CNHILDREN in St Davids could have close encounters with tortoises, yetis and dinosaurs thanks to a visit to a bookshop by TV writer turned author Ian Brown.

Ian, who has written for shows like The Simpsons, is appearing at Falcon Boats, New Street, St David’s, Pembrokeshire on October 31. He will be reading from his Albert the tortoise and Hugg ‘n’ Bugg series of picturebooks.

The former TV writer, producer turned children’s author has proved a hit with youngsters on his storytime sessions. The event starts at 11am.

As well as reading his stories, Ian talks about real Albert the tortoise who is a big hit on social media and the inspiration for the picturebooks. He’s also won over a host of household names.

A journalist before working in television, Ian’s TV credits include The South Bank Show, big red book tribute show This Is Your Life and Top Gear. He’s written or produced for the likes of Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine, Trevor McDonald, The Simpsons, Martin Kemp, Jamie Oliver, Bob Monkhouse, Ian Wright, George Michael, Des O’Connor, John Barnes, Davina McCall and Ross Kemp.

Real Albert the tortoise is more than 80 years old and has been a pet in Ian’s family more than 50 years.

With his own pages on facebook, X, tiktok and a website, Albert has gathered thousands of fans around the world and his appeal has grown since the release of the first book, Albert Upside Down. All the books are illustrated by Eoin Clarke and are published by Cardiff-based Graffeg Books.

The event at Falcon Boats will feature other titles like Albert and the Wind, Albert Supersize, Albert in the Air, Albert and the Pond, Albert and the Shed and a board book for first readers called Albert and His Friends.

The books have been added to by Ian and Eoin’s new creations Hugg ‘n’ Bugg FINDING HOME and THE COMB about a messy abominable snowman and a flea who doesn’t like the cold.

Picturebook Albert is not only a hit with young readers, he’s taking the celebrity world by storm too. His fans include Jeremy Clarkson. Petrolhead, farmer and former tortoise owner Clarkson said, “I like this book. I like tortoises. What’s not to like?”

Danny Miller, former I’m A Celebrity King and ex-Emmerdale star is another famous face to be charmed by the tortoise. He described the books as his son Albert’s “favourite”.

Others praising the adventures of illustrated Albert are funnymen Julian Clary and Paul Whitehouse, star of Youtube and Strictly Come Dancing Joe Sugg, former TOWIE star Lydia Bright, Game of Thrones and

Vicar of Dibley actor Clive Mantle, Allo Allo and EastEnders actress Vicki Michelle and TV veterans John Craven of Countryfile and Michael Aspel.

Influencer Lydia Bright posted to her 1.3 million followers on Instagram that Albert Upside Down was a “new favourite” book for her daughter Loretta.

It’s been quite a journey for real Albert. He was rescued more than 50 years ago by Ian’s wife Millie when she was a little girl.

ALBERT THE TORTOISE Author PRESS RELEASE

Ian, who lives in east London, said, “Coming to St David’s is a real treat. I can’t wait to share the stories. Albert seems to be taking all this in his stride. We’ve all been amazed at how his popularity has grown. He has fans across the UK, USA, Japan and Australia. It took me thirty years to get a publishing deal, trying in between TV work, but Albert was the inspiration I needed. It’s a delight to visit bookshops, schools and libraries and share Albert’s world. Luckily they seem to like the stories and we hand out stickers and colouring sheets too. Putting words into the mouth of picturebook Albert has been a joy.”
In his story events Ian is accompanied by a lookalike tortoise, made from a coconut, as well as a yeti and a T Rex. “The props help me talk about real Albert but also to tell the stories,” added Ian. “We have a have a lot of fun.”
In the first story Albert finds himself on his shell, upside down. Can his garden friends team up and help him back on his feet? Book two, Albert and the Wind, sees his food blow away and was published soon after by independent publishers Graffeg. Book three, Albert Supersize, features dinosaurs as Albert has a big dream. In Albert In the Air, our hero escapes from his garden home and goes on a journey of discovery beyond. Albert and the Pond sees Albert make a new underwater friend. Albert and his Friends introduces early readers to garden creatures in a gentle way, friendship and Albert himself. Albert and the Shed sees Albert take shelter from a storm in a shed – but get locked in. His animal friends launch an hilarious rescue mission.
The Fast Show and Gone Fishing star Paul Whitehouse called Upside Down: “Utterly brilliant and charming.” Julian Clary, also a children’s author, declared it “Beautiful and heart-warming.” Countryfile stalwart John Craven said “What a treat.” Joe Sugg called it “A great story.”
The Albert the Tortoise picturebooks Albert Upside Down, Albert and the Wind, Albert Supersize, Albert In The Air, Albert and the Pond, Albert and the Shed and Albert and his Friends and the Hugg ‘n’ Bugg books are available now. There is more about Albert at www.AlbertTortoise.com