Ahoy There! Heidi Weaver Talks RedTed, Pirates, and Picture Book Magic

Get ready for a high-seas adventure full of imagination, bravery, and friendship with RedTed and the Pirates, the delightful new children's book from author Heidi Weaver. With a loveable hero at its heart, this story invites young readers to join RedTed as he sets sail on a journey filled with pirates, treasure, and unexpected twists.

Blending gentle humour, a sense of wonder, and playful storytelling, Heidi captures the spirit of adventure while celebrating courage, kindness, and creativity. In this Q&A, Heidi shares what inspired RedTed's voyage, her writing journey, and what she hopes children will discover in the pages of her book.

What inspired you to create RedTed and the Pirates?

As a teenager, I was lucky enough to experience a sailing holiday. It was on this holiday that my imagination kicked in, I got my sketchbook out, and RedTed and the Pirates was initially created. Years later, on maternity leave, I decided I wanted to read RedTed to my own daughter, so I got my sketchbook back out and made it happen! 

RedTed is such a charming and brave character. How did you come up with his story and personality?

Every teddy bear is there to support and comfort its owner. RedTed is my childhood bear and has followed me on all adventures. He’s always been there for me with a hug and comfort and encouraged me to be brave, as this is a great personality of his! The exciting experiences I’ve been privileged to have entwined with some magic and imagination create RedTed’s story! He is a bear full of adventure!

Pirates and treasure hunts are classic childhood themes. What do you think makes pirate adventures so magical for children?

The gold!!!! 

The story is full of imagination and surprise. How important is imaginative play in your storytelling?

It is hugely important to make the story come alive, but being based on something that could be true helps engage readers and believe that they too could be just like RedTed and in his position. 

Did you have a favourite scene or moment when writing the book?

My favourite scene, once illustrated, has to be the underwater scene where RedTed is snorkelling. Under the waves is a whole new, vast magical world to explore, and it’s fantastic to see RedTed start to explore this alongside the readers.

The illustrations really bring RedTed's world to life. What was it like seeing your story transformed into pictures?

Yogesh has done a fantastic job of creating what I have explained and described, so it has been magical seeing words and my very rough sketches and ideas come to life!

What do you hope young readers will feel or learn after reading RedTed and the Pirates?

The world is so magical and life is full of adventure, but you can always try and help, and perhaps one day you will be the one to save the day if you live your life being good and helping others.

What were some of the biggest joys or challenges you found while creating your first children's book?

Joys – this is a childhood dream of mine, so to have a real book in hand with magical illustrations is so exciting.

The challenges are trying to recreate on paper exactly the characters you dream and think of.

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of writing a story for children?

Get a notepad to capture any ideas that come to you, then get a sketchbook and develop your story. If you get something down on paper, you always then have a platform to work with. Then share it. Your story doesn’t have to be published to tell it. RedTed stories were first read to my family and then to children I used to babysit!

How can readers connect with you or follow your journey as an author?

• Follow my Instagram page, @redteds_adventures. 

• Buy the book. 

• Come and meet me or visit my events. 

• Tell others about the book if you like it.