Lo Cole, a children's author and illustrator, is set to attend the Chiswick Book Festival's Children's Festival on March 7, 2026. A former resident of Bedford Park, Cole follows in the artistic footsteps of his parents, achieving success in both writing and illustration.
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Among his popular characters are Eddie the Scooter Dog, who teaches children about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the world around them. Cole's other characters include Lionel, an exuberant rhinoceros, and Doris, a shy, bright red elephant who struggles with her uniqueness.
Cole explained that many of his stories began as simple drawings that evolved into more complex narratives. For instance, Eddie was initially sketched as a dog on a scooter before developing into a full story. His engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations have garnered acclaim, supported by his publisher, Harper Collins, which distributes his work across Europe.
With a career spanning 40 years, Cole has previously worked as an illustrator for publications such as The Guardian and The Economist and created the iconic album cover for Frankie Goes to Hollywood's 1984 debut, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome."
Influenced by his parents, Michael and Joanne Cole, who created the beloved children's character Bod, Cole aims to continue their legacy through his own writing. His recent work includes new titles inspired by Bod, merging light philosophical themes with humor. Lo Cole is currently finalizing his latest book, "Night Night, Otto," about a baby owl's adventures, which is set to be released this summer.