Allan is the creator of 'GORDON THE GARDEN GNOME' - a 52x10' pre-school series for CBEEBIES.  Allan created the show which was produced by BAFTA award-winning Collingwood O'Hare Films.  

It features the exploits of a plucky garden gnome and his friend Andrew the worm who lives in Gordon pointy hat.  His next door neighbours are the ultra-tidy and uptight Percy and on the other side, the lazy but good natured Jerome.  Rosie Gnome lives in the meadow nearby and the Chief Gnome pops in with an unexpected puff of smoke whenever he likes.

Allan was a scriptwriter on the show and created episodes such as 'LITTLE LAMB LOST', 'GNOME ON THE MOON', 'UP, UP AND AWAY', 'DINO DISASTER', and 'THE BEST GARDEN COMPETITION'.

Gordon was distributed to television channels across the world including CBEEBIES, Cartoon Network US, TVO Canada, ABC Australia, ZDF Germany and TV5 France.  The first three series have been released on DVD by Paramount, entitled SPRING ADVENTURES, SCHOOL STORIES and SUMMER MAGIC IN THE GARDEN.

Allan has also written scripts and development bibles for many UK broadcasters and production companies including CITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, MTV, HIT, Granada, Cosgrove Hall, Entertainment Rights, King Rollo Films, Reb Balloo, Coolabi, A Productions, Bermuda Shorts, and Honeycomb Animation.

Allan’s short film script for children ‘SMILE’ was shortlisted for the Tartan Smalls film prize and his short film SPIF won the Best Web Animation award at BAF2004.

children's books

Allan's first children's book is 'THE SMELLY SPROUT', published Christmas 2007. It tells the story of a tiny sprout who is thrown out into the cold on Christmas day.  All he wants is to find a friend but instead comes up against a terribly rude Christmas tree, an awfully impolite snowman and, worst of all, a greedy fox. But will a chance encounter with someone as small as the sprout change everything? The "Smelly Sprout" is set to be a Christmas classic. With deliciously witty illustrations and a story to touch the heart, this is a tale children and their parents will love. And one thing's for sure, love them or loathe them, you'll never look at a sprout in the same way again!

October 2009 saw the launch of his second children's book, the touching story of The Boy Giant.

Watch the PREVIEW of The Boy Giant HERE!

This Christmas sees the publication of a special ULTRA-CUTE gift edition of The Smelly Sprout!

PREVIEW THE SMELLY SPROUT - CLICK HERE

Telegraph (Weekend)

Max Davidson  20 Dec 2008

For an offbeat seasonal story, beautifully drawn and full of sly humour, The Smelly Sprout by Allan Plenderleith is warmly recommended.  It is a charming picture book about a neurotic, self-centred sprout that simply can’t understand why nobody likes it.

Waterstone’s bookseller reviews

Sarah Greenberg, HARROGATE

As a child who was force-fed a single obligatory sprout every Christmas, I found this delightful picture book absolutely hilarious … so inspiring that I might even ask for a second sprout this year!

Sophie Loftus, WATERSTONE'S LEEDS 93-97

Nobody likes sprouts… till now! Forget The Snowman, this is THE BEST EVER Christmas book, the only one you need.  

Allan and his wife Rebeccah released a new Christmas title in 2009: 'WHAT DOES SANTA DO ON BOXING DAY?'  No, he doesn't sit around sleeping off sprouts and watching Where Eagles Dare.  He's actually rather busy, delivering presents across the world to all the ANIMALS!  A charming and funny rhyming picture book, packed with bright, bold and refreshingly original illustrations.

Currently in the top 10 children's Christmas book list on Amazon!

Amazon reader review

A.Pearce, 18 Dec 2008

"Bought this for my children aged 4 and 2 both love it so did we. Going to buy another couple as presents. Excellent read for all ages."