The Tir na n-Og Awards are the oldest awards for children’s literature in Wales. Since 1976 they have celebrated the talents and creativity of authors and illustrators who either create original works in Welsh, or who write about authentically Welsh themes or backgrounds through the medium of English.
Bethan Jones, Head of the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department said: “We have a fantastic year planned to celebrate this special birthday for the Tir na n-Og Awards. The 2026 English- and Welsh-language Awards will be held over the spring and summer, and we have a jam-packed calendar of activities and events planned so that readers of all ages can join us to celebrate 50 years of the very best books for children and young people.
“The judging panels have already met to consider the books that have been nominated and it’s amazing to see so many fantastic books eligible for the awards this year. We can’t wait to reveal the shortlists in the spring and enjoy the celebrations with schools, bookshops, libraries and readers over the coming year.”
A busy programme of events will be taking place to mark the 50th anniversary:
- January – Launch the year of celebrating TNNO’s 50th anniversary.
- February – Introduce the TNNO reading challenge – for primary school children, secondary school children and adults, in collaboration with organisations across Wales.
- March – Publish the Welsh and English TNNO shortlists for 2026 ; treasure hunt in libraries and booksellers ; e-sgol assemblies (1 weekly throughout March).
- April – Promote the Welsh and English TNNO shortlists for 2026.
- May – Name the 2026 TNNO winners.
- June – Dosbarth Miss Prydderch Arad Goch and National Theatre tour ; promote and share educational resources for schools celebrating previous titles that have won.
- August – Sessions at the Y Babell Lên, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.
- September – Celebrate half a century of previous Tir na n-Og winners – online campaign.
- October – Exhibition in the National Library of Wales.
The Tir na n-Og Awards are held every year by the Books Council of Wales, supported by CILIP Cymru Wales.
The members of the judging panels have been busy over recent months reading the books nominated for the awards. Led by Karen Gemma Brewer, Chair of the English-language panel, and Rhys Dilwyn Jenkins, Chair of the Welsh-language panel, eight judges have come together to discuss the nominations. Meet the judging panels on the Books Council’s website.
The awards have three categories: Welsh-language Primary (age 4–11), Welsh-language Secondary (age 11–18) and English-language book with an authentic Welsh dimension (primary or secondary, age 4–18).
The shortlists will be announced in the spring and more information on the Tir na n-Og Awards and the year of celebrations can be found on the Books Council of Wales website.