HarperNonFiction has acquired World All Language Rights to ‘Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs’ by comedian Ashley Blaker. The book was acquired in a deal between Vivienne Clore from Vivienne Clore Artist Management and HarperNonFiction Senior Commissioning Editor Anna Mrowiec, and will be published on 20th July 2023 in the UK and on 12th September 2023 in the US.

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?

Normal Schmormal is part-memoir and part how-to guide for parenting children with additional needs. 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.

Ashley Blaker is a comedian and writer. He has performed two Off-Broadway shows and several programmes on BBC Radio 4 including his family comedy Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children, which has been renewed for a second series due in 2023. He will be debuting a new comedy show inspired by the book, also called ‘Normal Schmormal’, at the Edinburgh Festival in August this year. Produced by Mark Watson’s Impatient Productions, the show will then tour around the UK.

Ashley Blaker said: ‘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.’

Anna Mrowiec, Senior Commissioning Editor, said: ‘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.’

Picture: Steve Ullathorne