Winner of Rising Stars Wales 2020 to Publish Debut Poetry Collection
From hairy jellybeans to beautiful daydreams, the poems within this debut collection are to be relished. They aim to spark familiarity and inclusion and expand the mind in curious and imaginative ways. Written for 7-11 year olds, and beautifully illustrated by talented young illustrator Katy Riddell, these poems use rhythm, rhyme and free verse, and are ideally suited to performance in a school setting, nurturing a love of language, reading, confidence and self-expression.
In November 2019, Literature Wales and Firefly Press collaborated on the Rising Stars Wales 2020 Award, a new initiative open to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children’s poets living in Wales. The award discovered new talent, provided opportunities, and spotlighted three talented emerging individuals. The poets continue to develop as writers and gain further opportunities as a result of the award, and Literature Wales is delighted to see that 2020 Rising Star Alex Wharton signed a publishing deal with Firefly Press for his debut children’s poetry collection, Daydreams and Jellybeans, and that the publication has been confirmed for the 28 January 2021.
Literature Wales and Firefly Press are currently inviting submissions for the Rising Stars Wales Award 2021. This opportunity is open for early-career writers to develop their creative practice. Over the course of the year, the successful Rising Stars Wales 2021 applicants will receive a financial award, as well as a coaching session from Alex Wharton himself. In addition, the poets will have the opportunity to discover more about the publishing and literature sector from expert professionals at Firefly Press, as well as on-going support and advice from the team at Literature Wales. Further information on eligibility and how to apply for the 2021 Rising Stars Wales Award can be found here.
Joshua Seigal said:
‘This is a lovely, warm collection of poems that hail from a place of wonder and mystery.’
Matt Goodfellow said:
‘Daydreams and Jellybeans reveals a world rich with nature, colour and warmth. Words and images combine to create an assured and confident debut collection that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.’
Alexander Wharton is a writer and poet. He is a senior building surveyor in Torfaen, South Wales. He has been published regularly in The Caterpillar, Wales Haiku Journal, Hedgerow and I am not a silent Poet. He collaborated with The Reading Realm in January 2020 where five of his poems featured on the educational ITunes App. A regular compere of Cardiff Arts free festival, he visits schools to perform his poetry and facilitate writing workshops. Find out more at www.alexwhartonpoet.co.uk @alexwhartonpoet
Katy Riddell grew up in Brighton and was obsessed with drawing from a young age. Since graduating with a BA Hons in Illustration and Animation from Manchester Metropolitan University, she has illustrated Pongwiffy, Midnight Feasting and The International Yeti Collective. She lives and works in Brighton. Follow her on Instagram @katyriddell_illustration