A magical red balloon called Bertie is coming to local libraries this summer – and we are giving you the chance to win the first two books about his adventures.

Children’s author Kim Robinson, who lives in Hanwell, will be appearing at four libraries to read from her books Bertie the Balloon at the Fairground and Bertie the Balloon at the Zoo, which are all written in rhyme. They are about a red balloon that can talk and goes on a different adventure in each book. Take a look at our competition below to see how five lucky people can each win a copy of both books.

Kim teamed up with local illustrator Aneta Neuman to publish her Bertie collection and the third in the series, Bertie the Balloon at the Farm, is out this summer. She gave up her previous career in TV production to focus on writing the books.

“I wrote the books because as I child I used to read all the time, and I do as an adult too,” said Kim.” I wanted to create a series of books that allow children to connect with a character and a balloon is a perfect choice because he can fly anywhere – making his adventures endless. I met the illustrator of the book, Aneta, through Northfields Friends, a group on Facebook. And we have worked closely since.

“I have now been asked by the west London library board to start developing programmes where I work alongside libraries and local schools, going in and talking about writing and about the Bertie books.”

Library readings

Kim will be doing the readings at the following libraries and times:

• Southall on Thursday, 28 July between 10.30-11am
• Ealing Central on Saturday, 20 August between 2-2.45pm
• Greenford on Wednesday, 17 August between 10.30- 11am
• West Ealing on Wednesday, 24 August between 10.30-11am

‘Let their imagination flow’

“I think that all children should be encouraged to read because it opens

their creative minds and let’s their imaginations flow,” said Kim. “I love writing in rhyme so that the story is easy to follow and has a rhythm to it when you read it.

“I think that reading to my children, who are now aged four and two, is one of the most rewarding things because it encourages them to communicate and helps broaden their vocabulary, plus it’s entertaining and fun and it’s a way to bond with my little ones. I read to my children every night because I feel it opens up a whole new world of understanding of the world around them. And of course it improves their communication skills and grammar, spelling etc.”

You can buy the Bertie books on Amazon for £5.99 each – or find more information on the Bertie Facebook page.

Competition

To be in with a chance of being one of the five people to each win pair of books (Bertie the Balloon at the Fairground and Bertie the Balloon at the Zoo), answer the following question correctly: How did the author Kim meet the illustrator Aneta?

Answers must be emailed to aroundealing@ealing.gov.uk by 4pm on Wednesday, 7 September 2016 with the title: Bertie competition. Please include your postal address for delivery of the prize if you should win, and a contact phone number. Only the winners will be notified, although the winners’ names may be published on Ealing News Extra in the future. Only one entry per person is allowed.