Gaye Roark returns with a charming children’s story that blends laughter, mischief and thoughtful insight, inviting young readers into a world where imagination leads the way.
Scheduled for release this December, Josh, and Edgar Blenkinsop adds a fresh and humorous voice to children’s literature, offering an engaging tale filled with warmth and playful storytelling.
The story centres on Josh, a nine-year-old boy who forms an unlikely bond with Edgar Blenkinsop, a grumpy yet lovable scarecrow who mysteriously comes alive whenever no one else is around.
Their growing friendship sparks a sequence of amusing adventures, from harmless tricks played on Josh’s sisters to secret plans that only Edgar and Josh’s dog, Sally, are trusted to know about.
Despite his determination to stay out of trouble, Edgar’s antics frequently lead to comic mishaps, while Josh’s adventures reveal the inner world of a child learning important lessons through fun and fantasy.
The narrative captures the spirit of childhood joy while quietly exploring themes such as creativity, friendship and resilience.
The emotional depth of the book is shaped by Roark’s personal journey through serious illness, which has informed her focus on mental health and stress management for children in a digitally driven era.
“In our ever-changing world stress levels seem to be higher than ever and my sympathies particularly lie with children. It isn’t easy being a child in these days of change. It’s a curious fact that an age of technological progress seems to have hijacked the minds of our children where phones, tablets or computers claim far too much of their attention.
“However, through life experience, I have discovered that humour is an antidote to stress. Hence, I have written books that seek to make children laugh, encourage them away from their phones for a while, and feel the benefits and joy of simply reading.” said Gaye.
Gaye’s professional background includes training and working as a nurse, with later specialisms in radiology and coronary care, where she helped patients manage stress and cope with serious medical conditions.
Alongside her clinical work, she has contributed to numerous health publications, advocating for the psychological benefits of humour, relaxation and emotional balance.
Josh, and Edgar Blenkinsop is written for children aged between 7 and 12, offering an entertaining reading experience that also gently introduces meaningful life lessons.
The book will be released on 19th December 2025 and will be available in paperback, hardback and Kindle formats.
Published by Maple Publishers in the UK, the book features cover artwork, illustrations and layout design by White Magic Studios, known for their creative approach to children’s publishing.
