Couple draw on Lord Street for children’s bedtime stories’ book
A COUPLE from Southport have officially published their first book – featuring illustrations inspired by Southport’s most famous street.
Ruth and Aidan Spillane, from Southport, published the children’s book In the Basket Of Our Hot Air Balloon.
The idea to write came after Aidan, 36, started writing a series of books for the three children he shares with Ruth,
He began writing whilst studying for his PGCE at Southport College – where he now works as an English lecturer.
Coincidentally, Ruth is an illustrator and graphic designer, so she was able to design and create the images for the publication.
One of the images in particular may look familiar to Southport residents, as they are inspired by Lord Street.
The couple recently sat down and discussed the possibility of turning their children’s bedtime stories into a series of six to eight books. The first in the series being In the Basket Of Our Hot Air Balloon.
Ruth said: “We always wanted to write a book together.
“We sat down one day and went through the book, Aidan had very clear ideas on the illustrations he wanted.
“Insterestingly, the illustration for the first scene is inspired by a photograph of Lord Street.”
The 24-page imaginative writing project follows a hot air balloon that travels across different lands and environments before drifting off into the night sky.
The pair were instantly pleased with the reaction.
Ruth said: “We have published the first book ourselves, and we plan for it to be part of a series.
“Within seconds of it being online we received orders, and have now received five star reviews.
“I have also been contacted by schools and businesses in Southport who would also like to support the book.”
The publication is aimed at children aged two to eight years old in particular, although Ruth insists it is suitable for any age.
Ruth and Aidan’s children are also very excited about their bedtime stories being turned into a series.
Ruth explained: “They are over the moon. They keep telling all their friends and teachers at school about the new books.”
The second in the series is set to be based in space, and the Southport couple are hoping to publish it in a few months time.
In the Basket Of Our Hot Air Balloon is on sale now for £4.49 and can be purchased online at www. blurb.co.uk.