Published for World Book Day, 7 March, the book Y Ddraig Lwcus (The Lucky Dragon) promotes Welsh language literacy for children aged between six and 10.

Pureprint was approached by HP, one of the Wrexham team’s major sponsors, in late January: NABU had created a digital book, but was new to printed publishing, and HP needed a printer to handle the process on a tight timescale.

“Historically, they’ve given out books for free over their digital platform,” explained Luke Hodson, Pureprint’s marketing director.

He told Printweek: “So because they were less experienced with physical books, they came to us. It was a tight timeframe to work out the specifications and work with the illustrators, translators, publishers and Wrexham to get samples in peoples’ hands, appraised, and then ready for World Book Day.”

Running the job through its two HP Indigo 100ks, installed in 2021 and 2020, Pureprint was able to produce multiple prototypes for the job.

The final product ran in B5 portrait on house FSC paper for text and and GF Smith Colorplan endpapers.

Mark Handford, Pureprint CEO, said the firm was proud to have been with HP for 20 years. 

He said: “We’re pleased to be at the cutting edge of digital print and personalisation thanks to our HP Indigo 100K Digital Press. Working on The Lucky Dragon project exemplifies our capacity to expedite print runs and work with greater flexibility, all while advancing our sustainability aims.” 

The book was NABU’s first Welsh-language work, with previous titles distributed for free around the world in languages like Haitian Creole and Kiswahili.

Isabel Sheinman, NABU co-founder, explained that the charity’s work largely focusses on helping children’s literacy globally with a low-bandwidth reading app and web-reader.

She added: “We’re excited to collaborate with HP, Wrexham AFC, and Pureprint for the creation of The Lucky Dragon, our first Welsh-English book, which will further our mission while inspiring a generation to be the heroes of their own story.”  

Peter Jolly, HP Industrial’s country manager for UKI, added: “We know that flexibility, productivity and sustainability are top of mind for Pureprint, and we’re excited to support on all three of these fronts with the implementation of our HP Indigo 100K Digital Press. 

“This project is a great example of how we’re effectively working with Wrexham AFC as their Global Tech Partner, to enable and create meaningful impact for the local community.”