How the story began

This story is a tribute to our two wonderful sons.

Both are typical boys, full of laughter, cheekiness and boundless energy - but they both drop everything if there's the offer of a book to be read, prompting my desire to write a story for them.

One morning in January 2010 our eldest son came running into our bedroom saying he needed my help to fight some Red Robots in his bedroom, but after a few minutes of battle he decided they were friendly Red Robots and wanted to play in the garden.

The brilliance of his imagination sparked my idea to write a story about the Robots coming to visit us, so I asked what he'd like in it and after a little thought he simply said: "A rainbow, a spaceship, a grumpy goat and a floating castle."

Julia Donaldson's books have always been a firm favourite for both boys, so I decided to write in rhyming couplets as I find this makes the story enjoyable for parents to read.

After writing the opening book 'Robbie and the Red Robots', I knew I needed pictures so contacted our close friend and illustrator Sue Nicholls, who brought the story to life with her stunning artwork.

While waiting for the pictures my wife and I were having great fun with the boys, taking them to farms, a local zoo and having our first summer holiday together in Bournemouth, as well as our first Christmas. Our eldest son also started school last November, so I decided to write some more stories inspired by our adventures.

I’m publishing the books myself and feel the opening book would be a perfect present for nieces, nephews, sons and daughters.

Have a good look around the site and enjoy the audio books – then use our easy-to-use order page to buy as many copies as you wish!

Simon J Wilkes

You can reach the author by email si@robbieandtheredrobots.com