Karen Crear, from Chester-Le-Street, wrote the story of Humphrey the Tortoise when she was nine years old. Now, 43 years later, the childhood creation has been published as a book titled 'Where There's a Wheel, There's a Way'. All proceeds from the book will support children and families affected by cancer through The Dragonfly Cancer Trust.
The Story of Humphrey the Tortoise
The book tells the story of Humphrey, a tortoise who becomes upset because he cannot move as quickly as his friends. Determined to help, his friends come up with creative wheeled solutions, including bicycles, roller skates, and wheelbarrows. Along the way, the story delivers a message about friendship, acceptance, and recognising that everyone is valuable just as they are.
A Dream Realised
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 it happen.” The original handmade manuscript still survives, complete with its homemade protective cover, worn pages, and decades of memories.
She said: “It’s one of my most precious possessions. It’s battered and stained now but it’s priceless to me. To finally see it published is incredibly emotional. The author's name is Karen Ferguson as to me it will always belong to that little girl, me all those years ago.”
New Illustrations and Charitable Partnership
The book features new illustrations by Lucy Nicholson, retaining the childish charm of the original. A portion of every sale will be donated to The Dragonfly Cancer Trust, a Newcastle-based charity supporting children and young people with cancer and their families. Karen, a two-time cancer survivor, said: “I’ve been through some very difficult times with cancer. 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.” Each page contains a hidden dragonfly for young readers to find.
Published by Crear Publishing
The book was published by Crear Publishing, the independent publishing company Karen runs with her husband Ryan. The couple established the business in 2023 after Karen and her twin sister self-published their own memoir, with proceeds going to Women’s Aid. 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.”
Upcoming Children's Book Festival
Crear Publishing will host the North East Children’s Indie Book Festival on Saturday 25th July from 10am to 4pm at Field & Fodder Durham. The free event will include author meet-and-greets, workshops, face painting, and a bouncy castle. Ryan and Karen hope it becomes an annual tradition.
