PENRYN-BASED author Robin Falvey’s debut Novel, Fulmar, is the 2025 Kernow Youth Book Awards’ ‘Favourite Book of the Year’.
The award, presented on April 30 at Fibre Hub in Pool, marked the culmination of a program organised by Harriette Waterton-Gullick from Camborne Science and International Academy, which aims to inspire the next generation of readers.
The presentation day brings together students from all over Cornwall who love to read and discuss the books they enjoy. The children decide on the Favourite Book of the Year Award by voting for their favourite title.
The writers who attended were:
- Robin Falvey, the debut author of Fulmar, spoke about surfing, self-discovery, and writing on the road.
- Matt Oldfield – author of Unbelievable Football and the Johnny Ball series, who brought the world of sports writing to life.
- Bex Hogan – Cornish YA fantasy author of the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy and Black Heat, who shared tales of magic, sea voyages and fierce heroines.
Five schools attended the day of talks and workshops, which was also supported by The Edge of the World Bookshop, Penzance, who made the trek to Pool to run a pop-up bookshop. Students came from Torpoint, Tretherras, Humphreys Davy, Camborne, and Cape Cornwall schools.
After the event, Robin Falvey said: “I am delighted that young people from all over Cornwall chose my book, Fulmar, to receive this award. My novel is about a Cornish boy and the sea, surfing, and surf lifesaving.
“The fact that local kids voted for it to be their favourite book feels like a big thumbs up for my work. It was also wonderful to see the dedication of all the teachers and support staff working hard to inspire the next generation of readers.”
Fulmar is available in bookshops and can also be purchased from the author’s website at: robinfalvey.co.uk/robin-falvey-book-shop