In an era when conversations around reading, language and community are more important than ever, Welsh author Paul Wines is proving that a children's book can be far more than just a story on a shelf.
With the release of There's a Zombie in My Village, the second instalment in his William Jenkins series, Wines continues a distinctly Welsh storytelling journey; one rooted in rural communities, bilingual publishing and the imagination of young readers.
At the heart of the series is William Jenkins, an inquisitive young boy whose extraordinary adventures unfold against the backdrop of contemporary Wales. In this latest outing, William becomes convinced that a mysterious newcomer to his village is hiding a monstrous secret. What follows is a charming blend of mystery, humour and imagination, anchored by the recognisable rhythms of village life.
For Wines, who comes from a Welsh-language background and lives in the Welsh countryside, creating stories for children is intrinsically linked to celebrating Wales itself.
"William Jenkins is very much a story set in the Wales of today, with all its wonderful characters, who are almost as rich as the countryside itself," he says. "I've always had a whirlwind of ideas flying around my head, and William allowed me to share some of that imagination with young readers."
The origins of the character are equally Welsh. During a family trip to a small town in West Wales, a spark of inspiration quickly developed into what would become The Day I Met a Vampire, the first William Jenkins novel.
"The story just seemed to explode into full technicolour in the space of a few hours," Wines recalls. "The characters developed in much the same way, and the town that offered them shelter came to life too."
That connection to place remains central to his work. While the books may feature vampires, zombies and other creatures of the imagination, they are underpinned by recognisable Welsh communities, local characters and the everyday experiences of growing up in modern Wales.
The books have found a publishing home with Cardiff-based independent publisher Candy Jar Books, a partnership that has also allowed Wines to pursue a long-held ambition of making his stories available in both English and Welsh.
"My first William Jenkins book, The Day I Met a Vampire, can also be found in the Welsh-language section, and so can my children's graphic novel Wild Hair," he explains. "I've always wanted to write in Welsh as well. Shaun at Candy Jar was interested in publishing in Welsh too, and we've started translating some of the publisher's other titles."
At a time when discussions around the future of the Welsh language continue to shape cultural policy and education, the growth of accessible bilingual literature offers an important opportunity for young readers to see their own lives, communities and language reflected in the stories they consume.
However, Wines' commitment to storytelling extends well beyond the printed page.
To mark the launch of There's a Zombie in My Village, he has organised a community-wide Monster Hunt during the school half-term break, transforming local businesses and community organisations into part of the adventure. From local shops and the library to the leisure centre, swimming baths and Men's Shed, organisations across the area have joined forces to help bring the world of William Jenkins to life.
"I'd never heard of a Monster Hunt before, so I thought now's the time to create one and get other people involved," he says. "They've all said a big yes and are taking part. I never thought launching a book could be so much fun and rewarding."
The initiative reflects a growing understanding of the role that arts and culture can play in strengthening local communities, while simultaneously encouraging literacy and creative engagement among younger generations.
Schools have also become an important part of Wines' work. Through author visits, creative workshops and classroom activities inspired by his books, he has found new ways to connect directly with young audiences.
"If you'd asked me what it takes to be an author, I'd say it's not just about creativity. It's about meeting people, in my case little people, and being bombarded by hands going up when you ask questions," he laughs. "You find out a lot about yourself when you're standing in front of a class of children and they're hanging on your every word. I love it."
In many ways, Wines' work embodies a growing movement within Welsh publishing: creating stories that are proudly local yet universally accessible, supporting bilingual literature while celebrating the communities that inspire it.
With monsters lurking around every corner, a village-wide treasure hunt and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of readers, There's a Zombie in My Village demonstrates how children's literature can become a gateway to imagination, language and belonging.
As Welsh arts organisations, publishers and educators continue to explore ways of connecting young people with culture, Paul Wines' latest adventure offers a timely reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories begin right on our own doorstep.
