Inspired by her father, Roy Simmonds, who was a leading world expert on the American author John Steinbeck, Aileen has always loved reading and started writing in her early twenties. The series of Twirly books have links to her own happy childhood and her writing reflects her own light-hearted view on life. Redset is her first full length book and there are plans in the pipeline for more.
The series of Twirly books, which are picture books aimed at the 5-7 year olds, wonderfully illustrated by Mischa Fulljames, are only two in number at the moment. However there are further stories in the pipeline. The first full length children's novel,"Redset" aimed at 8-11 year olds has also been published on Kindle.
Petros and Amaya are twins who belong to the Catenlana people, a group who possess magical powers. Together with Idris, their lynx companion, they embark on a quest to save their village which has been frozen in time by their enemy Casimiro. During their perilous journey they are faced with different challenges some of which threaten their lives. Along the way they collect talismans which help them achieve their goal.
Available in paperback and on kindle.
Freddie was one of the few Twirlies who had ever left the island of Twiztop. Twirlies are gentle creatures with four arms and legs, but they are also …. bald
So when Freddie returned from his travels after six months everyone was curious to see what wonderful gifts he had brought back with him – the answer – wigs!
Read the book and enjoy the wonderful illustrations as you discover the reaction of the Twirlies to Freddie's strange presents.
Available in paperback.
Thomas was in big trouble – it was raining again and he had holes in his shoes – and for a Twirly that was a big problem, because he had four feet! Thomas's second problem was that he didn't have any money to buy any new shoes and it was a long time until pay day.
Read the book to find out the ingenious but hilarious way that Thomas solves his problem, at his friends' expense.
The second book of the Twirly series
Available in paperback.
Arthur is getting old and is struggling to keep his garden tidy. John and Jack Twirl are two brothers who live either side of Arthur and are always trying to outdo each other. Find out how Arthur comes up with a clever plan to get his neighbours to do the work for him in the garden. Can you find the robin in each picture?
The third book in the twirly series.
Available in paperback and on kindle.
When young red squirrel Redset's mother dies, her final words to him are to 'follow your dream'. The young orphan squirrel then embarks on a journey across land and sea in his quest to find others of his own kind. On the way he meets many different animals, some friendly, some hostile, who help or hinder his mission. He is helped by humans, donkeys and horses, attacked by grey squirrels and rats, but is determined to find a community where he is accepted and loved for who he is.
Join Aileen on her six day walk through the Galician countryside on the Via de la Plata, one of the quieter but more beautiful caminos leading to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of pilgrims on the St James’s Way.
Get a taste of the beauty and solitude of walking by yourself and enjoy the quirky events that happened to Aileen along the way.
You don’t have to be a ‘pilgrim’ and walk for religious reasons, so if you just love walking, by yourself or in a group, then maybe this book will give you the inspiration to explore this lovely part of Spain.
The Galician people are very friendly and proud of their caminos so you will always feel welcome.
Petros and Amaya are twins who belong to the Catenlana people, a group who possess magical powers. Together with Idris, their lynx companion, they embark on a quest to save their village which has been frozen in time by their enemy Casimiro. During their perilous journey they are faced with different challenges some of which threaten their lives. Along the way they collect talismans which help them achieve their goal.
Available in paperback and on kindle.
Freddie was one of the few Twirlies who had ever left the island of Twiztop. Twirlies are gentle creatures with four arms and legs, but they are also …. bald
So when Freddie returned from his travels after six months everyone was curious to see what wonderful gifts he had brought back with him – the answer – wigs!
Read the book and enjoy the wonderful illustrations as you discover the reaction of the Twirlies to Freddie's strange presents.
Available in paperback.
Thomas was in big trouble – it was raining again and he had holes in his shoes – and for a Twirly that was a big problem, because he had four feet! Thomas's second problem was that he didn't have any money to buy any new shoes and it was a long time until pay day.
Read the book to find out the ingenious but hilarious way that Thomas solves his problem, at his friends' expense.
The second book of the Twirly series
Available in paperback.
Arthur is getting old and is struggling to keep his garden tidy. John and Jack Twirl are two brothers who live either side of Arthur and are always trying to outdo each other. Find out how Arthur comes up with a clever plan to get his neighbours to do the work for him in the garden. Can you find the robin in each picture?
The third book of the Twirly series
Available in paperback.
When young red squirrel Redset's mother dies, her final words to him are to 'follow your dream'. The young orphan squirrel then embarks on a journey across land and sea in his quest to find others of his own kind. On the way he meets many different animals, some friendly, some hostile, who help or hinder his mission. He is helped by humans, donkeys and horses, attacked by grey squirrels and rats, but is determined to find a community where he is accepted and loved for who he is.
Join Aileen on her six day walk through the Galician countryside on the Via de la Plata, one of the quieter but more beautiful caminos leading to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of pilgrims on the St James’s Way.
Get a taste of the beauty and solitude of walking by yourself and enjoy the quirky events that happened to Aileen along the way.
You don’t have to be a ‘pilgrim’ and walk for religious reasons, so if you just love walking, by yourself or in a group, then maybe this book will give you the inspiration to explore this lovely part of Spain.
The Galician people are very friendly and proud of their caminos so you will always feel welcome.
