AN author who grew up in the Forest hopes his new book will be on the top of all children’s Christmas gift list this year.

Steve Morgan, who is originally from Coalway but now lives with his family in Dublin, has penned the book; which follows Stan the orangutan’s daring escape from a zoo into the big, wide world.

His adventure sees him cross paths with Aunt Mabel, an elderly seaside bed and breakfast owner, with whom he strikes up an endearing friendship. After becoming the resident handyman, Mabel offers to teach him to drive.

“It’s a tale guaranteed to put a smile on the face of children or adults alike. It really is Stantastic! In just a week it sold 200 copies so I’m hoping more copies will sell in the run-up to Christmas,” said Steve.

“I’ve been going around local primary schools too and received an excellent reception from them.”

The book is the first in a series of four books of which the dad-of-two has teamed up with top Irish illustrator Philip Elliot.

Steve has spent most of his career abroad and, after retiring as creative director of international advertising agency Young and Rubicam, he returned from Johannesburg to settle with his family in Dublin.

Today he spends much of his time travelling between the Forest of Dean and in Ireland.

“After years of using my creativity to produce campaigns for well-known clients such as Nissan, Kellogg’s and Egypt Air, it’s great to apply it to my own projects. I love conceptualising and am passionate about bringing ideas to life,” he added.

You can follow Stan and Mabel on Facebook or order your copy of the book at [email protected]