BookTrust Cymru, the children’s reading charity, is encouraging families, schools, and early years spaces across Wales to join in with Big Welsh Rhyme Time, a week-long national celebration of sharing bilingual rhymes, poems and songs with thousands of children in their early years.
Big Welsh Rhyme Time invites families across Wales to experience how rhyming and sharing stories bilingually can be incorporated into everyday life – be it at home, at an early years setting, or within their local community. More than 500 settings across Wales have signed up to take part in Big Welsh Rhyme Time, which takes place from Monday 2nd February- Friday 6th February 2026. Participating settings include nurseries, primary schools, children and family centres, libraries, childminders, community groups and charities.
Phil Savery, BookTrust Cymru Partnership Manager, says:
“Sharing rhymes, poems and songs in the early years is a great way to develop children’s speech, language and communication skills, increase their confidence and encourage them to read and enjoy stories.”
Families and early years settings can take part in their own rhyming fun at home using the videos and downloadable resources that will be available at https://www.booktrust.org.uk/bigwelshrhymetime and are encouraged to share their own rhyming experiences on social media.
Big Welsh Rhyme Time Content 2026
Campfa’r Anifeiliaid / Animal Gym by Rhiannon Oliver
Get moving with Rhiannon Oliver and all the animals in this fun and active bilingual rhyme, complete with printable illustration and activity sheets.
“I’m thrilled to have written a new bilingual action rhyme for Big Welsh Rhyme Time. Let’s get ready for some rhyming fun!”
Rhiannon Oliver, Poet and Performer
Byd Hud o Gerddoriaeth / A Magical World of Music by Branwen Gwyn
Explore the magic of music and sounds with Branwen Gwyn in this marvelously melodic new rhyme. Join in the fun with rhyme videos in English and Welsh as well as printable activities.
“It’s fantastic to be part of Big Welsh Rhyme Time, and to share my passion for poems and music. I really hope children get inspired to love words and notes!”
Branwen Gwyn, Presenter, Musician and Scriptwriter
Picnic by Patricia Sumner
Join Patricia Sumner for a perfect picnic in this fun family and food-inspired bilingual rhyme, with printable recipe activities from Daffodil Kitchen.
“When I was a child, poems encouraged me to read and learn. So, I’m delighted to be sharing a rhyme with children as part of Big Welsh Rhyme Time.”
Patricia Sumner, Poet, Children’s Author and Editor
About BookTrust
We get millions of children reading, especially those from low-income families or vulnerable backgrounds. Children who choose to read and who read regularly are happier and healthier. They form stronger bonds and relationships. They do better at school and are more creative. They enjoy more success in life. This is why we work with families, supporting them to start sharing stories and books together from the earliest possible age. Our carefully selected books and well-researched programmes are delivered by thousands of local partners, bringing the magic of reading to children in every community in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Booktrust.org.uk
In Wales, BookTrust Cymru works to inspire a love of reading in children because we know that reading can transform lives.
To find out more visit the BookTrust Cymru website or follow us on Facebook @BookTrustCymru
