Ramboy

This original take on the Werewolf story, set among an ordinary family living in rural Wales, is sure to be a hit with boys in general but especially reluctant readers of ten to thirteen years. Accessible language, toilet humour and a zany plot will ensure success among boys of the target readership. But there is just enough junior girl-boy interest (the curse on Dewi’s family of one son becoming a sheep at night is broken by a kiss) to keep girls and those at the top of the age-range interested.

Adapted from the Welsh into a play for young adults by Arad Goch theatre company, 'Taro 10', 2006.

"My favourite was [Welsh original] Pen Dafad, since it’s full of humour – I was laughing until I was crying!" Elain Mair, Ysgol Brynhyfryd

"The idea that this boy goes to sleep one night and wakes up as a sheep is so silly but is brilliant." Staffani James, Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Llandysul ~Publisher: Y Lolfa

This entertaining comedy novel is Bethan Gwanas’s first novel in English and has all the energy and fun you would expect. Thirteen-year-old Dewi is baffled when he wakes up in the middle of the night to find he has turned into a sheep. He then eats all his mother’s pot plants. In the morning he is human again, with a horrible stomach ache, not knowing how to explain the plants. This goes on, causing more and more problems for Dewi, as he can’t eat his normal food, has horns growing on his head, wanders off in the night, is laughed at by the normal sheep – oh, and there are rumours of a panther loose in the area.



Stories of children transforming are always popular, and Gwanas develops this one very well. Dewi is an instantly sympathetic, very believable hero. There were several twists that surprised me and that I really enjoyed, particularly concerning the panther. I’ll say no more about the plot so as not to spoil it. It sounds a ridiculous set-up for a story, but I soon found I had suspended my disbelief and was really worried about what Dewi would do. The book is very funny, but Dewi’s relationships with his family and friends and his desperation to hide what is happening to him are moving and involving as well. Highly recommended. ~Janet Thomas @ www.gwales.com