A children’s story written by a nine-year-old schoolgirl more than four decades ago has finally been brought to life as a professionally published book, with proceeds helping children and families affected by cancer.
Karen Crear, from Chester-Le-Street, has published Where There’s a Wheel There’s a Way, a heartwarming tale she originally wrote when she was just nine years old. Now, 43 years later, the story has been lovingly reimagined with new illustrations and a fresh look for its star character, Humphrey the tortoise.
The book tells the story of Humphrey, who becomes upset because he cannot move as quickly as his friends. Determined to help, his friends come up with a variety of creative wheeled solutions, including bicycles, roller skates and wheelbarrows. Along the way, the story delivers an important message about friendship, acceptance and recognising that everyone is valuable just as they are.
Karen said: “The original book has been treasured by my family for over 40 years. Every generation of children in our family has enjoyed it and it became a favourite bedtime story. I’ve always dreamed of sharing Humphrey with the wider world, but I never knew how to make that happen.”
The original handmade manuscript still survives today, complete with its homemade protective cover, worn pages and decades of memories.
“It’s one of my most precious possessions,” Karen added. “It’s battered and stained now, but it’s priceless to me. To finally see it published is incredibly emotional. The author name is Karen Ferguson as to me it will always belong to that little girl, me all those years ago.”
The book has been published through Crear Publishing, the independent publishing company Karen runs alongside her husband Ryan. The couple established the business after Karen and her twin sister self-published their own work and discovered a passion for helping other aspiring authors achieve their dreams.
Today, Crear Publishing supports writers who may have struggled to gain the attention of larger publishers or who are wary of costly vanity publishing schemes.
Ryan said: “Everybody says they’ve got a book inside them, but many people don’t know what to do next. We want to help people turn that dream into reality. There is so much incredible writing talent in the North East and beyond, and we want to make sure those voices are heard.”
The company has already helped publish several authors and is currently working with a growing list of new writers from across the UK and even internationally.
“We want people to experience the feeling of holding their book in their hands for the first time,” Ryan said. “It’s an incredible sense of achievement.”
The couple are also passionate advocates for literacy and reading among young people.
Karen believes books can have a life-changing impact on children.
“Reading opened up whole worlds for me as a child,” she said. “It sparked my imagination and gave me confidence. We want children to rediscover the magic that books can bring.”
Adding another layer of meaning to the project, a portion of every sale of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way will be donated to the Newcastle-based charity The Dragonfly Cancer Trust.
The cause is particularly close to Karen’s heart, having battled cancer herself twice.
“I’ve been through some very difficult times with cancer,” she said. “The Dragonfly Cancer Trust supports children and young people with cancer, as well as their families, and it just felt like the perfect charity to support through this book.”
43-years-in-the-making-book-about-humphrey-the-tortoise-finally-reaches-the-finish-line
To further celebrate the partnership, every page of the book contains a hidden dragonfly for young readers to find, adding an extra layer of fun and discovery.
The official book launch will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Field & Fodder, Bearpark, Durham, DH7 7AR, from 12 noon until 2pm. The free event will feature children’s activities, refreshments and the opportunity to meet the author. The book will be available for sale on the day.
Following the launch, Where There’s a Wheel There’s a Way will be available in paperback and e-book formats through Amazon.
Ends
Photo: Karen with her original book and the new one
Photo: Jane Dennsion from The Dragonfly Cancer Trust, Ryan and Karen Crear
All photos The Bigger Picture Agency
PR and media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951