Ten-year-old twins from Haverfordwest have each published their own novel.

Stan and Edie Gerson have worked really hard producing two totally different novels, with their uncle Matt Harrison working closely with the twins in producing the illustrations in accordance with the children’s idea of what their characters look like.

Edie’s book ‘Criminal Cat Crew’, came from an idea she had about a band of wild cats who took a town by storm, when she was only eight-years-old.

She was frustrated that in so many books and tv shows for children the male characters have all the action, and dominate the plot lines, so she wanted to switch things around. She wanted the story to show that everyone has a place to belong.

Uncle Matt started drawing Edie’s character from her descriptions, and produced some fabulous artwork, which spurred her on to complete the book when she was only nine.

She received great encouragement from her teacher Mr Lewis, who makes a cameo in the book.

Edie’s love of eating and making sushi led to one of the cats becoming obsessed with sushi, and it became a central theme to the book. She has already completed two chapters of ‘Criminal Cat Crew 2’.

Edie has sold over 200 copies of her book so far, with some going as far as Sicily, Italy. She wrote to Queen Camilla, and received a lovely letter in return.

She also sent a copy to one of her favourite authors Robin Stevens, who wrote back saying the book was ‘brilliant’ and a ‘really fun, engaging read.’

Stan, after watching Edie complete half of her book, wanted to write one too, but he couldn’t think of a story. He was reading Louie Stowell’s Loki series at the time, and so his mum suggested he take some characters from Greek mythology, and use them.

He decided on ‘Heracles’, but added an extra character, Nathan, loosely based on his uncle, who was to be the real hero of the story. Stan’s book is wacky and funny, with some great characters.

Uncle Matt took out his pen again, and drew Heracles and Nathan after slaying the hydra. This gave Stan the encouragement to keep working hard at writing.

Stan undertook lots of research for his book, but he also used great artistic licence to alter the results.

Stan also wrote to Queen Camilla, and also received a letter of encouragement. Louie Stowell has been very positive about the book and said she would love to receive a copy once it’s out.

It took quite a long time to find the right publisher. Shaun Russell from Jelly Bean Publishing/Candy Jar Books, was initially a little sceptical about children producing good stories, but once he’d read Edie’s book he was completely on board. He absolutely loved Matt’s illustrations too.

Stan and Edie are going to officially open their new school library.

Edie’s book is available in Victoria Bookshop, Haverfordwest, Juno Books, Sheffield and online at candyjar.

Both books will soon be available as an ebook.