Grinspoon Guitarist To Release Children's Book And Album

It seems it's time for Grinspoon guitarist Pat Davern to add writer to his list of achievements, which already includes bookstore owner and ARIA-winning musician. Davern has revealed that in a family collaboration with his father James Davern OBE, he'll be releasing a children's book and album called Alexander The Elephant in Zanzibar, about no other than the pink speckled elephant, Alexander.

Aiming to relay lessons of bravery, friendship and independence to kids, the related album will feature a slew of acclaimed musicians such as Pete Murray, Megan Washington and Alex Lloyd offering original songs that specially coincide with the book — you'll hear tracks like Red Ant Sandwiches, We Are The Loggers and We Saved The Forest.

Davern says of the project, "The main characters in this book came from childhood stories that Dad would make up and tell my daughter Francesca and the other grandkids. I realised these stories needed to be shared so I took the characters, put pen to paper and got to writing the book and the music."

Davern also served as narrator for the colourful book, illustrated by award-winning UK artist Martin Chatterton, while also writing and recording the tracks.

Check out the trailer for the book and soundtrack below. It is due to be released on 6 November.