The cat with iron claws - Catherine Fisher

An interpretation of a medieval Welsh tale by Catherine Fisher, recently appointed Wales' first Young Person's Laureate.

The Cat With Iron Claws is Catherine Fisher's interpretation of the story of the fearsome Cath Palug, one of the medieval Welsh triads in which significant events and artefacts always occur in threes. Catherine's narrative voice is clear and spare, and is perfectly complemented by Nicola Robinson's 'woodcut' illustrations. Catherine's recent appointment as Young Person's Laureate in Wales makes this a very special publication for Pont readers. It's the first in our new series - The Island of the Mighty - featuring Catherine's retelling of traditional Welsh stories. At just 4.99 it makes the perfect pocket-money purchase, for readers of all ages!
Publisher: Pont Books

Gwythelyn the Dwarf is the keeper of the Secret, one of the Three Great Enchantments of the Isle of Britain.
His nephew, Coll, is desperate to know the Secret. Gwythelyn gives in to Coll's pleading, then waits to see how Coll will deal with the knowledge - will he be wise or foolish?
Coll is given the task of guarding Henwen, a sow pregnant with three good things and three terrible things, but she escapes from the Otherworld and makes a 'smashing, trampling, thundering rush into the heart of Wales'.
Henwen gives birth to a monster which Coll has to contain.
In the process he discovers what it means to be wise.

This is a rendering of one of the tales of the Welsh triads contained in medieval manuscripts, and the start of a series by the first Young People's Laureate for Wales aimed at readers of eight and older.
It is perfectly written, and the illustrations both beautiful and apt.
Mari Strachan @ www.gwales.com