Beatle now an author

Paul McCartney reads his new book to a group of primary school students in Lake Forest Park, Washington. Picture / Reuters

Paul McCartney is now a children's book author. The singer entertained a young group of cute but squirmy primary school students last week by reading an excerpt from his new book High in the Clouds and answering questions.

The reading got some unexpected responses from the young audience.

"Why did the author make such sad stories for children?" asked one perplexed little boy.

Caught off-guard, McCartney wrapped his arm around the boy and joked, "To make children cry."

"But cheer up. It's going to be all right," he quickly added.