Sir Paul to write children's book

Sir Paul's children's book stars two squirrels and a frog

Sir Paul McCartney has followed in the footsteps of Madonna by writing his first children's book.

High in the Clouds: An Urban Furry Tail will be published in October by Faber and Faber in the UK.

Co-written with Philip Ardagh, it tells of two squirrels and a frog who embark on a mission to set free some animals.

Madonna's latest children's book, Lotsa de Casha, was published on Thursday - the fifth and final book in a series based upon Kabbalah teachings.

'Very exciting'

Sir Paul's book was inspired by a 2004 animated film called Tropic Island Hum on which he collaborated with illustrator Geoff Dunbar.

"Having worked on this story and the characters for many years, it's very exciting for me to see things come to fruition in what I think will be a remarkable book," Sir Paul said.

The book is based on Sir Paul's animated film Tropic Island Hum

Sir Paul has five children of his own - four including step-daughter Heather with his first wife, the late Linda McCartney and a one-year-old daughter with his wife Heather Mills McCartney.

His children's book follows the release of his 1984 animated children's film and song We All Stand Together - credited to Paul McCartney and the Frog Chorus - and his 2001 poetry book Blackbird Singing.

On Tuesday he and Madonna were announced among performers at the Live 8 concert at London's Hyde Park on 2 July, to highlight the problem of global poverty and debt.