On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, in The Ginks, Paul B. Edwards turns the classic fear of monsters under the bed into a wildly funny underground adventure packed with silly creatures, terrible poetry, and brave young heroines who discover that even monsters can be laugh-out-loud ridiculous.
Former international comedian Paul B. Edwards has traded punchlines for page-turners with his debut children’s fantasy novel, The Ginks. This humorous new book cleverly reimagines one of childhood’s most common fears—monsters under the bed—into a magical, mischievous underground world packed with quirky creatures, absurd situations, and plenty of laughs.
In The Ginks, Edwards blends fantasy adventure with light-hearted scares, creating a story that feels both exciting and reassuring for young readers. It’s the perfect read for children who love tales like The Spiderwick Chronicles or Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets classic monster mayhem, but with a much sillier twist.



What Is The Ginks About?
Abigail is convinced that mischievous monsters called Ginks live under one of the beds in her room. Whenever she gets into trouble, they try to pull her down into their hidden cave. One chaotic Friday the 13th, a disastrous family Monopoly game with her cousins Katie and Rosie spirals into something far more extraordinary.
When Rosie disappears, Abigail and Katie are dragged into the bizarre underground realm of the Ginks. There they meet the Ginkmaster—a terrifying yet ridiculous leader who desperately loves writing poetry but can never quite finish a verse. This poetic failing, it turns out, is shared by all Ginks.
Armed with courage, creativity, and Abigail’s mysterious teddy-bear parasol, the girls must navigate strange creatures, unexpected allies, and laugh-out-loud predicaments to rescue Rosie and find their way back home. The story ends with a fun twist: are the Ginks really gone, or is this just the beginning of the adventure?
A Perfect Balance of Silly and Spooky
The Ginks stands out in the crowded children’s fantasy genre because it gets the tone just right. It delivers enough spooky fun to thrill young readers without ever becoming too frightening. The not-so-bright monsters, unfinished funny poems, and ridiculous situations keep the mood light and entertaining throughout.
Parents will appreciate a children’s book that encourages imagination and bravery while turning fear into something empowering and hilarious. Kids will love the fast-paced action, eccentric characters, and the idea that even monsters can be comically flawed.
Paul B. Edwards
Paul B. Edwards brings a unique comedic voice to children’s literature. For twenty-five years, he performed as a stand-up comedian at festivals, comedy clubs, and venues across the UK and internationally. He ran his own comedy show in Oslo for eight years and earned the unusual distinction of becoming the first-ever comedy headline act at the World Nettle Eating Competition.
Beyond comedy, Edwards has lived a wonderfully eclectic life: he’s worked as a wedding celebrant, been ordained as a Dudeist priest, become a Lord of Sealand, and spent eight years as a tour guide in his hometown of Nottingham. He has also delivered comedy workshops in schools and served as a creative “ideas” specialist for Merlin Entertainments.
When the pandemic halted live performances, Edwards retrained as a civil servant. With newfound free time on weekends, he returned to his passion for writing, resulting in the creation of The Ginks.
The idea began with a simple childhood fear: what if the monsters under the bed were real? It’s an imaginative thought most people can relate to. From checking under the bed before bedtime to sleeping with the lights on, we all had a childhood fear that, looking back, makes us laugh. I wanted to turn that fear into something funny, adventurous, and a little bit ridiculous. The Ginks may seem frightening at first glance, but they are also clumsy, chaotic, and not particularly bright. At its heart, the story celebrates imagination, courage, and the creative ways children learn to face their fears.
–Paul B. Edwards
Why The Ginks Is a Must-Read for Young Fantasy Fans
This debut novel captures the magic of childhood imagination while delivering:
- Relatable fears turned into fun: Perfect for any child who’s ever worried about what’s lurking under the bed.
- Strong young heroines: Abigail, Katie, and Rosie show courage, quick thinking, and teamwork.
- Humour that appeals to all ages: Silly monsters and laugh-out-loud moments that parents can enjoy reading aloud.
- Scope for more adventures: The ending leaves readers wondering whether the Ginks will return, hinting at potential future books.
The Ginks is an ideal gift for children aged 7–11 who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and funny stories. It’s also a great choice for teachers and parents looking for engaging bedtime reads that spark creativity and conversation.
The Beginning of a New Storytelling Journey
With The Ginks, Paul B. Edwards proves that comedy and children’s fantasy make an excellent combination. His years of making audiences laugh have translated beautifully into a whimsical world where monsters are real, poetry is tricky, and even the scariest situations can end in giggles.
If you’re searching for a fresh, funny children’s fantasy book with heart, imagination, and plenty of monster-sized laughs, The Ginks is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. Who knows—after reading it, you might start checking under the bed with a smile instead of a shiver.
Find more from Paul B. Edwards now:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4t5003g
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4sYoieX
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4squhbB
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