Debut picture book by TRAVIS Bass player

Little Door Books scoops debut picture book from Travis bass player, Dougie Payne

Award-winning Scottish Publisher Little Door Books (LDB) is set to publish the debut picture book by Dougie Payne, bass player and backing vocalist with multi-platinum-selling Scottish indie band, Travis, with illustrations by talented newcomer Rachel Seago.

Poochie Pete and his Very Big Feet is a fabulous musical rhyming shaggy dog tale that is full of heart, with themes of individuality, creativity, friendship, bravery, and joy.

 Despite his good intentions, Poochie Pete’s feet are always causing chaos. He longs to find his place in the world, somewhere he belongs. But it’s not until he discovers a music shop and its helpful owner, Henry Large, that he finds his own song and the place where his heart truly belongs.

 A graduate of the Glasgow School of Art, Dougie initially started writing and illustrating stories for his two children on breaks when he was not touring or recording with Travis. He was keen to develop his writing for a wider audience, so turned to award-winning author, Maisie Chan, to help him hone down his ideas and develop his skills as an author.

 Payne said: “Maisie Chan very generously, took it upon herself to mentor me encouraging me to focus on the story of Poochie Pete. Once we both felt it was right, she introduced me to the wonderful Alan Windram at Little Door Books, who immediately felt like the right person to make the book a reality. Alan suggested Rachel Seago to be the illustrator, and she has been absolutely fantastic. She is so incredibly talented and has elevated everything beyond what I could have imagined.”

 Windram said: “We are thrilled to be working with Dougie and Rachel to publish their first picture book together. Dougie’s text is a joy to read. As a songwriter his rhymes are effortless, giving life to Poochie Pete’s search for his place in the world. Rachel’s illustrations are fresh, fun and capture Pete’s personality perfectly. We have been keen to work with Rachel for some time and Dougie’s story is the perfect fit. I’m sure that children and parents will absolutely love Pete’s street dog charm and take him to their hearts.”

 Poochie Pete and his Very Big Feet will be published on World Book Day, 5th March 2026

(Little Door Books, paperback, £7.99).