SIMON HETHERINGTON
Artist, Writer & Comedian
CHILDREN's BOOKS
Worried Frank is a book series in partnership with former English boxer Frank Bruno MBE based on a range of children's mental health topics. Both Hetherington and Bruno have openly talked about having lived experiences of mental health issues and actively campaigned for men's and children's mental health.
With both Simon and Frank's background and devotion to bettering the wellbeing of the next generation, this book is aimed at addressing mental health topics with children.
With both Simon and Frank's background and devotion to bettering the wellbeing of the next generation, this book is aimed at addressing mental health topics with children.
Simon has himself suffered from mental health issues from a young age and through his lived experiences with mental health problems he was inspired to help anyone going through similar problems. Coming from a deprived background himself, Simon was determined for the Worried Frank books to be accessible for ALL children regardless of their families financial situation.
Colin the Monster is Simon's debut picture book with his co-author and daughter Isabella Hetherington (aged 6 at the time of publication).
The idea for the book came about when Simon developed a serious medical condition in 2018 and was unable to do much of his day to day activities. Isabella would sit on the bed with Simon and together they came up with the idea of Colin the Monster - a guy that was different in many ways from all the others as he had sausages for fingers and an onion for a head!! The illustrations within the book are Isabella's drawings which Simon has digitally illustrated. The book had a launch party in May 2018 and they have gone on to sell hundreds of books all over the world!
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"The only thing Colin ever wanted in life was to have a friend of his own. When a young boy encounters trouble from a very pesky crow, Colin decides he just has to try and help the boy out."
Colin The Monster Saves Christmas was released in 2020 again by co-authors Simon and daughter Isabella along with son Joel this time.
The artwork in the book is a mixture of Isabella and Joel's drawings - with the help of children from across the UK after Simon called upon them in a large campaign to send in their elf drawings to include in the book!
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"One snowy Christmas eve, Colin (like most of the other children around the world) is trying his hardest to get to sleep. When a loud crash from outside of his bedroom window turns out to be none other than, Father Christmas. Colin must try his best to help the jolly, fat man and, in turn, save Christmas."
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Head to the shop to get your copy and start a new Christmas Eve tradition with your children!