I first met when he sang with The Smugglers, a Vancouver garage-punk band in the 1990s, and he's since become an acclaimed CBC broadcaster and writer. He also plays in net for the beer-league hockey team Vancouver Flying Vees and is a Canucks fan, so bonus points there, and he's married to talented fellow musician Jill Barber.

Lawrence's latest literary effort is an adventure-packed picture book for kids,  (Harbour Publishing, $24.95), inspired by his 2010 memoir Adventures in Solitude and featuring pop-off-the-pages illustrations by Ginger Ngo.

The story follows the Lawrence family has they make their way to a rustic cabin in B.C.'s remote Desolation Sound. Young Grant and his sister would rather be watching TV at home, naturally, but boats are paddled, Beach Boys songs are heard, Russell the Hermit is met and memories are made. Even adults will be entertained by the adventures that ensue in the hardcover book.

Also of note, Lawrence will continue his Stories and Songs summer tour with a show Friday, Sept. 27 at Fort Langley's Chief Sepass Theatre with musical guests Neil Osborne of 54-40 fame, blues singer Dawn Pemberton and singer/songwriter Lindi Ortega. Tickets are sold for $38.61 on (search Grant Lawrence and Friends), or visit .