Hello – welcome to another Blog from us here at Team Albert…
While we hoped that Albert the Tortoise – ALBERT UPSIDE DOWN, our first picturebook featuring Albert might receive some nice feedback, we could never have imagined the sort of response we would have.
It has been amazing and we cannot say THANK YOU loudly or often enough…
Both Ian and Eoin have worked in TV, film and commercials for some time. When it was suggested we might reach out to some of the famous names we have worked with, to see what they might have to say about Albert Upside Down, there was no way of knowing what might come back. If anything at all.
Crikey.. The response was incredible.. from TV legends, stars of Youtube, comedy greats and more…
AND then we started to receive comments from book bloggers and family / parenting bloggers. And WOW.. that feedback was great too..
Then, YOU started to post Reviews and comments to let us know what you thought. So far, the response has been mind-blowing.
So, we want to say Thank you. And we wanted to share some of the comments with you. We can’t share them all at once, so here are some of the first ones we received. More will follow.
In our captions on social media and on this site, we have abbreviated some of the comments from household names. Here we wanted to run them in full.
So, have a read and please do keep all your Reviews, Ratings and comments coming in… As long as they are nice!
‘A great little story of coming together to help those in need & fantastically illustrated’ – Joe Sugg, star of Youtube & Strictly Come Dancing
‘Beautiful, heart-warming and wonderfully illustrated. I am in love with Albert!’ – Julian Clary, comedian and writer and author of The Bolds series
‘Sensationally illustrated, with a dilemma only teamwork can resolve, and containing acrobatic ants! What more could you want?’ – Clive Mantle, star of The Vicar of Dibley, Casualty & Robin of Sherwood, author of the Freddie Malone adventures
‘It’s utterly brilliant and charming and if you’re an upside down tortoise, essential reading.’ – Paul Whitehouse, Gone Fishing, The Fast Show
‘I like this book, I like the drawings and I like the man who wrote it. I like tortoises. What’s not to like?’ – Jeremy Clarkson
‘Tortoises are fascinating characters. They seem quite independent as they plod their way through life. Not Albert, though – he needs help. He finds it through all the friends he never knew he had. Ian Brown tells us Albert’s heart-warming story, and makes us laugh along the way. Eoin Clarke’s illustrations are stunning. What a lovely book. What will Albert get up to next? I can’t wait.’ – Michael Aspel, TV presenter (Antiques Roadshow, This Is Your Life, Aspel & Co, Crackerjack, Ask Aspel)
‘What a treat for our youngest book-lovers – and for grown-ups who will guide them through it. Stunning illustrations and well-chosen words tell the story of Albert the tortoise getting back on his feet after a fall, helped by a somewhat disorganised band of garden creatures. There’s lots here to delight young children (even a toilet joke!) plus intriguing facts about tortoises. More of Albert please.’ – John Craven OBE, Countryfile, Newsround
‘Funny, inventive and stunningly illustrated, this topsy-turvy tale is a delight. I was rooting for Albert from page one.’ – Philip Ardagh, author, winner Roald Dahl Funny Prize
‘What a lovely feel good story. All the creatures working together to help Albert . Great message for children and getting them to learn about tortoises. Fabulous Illustrations. I loved it and it made me smile.’ – Vicki Michelle MBE, actress ‘Allo ‘Allo, “I’m A Celebrity”, radio presenter, charity ambassador.
‘Really lovely, my 8 year old loved it. An important message on the power of community and friendship’ Honest Mum
‘New favourite book’ Lydia Bright
‘Albert Upside Down is a funny story about a domestic tortoise who finds himself in a tricky position.’ The Big Issue North
‘Packed with comical, charming illustrations and vibrant colour, this timeless tale shows the power of working together, thinking creatively, and how even the smallest amount of assistance can make a very big difference.’ My Baba
‘This delightful story emphasises the importance of teamwork and not underestimating, judging or excluding others based on their appearance or perceived differences. It proves that everyone has a contribution to make to their community.‘ Picture Book Snob
More of these to come and we will also be sharing some of YOUR Reviews and comments too…
We are very grateful.
Until next time…