INSURANCE loss adjuster Graham Hosking has a hit on his hands with his children’s book about a little mouse who dreams of becoming a singer.

Knutsford-born Graham, 36, lives in Sydney, Australia, and wrote Sidney Opera Mouse in his spare time.

The book has been published and part animated, and a reading of the story by a well-known Australian actor features on the Sydney Opera House website.

The former Bexton Primary and Knutsford High School student, who played for Toft CC, emigrated to Sydney in 2013.

While walking with friends near Sydney Opera House he had an idea for a children's book, which became Sidney Opera Mouse.

Knutsford Guardian:

After writing the story and developing a storyboard Graham commissioned Inky Stone to illustrate the book.

The rhyming picture book tells the story of Sidney, a little mouse who dreams of becoming a singer.

He is trapped inside a pet shop until one day he has an opportunity to escape and follow his dreams.

His adventures take him across Sydney until he finds the place where he is destined to belong.

Graham said: “Ever since I was little I’ve been a fan of stories. I am not so little anymore, but am still in awe of the power books have to inspire, teach and entertain.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Great books can transport you into other worlds, spark conversations, inspire creativity, offer comfort, teach valuable life lessons and of course entertain.

“In 2016 an idea for a book popped into my head and I put pen to paper. With hard work and plenty of support the idea became a reality in 2019 when Sidney Opera Mouse launched.

“I continue to write stories infused with adventures, and plan on launching more books soon, all with the aim to make people laugh and smile.”

Graham’s parents, Trevor and Elizabeth Hosking, are members of Knutsford Photographic Society.

Trevor said: “It’s a brilliant story, the little mouse character is lovely and the animation is absolutely brilliant.

“Graham loves the book and is very proud of it, and quite a few of our friends have bought it for their grandchildren.”

The 32-page hardback book is available via grahamhosking.com, and Graham has sent a box of books back to Knutsford, where they can be collected or posted within the UK. Email trevorhosking@yahoo.co.uk for details.

One of the books was donated to Bexton Primary School.