Local author celebrates World Book Day launch with Rhayader library event

A children’s book inspired by the town of Rhayader has been successfully launched on World Book Day, with all profits set to benefit Waun Capel Park — and now the story continues with a special author event at Rhayader Library.

Written by local shopkeeper Thomas Lewis Jones of Hafod Hardware, Ryder Digs for Rhayader tells a heart-warming story of kindness, community, and resilience, set in wartime Wales.

The book follows a young shopkeeper who brings people together through gardening, showing how even the smallest acts can make a meaningful difference.

It is the second book in the Ryder series for the business which is famous for producing heart-warming Christmas adverts that rivalled the high street kings.

Hafod Hardware’s adverts stole millions of peoples’ hearts around the world when they started in 2017 featuring Arthur, Tom’s son, who was then 10 months-old

With nostalgia and family at their heart, the videos went viral and rivalled expensive adverts by John Lewis and Waitrose.

King Charles, then a prince, couldn’t pass by the famed shop when he visited the town in 2021 and bought Andrea Von Kampen's album, That Spell.

The first book called ‘Ryder of Rhayader and His Magical Shop’ was released in November and celebrated 130 years of Hafod Hardware

Written and illustrated by Thomas, the first book followed young Ryder as he explored the shop’s nooks and crannies—meeting memorable characters and uncovering stories passed down through generations since 1895.

Hafod Hardware is a fourth-generation family business in Rhayader, founded in 1895 by cousins of Thomas Lewis Jones’ late grandfather Evan Williams

Following the release of the second book, Rhayader Library has invited Thomas to host a live reading and book signing, giving local children and families the chance to experience the story first-hand.

The event will take place on Friday April 10 at 11am at Rhayader Library, on West Street, Rhayader

Families are encouraged to attend, meet the author, and enjoy a live reading of the book.

Copies will be available to purchase on the day for £5, with all profits continuing to go towards improving Waun Capel Park, helping fund new playground equipment and ongoing maintenance for the benefit of local children.

Thomas said: “This book was written for the children of Rhayader, so to be invited to read it at the library feels really special. “If it can help bring people together and support the park at the same time, then it’s done exactly what it was meant to do.”

Since its World Book Day launch, Ryder Digs for Rhayader has already begun to capture the imagination of local readers, combining a strong sense of place with an uplifting message about community spirit.

Copies are also available in-store at Hafod Hardware.

As for the Christmas adverts, Thomas said: “The Christmas ads will always hold a special place in my heart. The last video was produced in 2021. Arthur is now eight, and there may be one more advert on the horizon, as a sort of reunion video.”