Simpsons writer brings tortoise, dinosaur and yeti tales to Swansea for half-term

Ian, who has written for shows like The Simpsons, will be holding storytime events at Waterstone’s, Swansea on Tuesday February 13 where he will be reading from his Albert the tortoise and Hugg ‘n’ Bugg series of picture books, signing books and dishing out giveaways. 

The former TV writer/ producer turned children’s author has proved a hit with youngsters on his storytime sessions. 

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 also 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 pages on social media platforms Facebook, X and TikTok along with his own website, Albert has gathered thousands of fans around the world.

All the books are illustrated by Eoin Clarke and are published by Cardiff-based Graffeg Books and are available in English and in Welsh.

The event features other Albert the tortoise 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. 

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. 

Ian, who lives in east London, said:

“Coming to Wales again is very exciting. It’s especially pleasing as our publishers are based there.

“We are making many new friends and fans each time we visit. We cannot wait to visit Swansea. 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.”   

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 are available now.

To find out more about Albert go to www.AlbertTortoise.com