Tales of Albert the tortoise will be read by author Ian Brown when he visits Waterstones in Bishop’s Stortford.
The writer, who was short-listed for the 13th Bishop’s Stortford College Festival of Literature Picture Book Award, is visiting the South Street store on Wednesday August 10 from 11am.
His book, Albert Upside Down, illustrated by Eoin Clarke, was inspired by the real tortoise Albert, who is more than 80 years old.
He was found in Gravesend, Kent, by Ian’s wife Camille more than 50 years ago when she was a little girl.
When no one came forward to claim him, he was named Albert and adopted by her family and has been a much-loved pet ever since.
The stories Albert Upside Down, Albert and the Wind and Albert Supersize started to take shape five years ago.
First published just over a year ago, they are proving popular with readers of all ages and with some famous names.
Praise has come from the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Paul Whitehouse and Joe Sugg.
Ian, who has been a TV writer and producer for more than 30 years, said: “Reading the stories is a great pleasure. I get to do all the silly voices of the characters. There are some fun giveaways too.
“And I will sign personal messages in any books for those who come along. The more the merrier.”
Albert has a growing international profile through his posts on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and his own range of merchandise. See www.AlbertTortoise.com.
