Simon Jamie, of Farnsfield, launches collection of short stories, called Ten Fantastic Tales
An author and illustrator whose work was inspired by his own two children has recently published his seventh children's book.
The latest book by Simon Jamie, of Farnsfield, is a collection of short stories, called Ten Fantastic Tales.
The stories feature everything from forgetful sausages to talking gorillas and superheroes with unusual powers.
Simon, who describes himself as a web application developer and print designer by day and children's author by night, writes and illustrates in a range of styles, from traditional prose with simple sketch drawings to rhyming verse and alliteration with bright, bold illustrations.
He began making up stories for his son and daughter, now 13 and ten, when they were very young.
"It just evolved from when I told the children stories," he said. "With the first book, I had a story that they kept asking for and I thought I would write it down."
He produced the first simple book himself, eventually using his print design and IT skills to set up Fingermouse Books, through which he has published all his later books.
Several of the books are about the characters on the fictional Hillside Farm, but others have a range of topics, often stemming from everyday family situations — such as eating sausages and mash.
"We come up with some completely random subjects, or sometimes write the story around a title," Simon said.
He regularly did readings at schools, libraries and children's groups until the coronavirus pandemic put most events on hold, but was able to be at Newark Book Festival weekend in September.
His books are available direct from Fingermouse Books.