An account of Shemi Wad's far-fetched tales of mischief and heroism. Based on the legendary character of Pembrokeshire. Suitable for children aged 9 years and older.

Straeon y cymeriad hynod Shemi Wâd yn llawn hiwmor a direidi. Yn seiliedig ar y cymeriad chwedlonol o sir Benfro. Addas ar gyfer plant dros 9 oed.

A really pretty book by Pont in hardback with charming illustrations by Jac Jones. This is a collection of stories told by the notorious fibber Shemi Wad, who was a real man – unlike his stories! The collection is topped and tailed by short essays, one on the historical character of Shemi, and the other about his influence on the author.

My husband told me some of Shemi’s stories before I started reading the collection, so it was almost like finding old friends when I read Stale Currant Bun. Medlicott’s retellings are particularly fun because they are multilayered. The stories come to us through four voices, which is a clever way of portraying on paper a sense of the oral tradition. She also provides us with specific and recognisable locations in Fishguard and Goodwick.

This is a book that one should dip into, rather than read straight through. Back-to-back, the tales are too far-fetched. Rounding them all off is a new Shemi tale, created by Medlicott, which interestingly weaves together the elements and characters from the other stories. This is a book which should delight both those who know of Shemi and those who simply like a fun tale!

Sally Owen

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.