An author from Ryedale has written a new children’s book inspired by Roald Dahl.

Alexander James’ new book, Henry’s Vegetable Plop, has been published on Amazon and the author has his sights set on success.

Aimed at young people aged around eight to 12, the book deals with a magical invention by a 10 year-old-boy which takes the young Yorkshire lad on an exciting world-wide adventure where he meets famous people and ends up a TV star.

“I met Roald Dahl when I was about 10, and have always loved the fantasy and humour of his writing,” explained author Alexander James.

“He is a big inspiration for Plop and I hope readers enjoy the humour of this silly but insightful story, and the tenderness of the relationship between Henry and his dad.”

Roald Dahl had been booked to open the village Christmas fair, in Buckinghamshire where Alexander used to live, but didn’t turn up - so Alexander’s father drove them to Roald’s house to pick him up.

In the weeks that followed, Alexander said he read every Roald Dahl book there was.

The illustrated story is semi-autobiographical, and the characters draw on people who live in Stonegrave, near Helmsley, where Alexander lives, as well as on the family.

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Although written in 2020, the storyline includes a session in a US court involving an angry President T. Rump who was summonsed by a judge.

Alexander’s career has involved working as a newspaper journalist and editor, and he has written and published a non-fiction book of essays and photography on food provenance.

He also works as a communication consultant, helping firms to engage their people in sustainability and net zero strategies.

“But ever since sitting next to my hero Roald on the back seat of dad’s car all those years ago I’ve wanted to write a children’s book, and finally this is it!” The author said.

“So far the feedback as been extremely positive, but you have to take comments from friends and family with something of a pinch of salt - what will people who don’t know me think of it?”

Illustrator Jasmine Stephenson, an art student at York St John University, has produced a set of drawings for the book.

She was inspired by Quentin Blake, who illustrated many of Roald Dahl’s books, but developed her own unique style which brings the characters to alive.

Henry’s Vegetable Plop is available on Amazon as a paperback for £9.99 or Kindle for £3.99.