Peniarth and Stonewall Cymru distribute new books for children including same sex families, free of charge to Primary Schools in Wales.
01.06.2022
Peniarth, which is part of University of Wales Trinity Saint David, has published a series of new, innovative children’s books that contain same-sex families.
Peniarth was established in 2009 as the University’s publishing wing. By now, it has developed to become one of the main publishers of Welsh and bilingual books and educational resources in Wales.
‘Early One Morning’ and ‘Bedtime Not Playtime!’ are translations by Elin Haf and Mari Siôn of books by the Spanish author Lawrence Schimel and Elīna Brasliņa from Latvia.
These books were originally written by Lawrence Schimel in response to an increasing demand to expand the book market so as to include stories that contain families of LGBT+ backgrounds.
Lawrence Schimel said: “There are other children’s books that portray LGBT lives, but these usually relate to being different or overcoming homophobia. Elīna and I felt that there was a need for more books that celebrate the joy of being gay, and contain jolly stories of life in single-sex families.
The books have since been printed in over 30 countries and languages including, now, Wales and in Welsh and English.
Elin mentioned:
“After talking to Lawrence about the books I was really eager to see them published in Wales. I loved the way that the stories show a very familiar environment, everyday life, .
“As a parent myself in a civil partnership - and the youngest of our three sons is eighteen by now - there was nothing like this in Welsh when the boys were small."
The Welsh version is the first to use ‘Mam and Mami / Dad and Dadi’, and by now other language versions have taken this up too.
Elin and Mari’s wish is to see these books, as they get published, reaching the schools of Wales, seeing the characters spring to life, and teachers and children enjoying them. And so today, Peniarth is delighted to announce a scheme in partnership with Stonewall Cymru through Welsh Government sponsorship to ensure that every primary school in Wales will receive one book free to all primary schools in Wales.
Dr Lowri Lloyd, from Canolfan Peniarth said: “It is truly a privilege to publish these books for the youngest of children in both English and Welsh. They are simple, good-humoured and interesting books that contain same-sex parents as a natural part of the story. Our hope is that parents, schools and anyone involved with small children will use them to give children of all backgrounds access to stories that reflect the diversity of our present society. Being able to distribute one copy free of charge to every primary school in Wales is certainly a significant step towards making this a reality.”
Iestyn Wyn from Stonewall Cymru added:" Ensuring that LGBTQ+ families are represented in our literature and culture is vital, particularly in children and young people's literature and Welsh literature. Only by reflecting on contemporary Wales in our literature, we can take steps forward to undo the decades of under-representation that LGBTQ+ people have experienced. We are therefore very excited to be able to work with Penarth to distribute a free copy to all schools of these special books."
Hannah Blythyn MS, Deputy Minister for Social Partnerships said:
"It is fantastic that classrooms in Wales will have access to bilingual and inclusive literature which reflects the diversity of Wales. This aligns with our commitment in the LGBTQ+ Action Plan to promote resources to help families and teachers across the country"
Further Information
Lowri Thomas, Principal Communications and PR Officer
07449 998476
