The winners of the Tir na n-Og Awards 2026 have been announced. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the awards, which were set up to celebrate the best books for children and young people in Wales. The awards are organised by the Books Council of Wales and sponsored by CILIP Cymru Wales.

There are three award categories: Welsh Language Primary (ages 4-11); Welsh Language Secondary (ages 11-18); and English Language with an authentic Welsh Dimension (ages 4-18).

Chosen by panels of independent adult judges, the winners of the two Welsh Language categories were announced at a special ceremony at the Urdd Eisteddfod Ynys Môn on 28th May. The winner of the English Language category was announced earlier in the month.

Young people were also able to have a say by voting in the Readers’ Choice Award as part of the Tir na n-Og Shadowing Scheme.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Sue Polchow, Community Development Manager – CILIP Cymru Wales said: ‘As the membership body for librarians and information professionals in Wales, we are delighted to sponsor the Tir na n-Og Awards in their special 50^th anniversary year. Across the years these truly unique Books Council of Wales book awards have both celebrated outstanding stories about Wales and showcased authors from Wales, all of which has inspired young readers to immerse themselves in the joy of reading. Congratulations to all the winning authors!’

Tir na n-Og Awards 2026: Winners

Welsh Language Secondary: Gwen ac Arianrhod by Lleucu Gwenllian, illustrated by Lleucu Gwenllian (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)

Welsh Language Primary: Am Gymro! by Medi Jones-Jackson, illustrated by Telor Gwyn (Y Lolfa)

English Language Category: The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni (Electric Monkey)

 

Readers’ Choice Award 2026: Winners

Welsh Language Secondary: Y Cae Ras by Manon Steffan Ros (Y Lolfa)

Welsh Language Primary: Llyfr Sgrap Macs Sion by Mari Lovgreen, illustrated by Cai Tudur (Y Lolfa)

English Language Category:10 Fascinating Stories from Welsh History (that you’ll want to talk about) by Siân Lewis and Charlotte Williams, illustrated by Kyle Legall (Rily)