'The Bear and the Piano' film voiced by Lumley

David Litchfield’s The Bear and the Piano will be narrated by Joanna Lumley in an “entrancing” film.

The animation of the award-winning book was specially-commissioned by Carrot Productions to accompany its production of "The Snowman".

With music by Daniel Whibley played live by a professional orchestra, and Lumley's narration, the production is described as an “this entrancing creation set to become a family favourite for the next generation”.

Litchfield, represented by The Bright Agency, said: “I can't wait to see my book animated on the big screen, accompanied by such brilliant live music, and of course the unmistakable voice of Joanna Lumley reading along.”

The Bear and the Piano, aimed at children aged from four upwards, was originally published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books in 2015 and it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Illustrated Book the following year. It has sold 45,883 copies making £245,693 according to Nielsen BookScan.

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books’ commissioning editor Katie Cotton said: “I’m so excited that Bear will be taking to the stage this Christmas, for the next stage in what has already been an incredible journey.”

"The Bear and the Piano" will visit Chester, Chesterfield, Derby, Oldham, Coventry, Blackpool, Hanley and Hull alongside "The Snowman" film which is also accompanied by a live orchestra.

Litchfield will be attending the performance in Chesterfield on December 5th, signing books.