Author Shawn Cosby of Gloucester, has a new book in publication, “The Rhythm of Time,” and it’s totally unlike the gritty noir crime novels he’s become known for writing.

The award-winning, New York Times bestselling author has written a children’s science fiction novel in collaboration with musician, record producer and Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, front man for the hip-hop band The Roots that serves as the in-house band for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Cosby said it all started in February 2020, when his agent said that Questlove had read Cosby’s work and liked his voice and style. The musician had an idea for a children’s book and was interested in having Cosby help him with the writing. Questlove had written a couple of nonfiction works himself, but this would be his first attempt at fiction.

The two met in New York City, at the studio where The Tonight Show is filmed, and they hit it off right away.

“He’s a kind, generous pers...