Catherine Fisher, New York Times best-selling author and twice winner of the Tir na n-Og, has agreed terms to write the first title for Graffeg’s new Middle Grade and YA imprint, Cadno.

Catherine’s new book, Culhwch and Olwen, is a retelling of a famous story from The Mabinogion, a collection of tales written in medieval times about Welsh mythology, folklore and legend. 

In the story, Culhwch falls madly in love with Olwen, the daughter of the malevolent giant Yspaddaden Penkawr. But Olwen’s father isn’t happy about the pairing and sets Cuhlwch a test – he must complete several perilous feats and bring him the treasures he desires. 

Catherine Fisher says, ‘I'm delighted that Graffeg will be publishing my new reimagining of the classic Welsh story of Culhwch and Olwen. It's even more exciting as this will be the first book in their new Cadno imprint and I'm very much looking forward to working with them on such an intriguing project.’ 

Matthew Howard, Publishing Director of Graffeg, adds, ‘The aim of Cadno is to bring the country, people, heritage and communities of Wales to the attention of Middle Grade and YA readers right across the UK. And where better to start than with best-selling author Catherine Fisher and a retelling of one of Wales’s oldest folktales – a fabulous story of love and loyalty that is as exciting today as when it was first written.’ 

Culhwch and Olwen is being published by Cadno in June 2024 with the financial backing of Books Council of Wales. 

Notes to Editors: 

Please contact media@graffeg.com to request interviews or images for editorial use or to request more information on this title. 

Catherine Fisher is a New York Times best-selling author. Her novel Incarceron was the Times Book of the Year. She has twice won the Tir na n-Og prize, and has been shortlisted for the Blue Peter, Carnegie, Costa and WHSmith prizes. She has published over 35 novels, translated into more than 40 languages, and is also a prize-winning poet. 

Cadno is an imprint of Graffeg Publishing focusing on Middle Grade and YA books in English with uniquely Welsh content. Keen to develop the idea of Wales as an important and positive literary setting for children’s books, Cadno’s titles centre on high-quality literary texts either set in Wales or involving characters from Wales. We have several exciting upcoming titles, including books by Catherine Fisher, Cathy Jenkins, Emma Bettridge and Rachel Keating.