A stunning post-apocalyptic novel from north Wales has reached the shortlist for the prestigious Yoto Carnegie Medal for writing, it was announced today (Friday March 17th)
Originally published in Welsh as Llyfr Glas Nebo, and adapted into English by the author, Manon Steffan Ros, The Blue Book of Nebo is a beautifully crafted story of a mother and son who have survived The End – when the lights went out and the everyday 21st century world they knew disappeared.
Manon said: ‘I am truly honoured that The Blue Book of Nebo has been shortlisted for the Carnegie. This prize is one that is particularly close to my heart, as I can remember being a young bookworm, enchanted by stories, and noticing that so many of my favourite books carried the word Carnegie on the cover, either as winners or having been shortlisted. I had no idea what it meant – or indeed how to pronounce it – but it became the mark of a good book for me, a sure stamp of something I knew I’d love. To think that my own book now boasts the word on its cover is such a privilege – I still can’t quite believe it!’
And the Carnegie shortlisting is a first for award-winning independent publisher Firefly Press, based in South Wales.
Firefly Press Publisher Penny Thomas said: ‘We are so delighted that the judges have selected The Blue Book of Nebo for this hugely respected shortlist. It is such a powerful novel, deeply moving and yet simply told, with a resonance that reverberates with readers long after the last page.
‘Firefly received four Carnegie nominations this year which is a huge achievement for our small, quality children’s fiction list, and we’d like to congratulate all the authors and illustrators on their achievement! These nominations are a testament to the creative power in Welsh children’s fiction at present.’
Praise for The Blue Book of Nebo:
‘A gentle, yet powerful read about how we live and what we pay attention to.’ The Irish Times.
‘A tender, tragic, post-apocalyptic story, told with great simplicity and power.’ Imogen Russell Williams, The Guardian
‘Simply wonderful, beautifully conceived, written and observed. A story infused with warning and sober hope.’ Nicola Davies
‘I loved the fragile, tender heart of this story. Beneath the bleak exterior the relationship between a mother and her children glows with respect and compassion,’ Zillah Bethell
‘An unforgettable story about survival – the survival of a language, a culture, and all of humanity.’ Francesca Rhydderch
