James Walker's upcoming children's book, *The Girl in the Mirror: Isobel's Dream*, delves into the pressing issue of school bullying while also exploring themes of friendship, honesty, loyalty, and the complex relationships between young people and their elders. Set in Liverpool, where Walker himself resides, the story is not only a compelling narrative but also a heartfelt message to young readers on how to navigate these challenges.

At the heart of the story is Isobel, a young girl with a disability who idolises Paralympian Hannah Cockroft. Isobel dreams of owning a racing wheelchair like Hannah’s, a dream that seems out of reach due to the financial constraints she faces. The plot centres on Isobel’s friends, particularly her classmate Lucy, who are determined to help her achieve this dream. With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games currently underway, the story’s connection to real-world events adds an extra layer of relevance and inspiration.

In an emotional subplot, Lucy, with the help of her magical friend Horla, trains a Jack Russell dog named Pip to perform in a talent competition. Their goal is to win the prize money to buy Isobel the racing wheelchair she desperately desires. However, as the competition approaches, Lucy and Horla are confronted with a moral dilemma—winning the prize might mean taking it away from another deserving contestant. The resolution of this conflict brings unexpected twists that challenge the characters’ understanding of right and wrong.

James Walker, a retired engineer from Liverpool, brings his own experiences and values to the story. His career spanned roles from patternmaker in shipbuilding to supervising the construction of aircraft undercarriages, including those for the Hawk aircraft flown by the Red Arrows. Despite this technical background, Walker’s passion for writing children's books stems from a deep commitment to addressing important social issues.

“My main criteria in writing children’s books are honesty, loyalty, friendship, and, most importantly, anti-bullying of school pupils,” Walker explains. The inspiration for Isobel’s character came from a real-life encounter: “I was halfway through writing this book when, cycling towards a school one day, I had to stop at a zebra crossing as a pupil in a wheelchair made her way across. As she reached the other side, three noisy pupils thought it funny to turn her wheelchair around the other way, something which she was really annoyed at. Being a fan of the great British wheelchair cyclist, Hannah Cockroft, I then decided to include a disabled girl, who I call Isobel, in this, the sequel to my first book, and she will be a fan of Hannah’s too.”

Isobel’s dream of owning an Invacare Top End Eliminator OSR Racing Wheelchair, the same model Hannah Cockroft used to win Olympic gold medals, becomes the driving force of the story. With Lucy, Horla, and Pip working together to make this dream a reality, The Girl in the Mirror: Isobel's Dream promises to be a touching and uplifting read that encourages children to stand up against bullying and to support one another in their dreams.

Scheduled for release on September 28, 2024, this book is set to make a significant impact, especially in the local Liverpool area, where Walker is eager to promote it. As readers follow Isobel’s journey, they will not only be entertained but also reminded of the importance of kindness, perseverance, and the power of community in overcoming life’s challenges.