Ringo Starr writing ‘Octopus’s Garden’ as a kids book

Ringo Starr was never known as a songwriting Beatle -- that honor went to John Lennon and Paul McCartney first, with George Harrison far behind. And far behind that was drummer Ringo.

But now Starr, born Richard Starkey, is writing a children’s book based on one of those rarities, the second song he ever wrote: “Octopus’s Garden.” Simon & Schuster Children’s Books will publish a picture book based on the song, which appeared on the Beatles album “Abbey Road,” in October in Britain and January 2014 in the U.S.

“It’s an honor to publish such a music legend,” Jon Stewart, Simon & Schuster Childrens’ Books president and publisher, said in a statement. “The pairing of Ringo’s whimsical lyrics with Ben’s charming illustrations is a perfect fit. We’re happy to bring the magic of this song to a whole new generation of readers.”

In 1969, bandmate George Harrison said the song seemed perfect for kids -- but that wasn’t all. “I think it’s a really great song, because on the surface, it just like a daft kids’ song, but the lyrics are great,” Harrison said. “For me, you know, I find very deep meaning in the lyrics, which Ringo probably doesn’t see, but all the thing like ‘resting our head on the sea bed’ and ‘We’ll be warm beneath the storm’ which is really great, you know. Because it’s like this level is a storm, and if you get sort of deep in your consciousness, it’s very peaceful. So Ringo’s writing his cosmic songs without noticing.”

The children’s picture book version of “Octopus’s Garden” may or may not have all those layers, but it will come with a CD that includes a previously unheard song by Ringo and a reading of the story.

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