The Strawman is a middle-grade fantasy adventure that whisks readers away to the enigmatic village of Gizzleville, the only place in the world where the magical Gizzlewop shrub grows. Ray, a young Traveller boy who has never stayed in one place long enough to make a friend, feels lost and lonely in this strange new environment. But everything changes when he meets Otto, a mischievous and mysterious Strawman with a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Together, Ray and Otto embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the true meaning of friendship and the things that make life worth living. As they pull pranks, explore the countryside, and delve into the secrets of Gizzleville, they stumble upon a plot that could destroy the fragile peace between the villagers and the Travellers. With the entire harvest of Gizzlewop at stake, Ray must choose between his newfound friendship and his family-an impossible decision that will define who he truly is. In this tale filled with humour, heart, and a dash of magic, young readers will discover the power of courage, loyalty, and standing up for what's right, even when it means going against the grain.