Local author Robin Falvey has been awarded the 2025 Kernow Youth Book Awards’ “Favourite Book of the Year” for his debut novel, Fulmar, a story rooted in Cornwall’s coastal culture.
The award was presented on April 30 at the Fibre Hub in Pool, during a celebratory event that marked the conclusion of a reading initiative organised by Harriette Waterton-Gullick of Camborne Science and International Academy. The Kernow Youth Book Awards aim to foster a love of reading among young people across Cornwall.
Each year, students from schools throughout the county participate in the awards programme, reading a shortlist of titles and voting for their favourite. This year’s winner, Fulmar, tells the story of a Cornish boy and his journey of self-discovery through surfing and surf lifesaving.
“It means a great deal that young people from across Cornwall chose Fulmar,” said Falvey following the event. “The fact that local kids voted for it feels like a big thumbs-up for my work. It was also wonderful to see the commitment of teachers and support staff working so hard to nurture a new generation of readers.”
The awards day featured a series of author talks and workshops attended by students from five schools: Torpoint, Tretherras, Humphry Davy, Camborne, and Cape Cornwall.
Falvey was joined by fellow authors including:
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Matt Oldfield, author of Unbelievable Football and the Johnny Ball series, who introduced students to the world of sports writing.
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Bex Hogan, acclaimed Cornish fantasy author of the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy and Black Heat, who spoke about magic, sea voyages, and strong heroines.
The Edge of the World Bookshop from Penzance supported the event by running a pop-up bookshop on site.
