Ringo Starr to Publish Children's Book Version of Octopus's Garden

Posted on June 17, 2013

Simon and Schuster Children's Books has announced a deal with Ringo Starr to publish a children's picture book version of the Beatles' song, "Octopus's Garden." The book will be published as a hardcover with a CD that includes audio of a previously unheard music track from Ringo and a reading of the story. The book will be illustrated by Ben Cort, author of Aliens Love Underpants.

Ringo Starr first composed Octopus's Garden in 1968, when holidaying in Sardinia on Peter Sellers' yacht. The boat's captain offered Ringo an octopus lunch, which he turned down. The captain also explained how octopuses trawl the sea bed for shiny stones and objects to put in front of their caves. This inspired the lyrics for the song which first appeared on the album, Abbey Road, in 1969.

Ringo Starr said in a statement, "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."

Here's a cute animation of Ringo's new book shared by Waterstones.