However, it needs to be stressed that although the book looks like something for the foundation phase, don’t be fooled, it really isn’t. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone under the age of 7 for a number of reasons.
I’m so pleased that the publisher has chosen to create a bilingual picture book, but for older children. They are quite right to do this and others should be doing the same thing. Children in KS2 (Yrs.3-6 or 7-11 years old in other words) DO ENJOY looking at pictures too! (and even older children for that matter) Yes, they like picture books but they don’t want to be patronized either! Reading this book will not be like reading Sali Mali- there’s plenty of reading and it’s challenging enough. Mererid Hopwood has done a good job of translating the English words. I am pleased that the Welsh and English text sits side by side, so children who read Welsh fluently can enjoy the book, as well as learners or those with non-Welsh speaking parents. The fact that both languages are there makes the book suitable for a wider audience. A great opportunity for anyone to learn more about the rich history of Wales ‘ legendary tales.
I remember hearing Branwen’s story in school, but I had actually forgotten how totally nuts it is! Who came up with some of the ideas? They had quite an imagination anyway! (Yes, I’m referring to Branwen having her ears boxed daily by the butcher with a piece of ham! – what‘s that all about?) This is a story about magic, giants, domestic abuse, epic battles, mutilation, armies of the dead, love, betrayal, deception and death. You name it – its in Branwen’s story! This book will be popular with both boys and girls- but it really has value as a tool to get boys who are reluctant to read to enjoy a good story and to take an interest in something Welsh.
Yes, there’s moderate violence and cruelty in Branwen’s story- but this is exactly why children love to read it. They like this sort of thing and I’m sure they’ve seen worse things in soaps and films these days! It is part of history after all!
I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is 7+ and it’s certainly a book that schools should consider investing in a copy for the countless learning opportunities. One question I have, I wonder if the author can shed some light on why random soldier No.3’s bum cheeks are on show? A bit of ventilation before the days of Air Conditioning perhaps? It’ll surely cause a giggle when they find it!
Picking Branwen’s story was a wise decision for putting a ‘cool’ spin on Welsh history and tradition. I hope more of the Mabinogi will be given the Aidan Saunders treatment in future!