About Bailey’s Bedtime Stories & RedBelly Bean Publishing

Bailey’s Bedtime Stories began many years ago with its creator, Tessa, who wrote a much-loved monthly column in a local paperzine about the dogs in her neighbourhood. The stories quickly gained a following, with adults eagerly awaiting each new instalment for its quirky humour, warmth, and memorable characters.

Tessa and Jaclyn met over 30 years ago at a barbeque (or braai) in South Africa. After sizing each other up, they became fast friends. Through life’s many twists and turns - and all the complexities that come with long friendships - Jaclyn eventually moved to the UK while Tessa remained in South Africa. Weekly calls, long emails, and shared dreams kept them closely connected despite the distance.

In 2025, while Jaclyn was considering writing a fantasy novel, she casually suggested turning the original Bailey stories into a bedtime story series. Tessa was delighted and so the Bailey’s Bedtime Stories project was born.

To gain greater reach with bookshops, schools, and libraries, Jaclyn took on extra work to enable them to purchase their own ISBNs. This decision meant the books could be sold anywhere, with full creative control remaining firmly in their hands. From this realisation, RedBelly Bean Publishing came to life.

Today, Tessa writes from the heart of the South African countryside, surrounded by sunshine and open space, while Jaclyn works from Lancashire, near the Lake District, with its rolling hills, rain, and cooler days. Tessa is currently writing her epic fantasy novel, tending to the every whim of her beloved pooch Bailey the Chow. Jaclyn focuses on shaping, producing, and preparing the Bailey books for print and distribution.

The Bailey’s Bedtime Stories series will include ten books, with many more adventures on the horizon - featuring dragons and other delightful creatures. For readers wanting a cheeky and humorous take on astrology, What’s Your Sign: Why Should I Care? is a joyful read not to be missed.

Most of the characters are inspired by Tessa’s childhood, with Jaclyn weaving in some of her own memories along the way. Jaclyn’s much-loved dog, Chloe, also makes a special appearance in Book Three.

Together, we hope to bring you wonderful stories and beautiful illustrations that transform bedtime into a magical, joyful experience - filled with laughter, connection, and love, and creating memories your children will treasure forever. And for dreamers of all ages, we promise stories that warm the heart and spark the imagination.