Book launch marks new chapter in Eiry’s creative career

Eiry Rees Thomas, who launched a career in her sixties as a bilingual curriculum content creator, adds another string to her bow this month as her interactive educational apps have been adapted for print books in the UK and USA for international distribution.

The first editions of her bilingual books – The Flitwits/Y Sbridion – are hot off the press, published by John Catt Educational Ltd and printed in Wales by Aberystwyth based Cambrian Printers.

Eiry, a fluent Welsh speaker from Cardiff, is now working on e-book equivalents with plans underway to narrate the stories for Llyfrau Llafar Cymru/Talking Books Wales while a further two books are getting ready for publication.

A grant from the Welsh Government’s Digital Development Fund was the catalyst that prompted Eiry to create the series of interactive educational apps for teachers and learners that were published by Apple to rave reviews.

The apps and books are based on The Flitlits/Y Sbridion – colourful characters that derived from her creative imagination and who live in the fantasy land of Fussbut, Seldom See. Designed to make learning fun, they help children through the transition from picture books to early chapter novels, while improving their literacy skills.

The apps, print and e-books, together with classroom resources and pending educational games, are backed by a bilingual interactive website for use by children, parents, teachers and librarians and complete a unique multi-modal package.

The material is available as first and second language Welsh, English and US English editions, and target youngsters aged between 8-11, with the US print versions due to launch shortly.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “I am delighted to hear how the Digital Development Fund is supporting those working in the creative sector to take advantage of the latest technologies and target international markets. This particular enterprise also illustrates how a successful project can have a very positive knock-on effect on other individuals and businesses working within the sector.”

The new publications – as well as the Flitlits/Y Sbridion concept – have received star reviews and created interest from a number of organisations and individuals interested in future collaboration.

In addition to the Cambrian Press, the project has involved numerous companies and artists in Wales, thus helping to support jobs and spread the economic benefits.
Eiry said:

“It has been a whirlwind journey since the concept’s inception, that is now taking on a life of its own. I never know what might happen next but it has been a very exciting journey..

“An accident meant that I had to retire early from my original career which is when I began concentrating on writing. The support from the Welsh Government’s Digital Development Fund gave me a boost when I needed it and helped get the project off the ground while also giving me credibility. It has been very much a team effort as I have been supported by fantastic developers and collaborators.”