NEW storybook ‘Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree’ in Welsh!
Tales from Mother Earth is delighted to announce the launch of Sbriwsen Sitka – y Goeden Bren Ryfeddol, the Welsh translation of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree! This is our very first children’s audio/picture storybook produced in another language—and it’s now being sent out to all 1,277 primary schools in Wales, in both Welsh and English. This means that teachers can begin to build bilingual language lesson plans around the story in time for the new school year.
The Welsh version of the storybook was launched at WoodBUILD25, an annual two-day conference for the timber industry, held this year on 3–4 June in Llandudno. Organised by Woodknowledge Wales, the event brings together timber and construction stakeholders to collaborate, innovate and drive meaningful change. The conference proved to be the perfect setting for the book launch. To much applause, Gary Newman, CEO of Woodknowledge Wales, presented Sbriwsen Sitka to a room packed with interest during the celebration dinner.
“We’re thrilled to support the Welsh-language launch of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree. It’s a wonderful example of how storytelling can spark curiosity in children about the natural world and the vital role timber plays in our lives. By reaching every primary school in Wales, this bilingual storybook helps us grow a future generation that values forests, materials and sustainability – in both Welsh and English.” Gary Newman, CEO, Woodknowledge Wales
Together with Morgan Sindall Construction and other enthusiastic partners, Woodknowledge Wales was instrumental in helping us develop the original English version of Sitka Spruce the Amazing Timber Tree in 2024—and now they’ve helped bring the Welsh version to life.
New Production Requirement
Translating a book into a language we don’t personally speak is a huge act of trust. Fortunately, we worked closely with the expert team at Cymen, who provided a wonderful Welsh translation that perfectly captured our words, passion, and tone. This care and attention extended to the supporting resources too, such as our newly created Welsh crossword puzzle, which was thoroughly checked and approved.
Because our books have a strong audio element, it was vital to find two talented Welsh speakers to bring the characters of Mother Earth and Sitka to life. That’s where tinint, a production and broadcast company based in Wales, stepped in. Their casting and production work brought just the right warmth, friendliness and energy to match the original English voices.
Our sincere thanks go to the brilliant team at Woodknowledge Wales for overseeing this development—what a great collaboration it has been!
