The Welsh language is full of interesting sayings – many of which include animals. There are way tpp many for one person to remember them all, and it’s a shame that there isn’t a single directory that collects them all with an explanation. It would be a shame if these quirky sayings were to disappear. I love the title of this book, ‘Ffwlbart Ffred – Drewi fel Ffwlbart,’ for two reasons. Firstly, because it draws attention to a quirky Welsh saying thus ensuring it’s future by introducing it to the next generation. Secondly, because this is a title that is bound to appeal to young children. A catchy title – exactly what will sell books! It’s definitely a “Muuum, I want that one, please can we read that one?” kind of book!
I can think of several young boys (and a few girls!) who will love reading about the foul-smelling Ffwlbart and I will be posting my copy over to my young cousins as soon as I’ve finished this!
As the title suggests, Ffred has a Ffwlbart (this means polecat as I discovered, and yes, I had to Google it!) and this cute little creature ABSOLUTLEY STINKS! Initially, he didn’t smell, but one morning things suddenly changed…
The bad smell fills the place and eventually even next-door neighbour, Anti Gyrti, is complaining! After receiving orders to wash the stinky creature, Ffred and his pet get a very clever idea. Before long, the whole village stinks to high heaven!
Welsh books have come a long way since I was a child, and the standard is very high and improving still. Atebol has been leading the way with the printing of high-quality books. I know this is a bit pedantic but the book feels nice to hold as has a quality ‘feel’ to it. Even small things like the matt cover with glossy bits make a difference.
I instantly recognize Bethan Mai’s artwork (I remember them from the Halibalŵ book series) and they complement this book and add to the humour. A bonus about the book is that it’s in the form of rhyming couplets, which is a good opportunity to introduce the concept of rhyme. Don’t you think there’s something satisfying about reading a sentence that rhymes?
The author is very experienced in producing things for children, and knows full well what is going to appeal to the target audience! There are few children who wouldn’t enjoy some toilet humour and talk of smelly things. I’m sure I bought a few stink bombs myself when I was a kid! Nothing wrong with a bit of harmless mischief!
I’m glad to hear that this will be a series, not a one-off, so there will be more on the way…
Gwasg/publisher: Atebol
Rhyddhawyd/released: 2020