Gelert: The Ultimate Companion for Men - Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Travel & Daily Life

The story of Gelert, the faithful dog of Prince Llewelyn, is well known in Wales. The Prince must leave his castle. His wife Siwan is left with his hound Gelert to care of their baby boy. The Princess must leave the room for a while, but is sure the baby is safe with Gelert on guard. When Llewelyn returns he finds an empty cradle, blood all over the room and his dog lying covered in blood. Enraged, he takes out his sword and kills the dog. Later he hears the cry of an infant, finds the baby as well as the body of a wolf, killed by Gelert while protecting the baby. In remorse, Llewelyn builds a grave and places a stone. The shape of Gelert can still be seen in the stars.This is a children’s book for ages 5-7. Though the story of Gelert can be seen as gruesome, it has an important message of not jumping to conclusions and taking actions that cannot be taken back.The book is short (32 pages) and in verse. It is not a narrative story telling tale. The short verses, very well done, are illustrated by the amazing drawings of Fran Evans. The book is excellent for having that young child or grandchild in your lap and reading the verse and discussing the illustrations.Fran Evans has drawn both Gelert and the wolf as shaggy, mangy, real-life animals, not cute, cuddly creatures. The grave of Gelert looks like the stone you see today at Beddgelert in North Wales.Cerys Matthews is a well-known singer and song writer who performed with the Welsh rock band “Catatonia”. She is a judge for the annual Dylan Thomas literary award and a patron of the Dylan Thomas Society. This is her second children’s book after “Tales from the Deep” which includes the tales of Cantre Gwaelod and the Maid of Llyn y Fan Fach.Bob RoserBook Review Editor for Ninnau, The North American Welsh newspaper