Irish influencer Eric Roberts publishes his first children’s book

Eric Roberts has written his first children's book

Drawing from his years of experience as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in Donegal, Eric has long championed inclusion and acceptance. Inspired by his past students and his nephew Oisín, his debut children’s book, Gary the Stinky Goose, aims to help children understand that everyone is different and that everyone deserves a chance at friendship. 

Eric hopes the story will serve as a gentle conversation starter for parents and educators alike.

Oisín, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has become a familiar face across each of Eric’s platforms. Their genuine bond and shared humour have resonated with thousands of families, making Oisín a star in his own right. 

Eric, who became an SNA because of his nephew, continues to work with children and adults with disabilities to this day. 

“Oisín is my best friend,” says Eric. “He’s always there to listen to me and make all my problems feel small. I was hesitant to feature him at first, but the response has been incredible. The internet can be a scary place, but Oisín brings so much joy to people and families in similar situations. I hope this book can do the same.”

Eric’s inspiration for the book came from his time in the classroom, especially the playground.

 “I wrote this book for Oisín,” he explains. 

“During my time as an SNA, the biggest challenge wasn’t in the classroom; it was at lunchtime, making sure my student wasn’t sitting alone. Too often, children are left to play by themselves because their peers don’t understand them. I hope this book can help change that.”

In Gary the Stinky Goose, we meet a lovable goose with one rather unfortunate habit: he just can’t stop farting.

Making friends isn’t easy when you’re the smelly one in the flock, but when an unexpected opportunity arises, Gary has a chance to prove that being different can be a superpower. Packed with humour, heart, and a whole lot of giggles, it’s a story of bravery, friendship, and acceptance that shows children it’s okay to stand out.

“The message behind Gary the Stinky Goose is simple: everyone deserves a friend,” says Eric. “Having spent years advocating for inclusion, I hope this book reaches every school in Ireland. Since becoming a dad earlier this year, it’s become even more important for me to write stories like this. I want my son to grow up in a world where it’s okay to be different and where kindness comes first.”

Gary the Stinky Goose is available now for €10 at mayobooks.ie