Launch of the 2014 series
New research published this month shows that modern parents read bedtime stories more often to their children than their parents did with them. The number of parents who regularly read bedtime stories has almost doubled in a generation, with half of all parents now reading to their children every night.
But whilst the number of people reading bedtime stories to their children has increased, the number of adults picking up a book for their own enjoyment has fallen – with ‘lack of time’ given as the most common reason.
The bedtime story research conducted by the website Netmums shows that parents often adapt bedtime stories by making them shorter and snappier. It is exactly this approach that the 2014 Quick Reads/Stori Sydyn initiative uses to tempt adult readers to get back into the habit of reading.
With the launch of the 2014 Quick Reads/Stori Sydyn titles this week, it’s the perfect opportunity for adult readers to pick up a short, snappy book they will enjoy, for just £1 a copy.
The eight new Quick Reads/Stori Sydyn books for Wales – four English titles published by Accent Press, and four Welsh titles published by Y Lolfa – was launched by Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills, at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at 10am on Monday, 10 February 2014.
The eight books in the series cover a wide range of topics, including mini-biographies of Wales’s leading young athletes Jade Jones, Aled Sion Davies, Jonathan Davies and Richard Hibbard. Alison Stokes’s title looks to the business community in Wales, with a dozen inspiring stories on how to turn entrepreneurial ideas into hard cash. A fictionalised account of Dylan Thomas’s life forms the background to Phil Carradice’s book, commissioned as part of the Dylan Thomas centenary celebrations, whilst Alun Gibbard takes a look at the life and times of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, murdered in 1935. Lleucu Roberts, author of the short novel Oswald, gives us an entertaining and thought-provoking glimpse into the life of a funeral enthusiast.
Angharad Tomos, on behalf of the Welsh Books Council, said:
“The aim of the Quick Reads/Stori Sydyn campaign, coordinated by the Welsh Books Council and supported by the Welsh Government, is to encourage people to read by providing short, entertaining books that are easy to access. To many children and adults books can often appear daunting at first, and they may feel that they don’t have the time to tackle a lengthy novel.
“The Quick Reads/Stori Sydyn titles provide a number of short, engaging books especially written for people who have lost the habit of reading for pleasure, or those who wish to improve their skills and confidence around reading. Best of all, the books are available to buy for just £1 per title.”
Huw Lewis, Minister for Education and Skills, added:
“Now in its ninth year, the Quick Reads/ Stori Sydyn campaign has sought to introduce many thousands of people to the joys of reading by providing short, fast-paced books written by bestselling authors and household names.
“Any initiative which helps encourage people to pick up a book for enjoyment, either for the first time or after a long break, is to be applauded.
“I very much hope that the choice of authors and subject matters this year will encourage a great many people to be inspired by the stories told.”
2014 Titles
Headhunter, Jade Jones
Jade Jones describes how her passion for the sport was sparked at the age of eight when her Grandad first took her to a class at his local club. Over the years, her ambition and hard work have paid off.
Gareth Jones: y dyn oedd yn gwybod gormod, Alun Gibbard
Alun Gibbard is in pursuit of Barry-born journalist Gareth Jones and his revelation of man-made famine by Stalin in the Ukraine. Did this disclosure lead to his murder in 1935?
Do Not Go Gentle, Phil Carradice
A fictionalised account of Dylan Thomas’s last hours. As he lies waiting for the end, he thinks back over his life – from his childhood in Swansea to his final weeks in New York.
Aled a’r Fedal Aur, Aled Sion Davies
This is the story of Aled Sion Davies, the Champion who won a gold medal for throwing the discus, and a bronze medal for the shot putt in the Paralympic Games, London 2012.
Be your own boss, Alison Stokes
In this book, a dozen ordinary people who have taken the plunge share their inspiring stories and know-how on how to get started in business, and note the common mistakes to avoid.
Foxy’r Llew, Jonathan Davies
A book about the life and career of the popular rugby player Jonathan Davies, who plays centre for Wales and the Lions.
Lionheart, Richard Hibbard
Richard Hibbard, the Ospreys and Lions star, reflects on his long and often rocky road to the top of world rugby.
Oswald, Lleucu Roberts
The subject of Lleucu Roberts’s entertaining novel is Oswald, an obituaries editor desperate to free himself from his obsession.
