Former Daily Echo reporter Ali Sparkes publishes book starring her dog

Ali Sparkes took a dive into the mind of her labradoodle Willow to write ‘My sister is a dog’.

The 57-year-old children's author, who began her writing career at the Daily Echo, boasts of a solid record of successful tales with her Frozen in Time novel winning the Blue Peter Book of the Year award back in 2010.

For her latest book, Ali chose to host the launch at Woolston Library.

The event on Saturday was attended by some of her fellow dog-walking friends whose pets are featured in the novel.

Ali Sparking sharing her new book with some of her dog walker neighbours (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to the Echo, Ali said: "I just put myself in the head of my own dog and tried to imagine what her view of life would be. And so, it tumbled out quite easily.

"There are some quite scary elements in the book and some quite sad elements as well, but it all pulls together at the end and leaves the reader in the right place."

The novel revolves around Willow trying to convince the boy who lives next door that she is used to his sister. 

Speaking of the moment, she invited her friends to come along to the book launch with their dogs, Ali said: “I really thought I was a bit insane when I told people to bring their dog. And I knew that people would because there are so many in this area who know me and know Willow. So people have come with their dogs, and they were so well-behaved.

“The only dog that misbehaved was, of course, my own Willow. But all the others have been fantastically well-behaved so I'm just really thrilled.”

Peter Day and Loki (Image: Newsquest)

Peter Day, 46, whose dog, Loki, stars in the book shared how two people can develop a friendship while walking their pets.

He said: “I'm looking forward to reading it. I've known Ali for a few years now.

“Obviously just bumping into each other regularly at the same place at the same time while we were walking our dogs.”

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