A Frome illustrator is working with the leading author Michael Rosen and says he is pinching himself about it.

What is even more remarkable is how Cole Henley got to work with Michael - much loved author of over 140 childrens' books including We're Going On a Bear Hunt and Dad.

Cole explained to Nub News: " It all started with a Tweet he wrote saying he wanted to bring an old(er) story of his to life in comic form. I was doing comic books "on the side" from my day job and replied to say I would love to work with him. We started exchanging emails and then before we knew it had spoken to Unbound about taking it further as a crowdfunding campaign."

Cole said: "To be honest I have to pinch myself is happening."

The illustrator moved to Frome nine years ago and runs a web-design and development agency in Bath but dabbles in drawing as a creative outlet.

Cole continues: " Three years ago I started writing and drawing a graphic novel telling the story of my great-grandfather, a German communist who opposed the Nazis and fled to America. When I first started talking with Michael about working together I was talking about this project and "were a lot of parallels with his history because of his families experiences in Nazi Europe."

Like so many, Cole admires Michael's work - especially with two children - but he also admires him for his politics and they share concern for many social issues.

The crowd funded book is entitled You're Thinking About Tomatoes, and while it is described as fun and exciting, it also covers some important issues including the role of African slaves in building the British Empire.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic Cole has only met Michael once, as the start of the promotional campaign last summer.

But he is in close communication and fans will be relieved to know that Michael is improving: Cole told Nub News: " When Michael got COVID-19 earlier this year the project was on hold, quietly moving along. However it is fantastic to see that Michael is now doing better and with renewed vigour we are now moving towards our funding goal which will see the book published by Unbound."

The project can be found by clicking HERE: the Unbound site