New series about an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy

Rosie Jones is the latest comedian to become a children’s author.

The stand-up has signed a two-book deal with publishers Hachette, with her first title, The Amazing Edie Eckhart, to be published on August 5.

Her central character is an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy, the same condition Jones has.

Jones said: ‘I am so excited for the world to meet Edie! When I was younger, I inhaled books, and reading has always been my one true love. 

‘But I never saw myself in books. I never came across a character who was brilliant, funny, flawed and just happened to have a disability. 

‘That's why I've written The Amazing Edie Eckhart. It is so important for children to know that being a little bit wobbly or "different" doesn't stop somebody from achieving greatness!’

The blurb for the book, to be illustrated by Natalie Smillie, reads: ‘Edie has cerebral palsy, but she’s used to it because she’s spent her whole life being a bit wobbly. 

‘Edie can’t wait to start secondary school with her best friend Oscar and continue sharing sausage rolls with him at break time. But when Oscar scuppers these plans by getting his first ever girlfriend, gross, Edie eventually decides to stop feeling sorry for herself and find a boyfriend, so she can prove to Oscar she’s grown up too. 

‘But while she’s plotting to get a boyfriend, she accidentally gets cast as the lead role in the school play. As Edie devotes her time to the performing arts, she finds a new friend, as well as talents – and feelings – she never knew she had.’

Polly Lyall Grant, commissioning editor for Hachette Children’s Books, added: ‘There isn’t nearly enough disability representation in children’s books, and I’m proud to be working with Rosie to launch a series with Edie Eckhart as the lead.’

Last month we reported how Richard Ayoade has also just signed a two-book deal, following the footsteps of other comedians-turned-children’s-authors  David Baddiel, Julian Clary, Adrian Edmondson, Miranda Hart, Sir Lenny Henry - and,  of course, David Walliams.

• The Amazing Edie Eckhart can now be ordered from Waterstones.

Published: 12 Feb 2021