Sian - Traveler in Time

by Leon Balen

Paperback £4.95

Book Description

An exciting cartoon-style book for all ages, tracing the adventures of Siân, a teenage girl from the present-day, who travels back in time to Cardiff Bay in 1936.
Written and illustrated by Leon Balen, a Penarth artist and children’s author, inspired by original, archive photographs held at Butetown History & Arts Centre.
The reader follows Siân as she meets a fascinating gallery of characters on her adventures, including her great-grandfather from Jamaica – as a young man!

The colourful drawings mix the jazz style of 1936 and the pop style of today. They boldly conjure up the social and working life of the pre-War Tiger Bay community – when cosmopolitan Butetown was a whole world in miniature!

The story features many real people and scenes who may be recognisable to the elder reader, or reminiscent of stories told by them to younger generations, giving it the widest possible appeal.

“A marvellous springboard for young people’s imaginations, both at home and at school.”
Betty Campbell MBE, former Head Teacher & lifelong Butetown resident.