Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon is adding 'children's author' to his CV as he has written a book inspired by his own ginger family cat.
The actor and comedian looked back on the stories he invented for his children to pen a book in rhyme. Entitled The Cat in the Cupboard, the book containing the adventures of Crumble the cat is illustrated by artist Ellie Snowdon.
Aimed at children between the ages of five and seven, Brydon's upcoming work has been described as "humorous and playful" and tells the story of Crumble, a curious ginger cat who goes on a different garden adventure each time he slips through the cupboard cat flap.
The synopsis reads: "In this adventure, Crumble embarks on a rescue mission into the garden of his arch-nemesis to seek out his beloved lost toy. But it's dangerous in enemy territory for our plucky feline…"
Speaking on the decision to write the book in rhymes based around the title, Brydon said: "It struck me that 'The Cat In The Cupboard' had a nice rhythm and feel – the way the words rolled off the tongue" (via The Bookseller).
Related: Best streaming services
What to Read Next
"After a while of making up rhymes based around this for my own enjoyment, I wondered if it would make a lovely book for children," he continued.
"I've always enjoyed rhythm and rhyme; making up songs in my stage shows and stories for my children and reading them the wonderful work of writers like Shirley Hughes and Julia Donaldson.
"I'm really hoping that The Cat In The Cupboard fires the imagination of both young readers and the adults reading to them, creating opportunities for shared moments of reading pleasure."
Published by Puffin, the book is currently available for pre-order before hitting shelves on 10 September.
"Written in humorous and playful rhyme, Brydon brings his own distinctive voice and love of verse to the text," Puffin said in a statement.
"Brought vividly to life by Ellie Snowdon's gorgeous illustrations, full of warmth, humour and expressive detail, Crumble’s world bursts with character on every page, perfectly capturing both the mischief and heart of his adventures."
Brydon also published a 2011 memoir, titled Small Man in a Book, a wordplay on his 'Small Man in a Box' impression.
The Cat in the Cupboard is available for pre-order on digital retailers including Amazon, where it's priced at £12.99.
The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating music icon Dolly Parton, is here! Buy Dolly at 80 in newsagents or online, priced at just £8.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
