Dad goes from BMX bikes to children's books

Graeme Dodds has created a character called ‘Danny the Dreamer’ – a nine-year-old boy who dreams of being a sporting hero.

His first book about Danny’s fantasy exploits on the sports field has been released and he plans four more in future.

In ‘Danny and the Vikings’, Danny, who does not enjoy school, spends his time in the classroom daydreaming about playing rugby against the best players in the world.

In his fantasies he then becomes captain of his own rugby team and leads them to victory.

Dad of two Graeme, from Warton near Carnforth, himself was a rugby player in his youth and also played cricket and football, and has competed all over the UK in BMX bike racing, a pastime also now being taken up competitively by his two sons Zack (eight) and Ollie (six).

Graeme, 38, who works as a residential educational welfare officer at Wennington Hall School, said: “My boys were reading sport books by Frank Lampard and David Walliams, but they were struggling to find something to capture their imagination.

“I’ve always dabbled in writing so my wife Jenny pestered me to get something down on paper. I have a plan for up to five books and the next one will be about Danny playing cricket. I was a dreamer too when I was younger and the story is based on snippets of my life growing up combined with what my boys are experiencing now.”

Danny the Dreamer is aimed at four to 12 year olds and is available now as an e-book.