22 • DECEMBER 2021
isn’t it?”, he says. The whole process
took about six months. When he had
finally hammered out a story which
his editor was happy with, he then
teamed up with Rosie Brooks, whom
he calls “one of the best illustrators
in the world.”
“She has done an amazing job.
If nothing else comes from it, I have
made a friendship that will last a
lifetime. I am a huge fan of her work,”
he says.
Earlier this month the finished
book, a festive red with a cheerful
rosie-cheeked drawing of Bobby
Dean on the front, was delivered.
“I was probably more excited
than I was over an album. It was like
holding your baby in your arms; not
quite, but a bit like that,” he grins.
In writing a children’s book, Aled is
joining illustrious company. A string
of celebrities have turned their hands
to children’s fiction, including the
Duchess of York, Frank Lampard and
the chart-busting David Walliams.
Aled already has plans for more.
“I love doing something where
I can learn. I feel that book two and
book three will be even better,” he
says. Practising, improving and not
being afraid to try new things hasINTERVIEW: ALED JONES
“I WAS PROBABLY MORE EXCITED THAN I WAS
OVER AN ALBUM. IT WAS A BIT LIKE HOLDING
YOUR BABY IN YOUR ARMS”JOANWILLIAMS/SHUTTERSTOCK