Emma Thompson is teaming up with The Gruffalo’s illustrator Axel Scheffler on a new children’s book which will be released later this year.

Jim’s Spectacular Christmas is based on the real-life pet pooch of Sir Henry Cole, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s founding director.

Cole also famously sent the very first Christmas card in 1843.

In the book, Jim goes on an adventure filled with high emotion, redemption, unexpected presents and a brush with royalty.

Speaking about the project, Thompson said: “Upon learning about Sir Henry and Jim for the first time, I couldn’t help but run amok with ideas about what it must have been like for this unlikely pet to be living in such an amazing museum. I’ve been a fan of Axel’s work for many years because of the humanity and humour in all his illustrations, so to be collaborating with him on this project is an utter joy.”

The book will be published on 27th October.