Picture book based on the exploits of his own family cat

Rob Brydon is joining the ranks of comedians who have become children’s authors.

The Would I Lie To You? host is publishing his first title, the picture book The Cat In The Cupboard in September.

Described as ‘hilarious and warm’, it has been inspired by Brydon’s own ginger family cat, and by the stories he invented for his children.

It has been illustrated by Welsh-based Ellie Snowdon, who also worked on the 16-book Jasmine Green Rescues series, which started a decade ago with A Piglet Called Truffle.

Brydon’s book – aimed at children aged five to seven – appears to be intended as part of a series that follows Crumble as he slips through his cupboard cat flap and into a different garden adventure each time.

The comic and actor wrote the book in rhyme and told trade website The Bookseller: ‘It struck me that "The Cat In The Cupboard" had a nice rhythm and feel – the way the words rolled off the tongue. 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.

‘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.’

He previously wrote his memoirs, Small Man In A Book, which was first published in 2011.

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…’

Publisher Puffin adds: ‘Written in humorous and playful rhyme, Brydon brings his own distinctive voice and love of verse to the text. 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. 

‘Together, Brydon and Snowdon create a story to be treasured by children and adults alike, marking the arrival of an exciting new author–illustrator duo.’

The story begins:

The cat in the cupboard
is sat in the cupboard,
for that is where
his home is found.
He lives there with pride –
it's his route to outside,
to the place where adventures abound…

• The Cat In The Cupboard is published on September 10 by Puffin.  It is available from Amazon priced £12.99 in hardback.

Published: 21 Jan 2026