A Picture Book Series
Adventures Across Worlds
Two young lion brothers. Two older brothers who watch over them from beyond. Stories about family, courage — and the love that never disappears.
A globally rooted picture book series inspired by real family experience and shaped by life across continents.
Wherever Gil and Pol go — from the golden savanna of Africa to the marigold-lit streets of Mexico — Felix and Victor, their guardian brothers, are never far. Their rainbow paws appear quietly — always close, always watching over them.
About the Author
"A family of Leons, a world of stories."
The León family doesn't just share a name — they share a world. León is Spanish for lion, and the real-life little lions at the heart of this series were born in the heart of lion country: South Africa. Now growing up amidst the vibrant colors and traditions of Mexico City, Gil and Pol serve as the heartbeat of every story.
Inspired by the true-life adventures of her two sons, Helga Similon created the Gil and Pol series to bridge the many places they call home. The first book takes place in South Africa — where the boys were born — and the second in Mexico, where they are growing up. Each adventure is rooted in the real world they know.
Helga was born in Belgium and studied engineering before following a global career that took her across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. She spent over twenty years leading international brands at Beiersdorf and Unilever, building a life shaped by different cultures, languages, and places she came to call home.
After the stillbirth of her twin boys, Felix and Victor, Helga began writing to help their younger brothers understand that they still have two big brothers watching over them. The only way to tell that story was through two young lion brothers — and the magic that connects those we love, no matter where they are.
Helga writes to honor the bonds of family — both those walking beside us and the older brothers who watch over the pride from beyond. Through the eyes of two young lion brothers, she explores themes of courage, cultural discovery, and the universal love that knows no borders.
What began as something deeply personal became a world of its own, shaped by love, memory, and the invisible threads that continue to bind families together across time and place.
The Heart of Every Story
Felix and Victor were Helga and Javier's twin boys, born still in England. They are the invisible heart of every story — the older brothers whose rainbow paws appear when needed, who cross bridges of light, who never truly leave.
Gil and Pol, their younger brothers, are growing up knowing they have two big brothers watching over them.
These books are the story of that knowing.
FOR GIL, POL, FELIX & VICTOR — MY HEART IN FOUR NAMES.
The Series
and the Rainbow Roar
Meet Gil and Pol, two curious young lion brothers growing up in the heart of the African savanna, where every day brings a new adventure — and new challenges to face.
A giraffe is searching for the perfect birthday leaves. An elephant is stuck in the waterhole. A young warthog is caught in a trap and cannot free himself.
Just when things seem too big to face alone, something magical happens. From the sky appear Felix and Victor — their brave big brothers, the heroes of Team ViLix.
Together, the four brothers discover something extraordinary: together, they are stronger than they ever believed.
A heartwarming story about courage, family, and the invisible bonds that never break — filled with adventure, wonder, and the quiet magic of knowing you are never alone.
Written by Helga Similon & Ramona Cels · Illustrated by De Kwekerij
Created as a private family edition in October 2025 to honor Felix and Victor's tenth year. Full trade publication rights are currently available.
and the Marigold Bridge
On Día de los Muertos, a glowing bridge of cempasúchil flowers appears in the sky — and for one extraordinary day, Felix and Victor cross back to be with their brothers.
As the plaza fills with candlelight and music, the four lions walk among families reunited. When a butterfly cannot find her place in the sea of orange light, when an iguana searches for mango slices prepared just as he remembers, and when a jaguar listens for the sound of his granddaughter's guitar, the brothers come together — paws touching, circle formed — to help each one find their way.
In the warmth of marigolds and memory, Gil and Pol discover that love does not disappear. It changes form — and it always finds its way back.
Complete at approximately 1,000 words · Ages 4–8 · Manuscript available upon request.
Written by Helga Similon · Illustrated by De Kwekerij
Cover illustration in progress.
Full manuscript available on request.
Get in Touch
I am currently seeking representation for Gil & Pol in Mexico and the Marigold Bridge — a 1,000-word picture book for ages 4–8.
As the first in a planned series, this story explores the vibrant traditions of Mexico and the enduring bond of brotherhood. The full manuscript, series roadmap, and sample illustrations are available upon request. I would be honored to share them with you.
