Beatle Ringo Starr publishes Octopus's Garden children's book

Ringo Starr has written a children's book based on the song 'Octopus's Garden'

Former Beatle Ringo Starr is publishing a children's book based on the band's song "Octopus's Garden".

The track, which first featured on the 1969 Abbey Road album, was written after the drummer stayed on a yacht belonging to actor Peter Sellers in Sardinia and had a conversation with the boat's captain about the creatures.

Starr has teamed up with illustrator Ben Cort to work on the book.

He said: "It gives me great pleasure to collaborate with Ben Cort and Simon & Schuster for the further adventures of Octopus's Garden. Peace and Love, Ringo."

The book will be published in October as a hardback and as a CD containing a reading of the story and an unreleased track by the musician.

Ingrid Selberg, children's publisher at Simon & Schuster UK, said: "As an original Beatles fan, publishing this book is a dream come true for me.

"By bringing Ben Cort on board, we have arranged the perfect marriage of a truly child-friendly text, based on Ringo's popular song, with illustrations that revel in the imaginative opportunities presented by the lyrics. This is a beautiful and funny book that children, parents and grandparents will love sharing."

PA