Ashley Blaker to publish parenting memoir Normal Schmormal

Sunday 19th February 2023, 3:02pm

Comedian Ashley Blaker has written new book Normal Schmormal: My Occasionally Helpful Guide To Parenting Kids With Special Needs.

Due to be published on 20th July by Harper Collins, the product is described as "part-memoir and part how-to guide for parenting children with additional needs".

The publishers explain: "Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it's certainly not what anyone would call a 'normal' household - but would he want it any other way?"

They add: "Written with humour and compassion, the book highlights the challenges and rewards of raising a family which doesn't fit into society's definition of 'normal'. It's a story which parents, carers and teachers of children with SEN will particularly relate to, but this heartwarming book will appeal to any parent who believes love and acceptance are the most important building blocks of a happy family."

The comedian also incorporates his family into Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children, his Radio 4 comedy show which is due to return for a second series later this year. He will be debuting a new live comedy show this year inspired by the book, also called Normal Schmormal. Produced by Mark Watson's Impatient Productions, the show will premiere at the Edinburgh Festival then tour around the UK.

Ashley Blaker says: "Being a parent is tough and raising kids with special needs is even tougher. That's why I am delighted to share our story with readers and hopefully provide some much-needed light relief. Thankfully this book was very easy to write since our kids provide so much comic material it could have stretched to five volumes."

Commissioning editor Anna Mrowiec adds: "This book is a masterpiece, able to make you howl with laughter on one page and cry on the next. Ashley's devotion to his children shines through at every juncture - while also finding great humour in the frustrations and follies of everyday life in the Blaker household. I can't wait to see readers fall in love with his wonderful children in the same way I have."

Ashley Blaker - Normal Schmormal: My Occasionally Helpful Guide To Parenting Kids With Special Needs

By Ashley Blaker

The heart-warming and hilarious part-memoir, part-guide from comedian and father-of-six Ashley Blaker, on parenting, adoption and raising children with special needs.

'We had such a variety of experts visiting our home, we really needed a revolving door. All these professionals would watch our son playing while shaking their heads and making tutting sounds, like builders considering a bad job you wanted them to fix. "Tut tut tut. No speech, disordered social skills, sensory issues. This is going to cost you!!"'

Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN (special educational needs) diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it's certainly not what anyone would call a 'normal' household - but would he want it any other way?

Normal Schmormal is part-memoir, part how-to guide, highlighting the many challenges, as well as the hugely rewarding elements, of parenting children with additional needs. Written with humour, compassion and a lot of love, it's a must-read for parents, carers and teachers of children with SEN, either looking for a bit of support or in need of a very big laugh.

First published: Thursday 20th July 2023

Hardback

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