Josh collects horror comics and he loves to terrify his brother Paul and his stepsister Mandy with scary stories. So when the three are sent to Wales to stay, Josh starts to spin a scary yarn about the strange Balwen Black Mountain sheep that live around the farmhouse, and about Rhys the legendary, devilish shepherd that guards them. Play Audio

Mae Josh yn casglu cylchgronau arswyd ac wrth ei fodd yn codi ofn ar ei frawd Paul ac ar ei lyschwaer Mandy drwy adrodd straeon arswyd. Wrth i'r tri gael eu hanfon i Gymru am gyfnod, mae Josh yn dechrau stori arswyd am y defaid mynyddig duon, y Balwen, sy'n pori o gwmpas y ffermdy, ac am Rhys y bugail cythreulig. Clip Sain

The ‘smiley photo’ at the beginning of this book sets the tone for a ‘rough and tumble’ look at the world of two brothers. Just as Paul and Josh are very different boys, the themes in this book deal with the many contrasts of life: the mysteries of the ancient world versus modern developments; the intimate traditions of rural life and the impersonal nature of town life; youthful enthusiasm against mature wisdom, even callous boys and sensitive girls!

The strange and familiar live side by side but sometimes collide, just like family members. Josh and Mandy have more in common than they realise as they both try to cope with the challenges of a new family life.

The main characters are portrayed in an engaging and convincing way, highlighting all the complex insecurities of adolescents; lively dialogue reflects their natural exuberance, and we warm to their individual personalities.

John Bradley’s lovely ‘shaggy’ illustrations reflect the untidiness of our emotional lives, always bordering on the absurd.

Even though serious issues underlie the events in this rich book, there are many laugh-out-loud moments and even an element of the surreal – magical sheep indeed! Maybe we should watch those Balwen Black Mountain sheep a little more carefully in future . . .

Hilary Cooper

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.