Groundbreaking Book by Charlie Duncan Wins Support of World’s Biggest Children’s Charity; Save the Children Praises New Book’s Innovative Approach to Growing Up Healthy

London, United Kingdom, March 17, 2010 --(PR.com)-- A school teacher turned author, who created an ingenious and fun new way to help children enjoy healthy eating, is cooking up a storm of international support for his debut book which is launched on March 31st.

One of the funniest food books ever published – and probably the most widely supported - Gastronimus and the Legend of Mr Grrrumblebum, is a first-of-its-kind children’s novel about food that heralds a new generation of fictional heroes in a swashbuckling space adventure to zap Mr Grrrumblebum – junk food villain and the most criminal cook in the cosmos.

Specially created to teach 8-11 year olds the importance of healthy eating, the book’s eponymous hero – the bumbling chef, Gastronimus - his hapless sidekick, Scrumlix, and the dastardly Mr Grrumblebum, are the hilarious creations of the book’s author, Charlie Duncan, a teacher from Walthamstow in North London, whose innovative approach has caught the approving eye of organisations including Save The Children and The Food Standards Agency – as well as food luminaries such as Sheila Dillon of the BBC Food Programme and BAFTA-winning children’s TV producer, Adrian Hedley, (Big Cook, Little Cook.)

Charlie says, ‘There are very few children’s books out there that combine thumping good entertainment with great food and it is such a missed opportunity. I believe that making food interesting, engaging, and above all, fun, is the key to helping children grow up healthy, so I’m absolutely delighted the book is generating such high-profile support.’

With a national book tour of primary schools already underway and a string of summer festival appearances in the pipeline, Charlie is fast becoming children’s literature’s new hot property. Catch him while you can…

Praise for Gastronimus and the Legend of Mr Grrrumblebum:

“This delightful, hilarious and healthi-licious book should charm its way into every child and parent's appetite” - Save The Children

“If good food is ever going to draw children away from the real seductions of coke, pizza, burger and chips, it needs some help - this book is it”
Sheila Dillon, BBC Food Programme

“Scrum-tastic! The world has been waiting far too long for such a groundbreaking and charming food book for children. Gastronimus and Scrumlix are certainly set to change the way we think about food for kids”
BAFTA-winning children's TV producer, Adrian Hedley

Gastronimus and the Legend of Mr Grrrumblebum is published by Zidane Press on March 31st, 2010

For a review copy of the book, or an interview with Charlie Duncan contact:
Chris Burrows PR: 0161 445 6635 / 07738903955 chrisburrows2@virginmedia.com

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