Ballymena teacher releases sequel to beloved children’s book inspired by his children’s dreams

Local teacher and author Andrew Crooks’ sons, Scotty (7) and Jonny (3).

Following the success of his debut children’s book My Amazing Bedroom, Ballymena-born teacher Andrew Crooks has released a follow-up title, My Amazing Bedroom 2, this time inspired by his two sons.

Andrew, who teaches Maths at Dunclug College and now lives in Portrush with his wife Anne and their three children, published his first rhyming picture book in March 2024.

The story, which centred on his daughter Lucy’s dream-filled bedroom, quickly captured imaginations across Northern Ireland, earning him recognition in schools, book fairs, and even a place on the shelves of Waterstones in Coleraine.

Teacher and author, Andrew Crooks

Reflecting on a whirlwind 12 months, Andrew shared:

“It’s been an incredible year since the release of My Amazing Bedroom in March 2024. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting countless primary schools across Ballymena and the north coast to share the story with pupils. I was invited to read at our local nursery, and took part in a book fair at Dunclug Primary School for World Book Day—it’s been a truly rewarding experience.”

His first foray into writing came after years of bedtime storytelling and a growing desire to provide more engaging tales for his children. That ambition has now grown into a budding literary journey that has captivated young readers.

“It has generated so much interest and is so far removed from my day job as a Maths teacher in Dunclug College,” he added.

“I’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable year.”

Sequel: My Amazing Bedroom 2 children’s book. Available to buy now from Amazon and other retailers.

The newly released sequel, My Amazing Bedroom 2, officially launched on Friday 20 June 2025. Like its predecessor, it features a dream-themed narrative but with a new protagonist—a little boy whose bedroom transforms into a host of magical worlds while he sleeps.

“The sequel was written about a month after the first,” Andrew explained. “With two boys in my house I felt under some pressure to write something for them since the first one was focused on my daughter Lucy.”

The rhyming story remains delightfully accessible for children and parents alike, maintaining the imaginative charm of the original while providing fresh adventures tailored to a younger male audience.

“It’s a rhyming book which is easy to read, and a sensible length for tired parents to read at bedtime!”

Andrew’s journey as a children’s author began when he accepted a challenge from his wife Anne to write something better than the bedtime stories they were reading. Inspired by Lucy’s vivid dreams, My Amazing Bedroom was born.

Debut children’s book: My Amazing Bedroom. Available to buy now from Amazon and other retailers.

Andrew Crooks with daughter, Lucy.

Now, with two books under his belt, a growing local following, and a love for storytelling, Andrew is quietly optimistic about where the story goes next.

“I’ve other ideas, notes, stories that I would love to pursue to publication, but I’m currently content to watch how this story unfolds.”

Both My Amazing Bedroom and My Amazing Bedroom 2 are available to order online via Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith, and others.