As a children’s literature scholar, creative writer and tortoise lover, I’m always on the lookout for new children’s books featuring my shelly pals. There aren’t that many around, so I was delighted to discover the Albert the Tortoise picture books, written by Ian Brown, illustrated by Eoin Clarke and published by Cardiff-based Graffeg.
Ian Brown is a television writer and producer best known for his work on Top Gear (which explains Jeremy Clarkson's endorsement of the series!). More importantly, he is the owner of an OAP Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise called Albert, who may be as old as eighty, has been in Ian’s wife’s family for over fifty years and is the star of this series. As the owner (or, let’s be honest, human servant) of my very own grumpy old Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise, I was immediately drawn to Albert!
The series currently consists of four books – Albert Upside Down, Albert and the Wind and Albert Supersize and the new release, Albert in the Air.
The books are beautifully produced and are a real credit to the publisher. Albert is delightfully brought to life by Ian Brown and Eoin Clarke. The illustrations are big, bold and bright, with an amazing level of detail. The sepia-toned flashback scenes in Albert Upside Down are a highlight for me, and there’s a wonderful double-page spread at the centre of Albert Upside Down where a host of insects pull together to get Albert back on his feet. There are some lovely messages in these books about working together and about how the smallest of creatures can make a difference. Albert is King of the Garden, but I love the whole community of ants, caterpillars, spiders, snails, worms, woodlice, bees and butterflies and the important role that they play in Albert’s life.
There’s also a lot for tortoise owners (and tortoises!) to relate to here. Albert Upside Down brought back childhood memories of running outside in my socks to rescue Toby after finding him upside down on the lawn. (To this day, I still have no idea how he got out of his pen.) Albert’s love of his food (Albert and the Wind) and his ability to dream big (Albert Supersize) are definitely things that appeal to Toby! As you can see, he is a big fan of all things Albert and they are even friends on Twitter!
My personal favourite of Albert’s adventures is Albert Supersize. Tortoises and dinosaurs in the same book? Yes please! Particularly when the dinosaurs are dwarfed by a supersized Albert! And tiny-weeny purple Velociraptors crawling over a giant tortoise shell: exquisite!
The new book, Albert in the Air, doesn't disappoint, as Albert digs his way to freedom (trust me, tortoises are master escape artists!) and experiences life in the big city or, rather, above it. I'm afraid it's given Toby a few ideas (let's just hope he can't blow up those balloons . . .) but, ultimately, Albert realises that there's nothing better than home, sweet home. (I'm still waiting for Toby to learn this lesson).
Another great thing about these books is the fact files at the back which offer lots of fascinating information about various breeds of tortoise, turtles and even dinosaurs! What I particularly approve of here is the care that is taken to emphasise key issues of tortoise care, such as diet, and the acknowledgement that ‘the food shown in this book is for the story’. Tortoises require special care and, as a tortoise owner, Ian Brown is careful to emphasise this to his young readers and their parents, who might be considering a tortoise as a pet. And what child wouldn’t want a tortoise after sharing Albert’s adventures?
If you’ve fallen in love with Albert (and, if you haven’t, what’s wrong with you?!) then the good news is that there are lots of ways to engage with him. As well as the books, which are available in paperback, e-book and animated e-book formats, and as Welsh language editions too, you can also purchase Albert tote bags in two different designs (you can see Toby posing with one of them below) and Albert t-shirts in two designs for men, women and children.
You can also keep up with Albert’s antics on his blog and on Twitter: @AlbertTortoise and Facebook: @AlbertTheTortoise.
So, I urge you to follow Toby’s example: come out of your shell and welcome Albert the tortoise into your life.
To find out more about Albert and his books, visit: https://www.alberttortoise.com/