And here we’ve got a sneak preview of the book for you.
A new children’s book written by One Direction and a host of their A-List celebrity friends is set to pull in millions for BBC Children in Need next week. For the first time, some of the most famous names in music, sport and showbiz have got together to write a one-of-a-kind story for the annual charity.
The Curious Tale of Fi-Rex
X Factor judge Nick Grimshaw and socialite Annabelle Nielson. Kate added: ‘It was cool being part of a story with people such as Sir Paul, Harry, Annabelle and Grimmers. Mine was only a section but I could have quite happily written the whole thing. I wrote it late at night sat at home and got carried away with it actually.’
‘People are saying I’m the new J K Rowling or Oldham’s very own Shakespeare!’ Grimshaw continued: ‘You can buy this now and the money goes to Children in Need… It’s quite beautiful.’
One Direction have just finished touring but managed to take the time whilst writing their new album, to create their chapter of the story. They teamed up with Sir Paul McCartney who resurrects the famous Frog Chorus characters from his 1983 hit We All Stand Together, while the 1D boys appear as a frog band – called Pond Direction.
Speaking about the group’s involvement, Niall Horan said: ‘Children In Need is such an amazing charity, so we were really happy to get involved in this book. We hope our fans enjoy reading about our adventures as a band of frogs called Pond Direction.’
‘I loved the idea of being part of this children's book and I hope it raises awareness and funds for a very worthy cause,’ Kylie Minogue added.
Other stars involved in the project include Jamie Oliver and Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Speaking about his involvement, Daley said: ‘I like the character Fiona; I wouldn't mind being half-dinosaur! When I was asked to write my contribution I sat down and just let my imagination wander.'
He continued: ‘I wanted her to be involved in something that I love, so I got her to dive off the top of a mountain with Keith Lemon's character in my story… I better not give the game away with any more details... I hope both the kids and their parents’ love it. It's a really fun book that changes with every page you turn.’
All the profits go to charity. To support BBC Children In Need and buy your copy.
Meanwhile, bringing the wacky yarn to life is renowned artist Julia Patton, who is known for some of the country’s best loved illustrations and came up with her drawings in a rustic woodshed in the middle of field in Northumberland. Thousands of pounds were recently raised in a Bonhams auction of the stars’ pages at The Library, London, and now people can bid for signed copies themselves at fi-rex.auctionlots.co.uk.
The online auction boasts the remaining eight signed pages and will run until Children in Need night, November 13.