Retired journalist Peter Erlam will be signing copies of his latest children’s book at an event in Ramsgate next week.
The dad-of-two, who moved to Ramsgate some five years ago, has published Caress It Like Messi, which has a distinct Christmas theme.
Peter’s two previous novels for junior-age readers featured a Ramsgate-based raven called Ravi while this new tale is based on his curly-haired, football-loving grandson.
It starts on the morning of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, with England missing a clear-cut chance when a header is badly misdirected.
Freya, 13, a talented footballer herself, shouts at the TV screen in frustration. But her brother Rye, 8, sympathises: “It happens to me all the time. The ball hits my head and shoots off in any random direction.”
Rye’s corkscrew curls are the problem. They have a crazy, trampoline-like effect on the ball; he has no control over where it lands.
Rye’s an easy-going kid but when his football pals start calling him names, he slumps.
The narrative takes the reader on Rye’s path to self-discovery and self-esteem, via Lapland and a meeting with a very famous reindeer who himself had struggles with a standout facial feature which, in the end, proved to be the making of him.
With its positive message about dealing with adversity, it’s a story that will cheer up any child who has faced challenges. It ends with a heart-warming family reunion on Christmas Day.
The author is signing copies of Caress It Like Messi at a children’s book fair on December 19 & 20 at the Baker Street Bistro in Petticoat Lane Emporium.
It can also be bought by contacting him on [email protected]