Now I've heard it all. I can't wait to see what these will be like.

Madonna and Callaway Editions are creating an original series of five illustrated storybooks for young readers in association with Penguin Group. The English language rights to the five books, each of which will feature a different celebrated illustrator, have been acquired by Penguin from Callaway Editions in New York, represented by Andrew Wylie of The Wylie Agency in New York. In the United States, the titles will be published by Callaway Editions, the renowned illustrated book publisher, and distributed by Penguin Group (USA). In all other English language markets, they will be published by Puffin, the children's imprint of Penguin Group (UK). The first title written by Madonna, The English Roses, will be published in hardcover in September 2003 and distributed simultaneously worldwide.
"Madonna is an artist with a universal appeal and these books will touch children of all backgrounds everywhere in the world. Penguin is delighted to be working with Madonna and with Callaway Editions on this distinctive and exciting publishing venture," said John Makinson, Chairman & CEO of Penguin Group. Nicholas Callaway, Founder and Publisher of Callaway Editions, says, "As with everything she does Madonna is once again going to surprise, delight, and lead the way. She has drawn on a lifelong passion for and deep familiarity with literature and children's books to create contemporary classics that combine great storytelling with ravishing art.

"With these books, Madonna has accomplished something rare and wonderful. Despite the astonishing range and variety of her stories, they all evoke the secret that the red fox shares with the Little Prince: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.' These, too, are magical stories for children of all ages-even grown-up ones." Each of Madonna's books will feature a different, internationally acclaimed artist. While the target readership will be six and older, these superbly designed books will appeal to book lovers of all ages.

Doug Whiteman, President, Penguin Young Readers Group in the U.S., comments, "Madonna's books will be a great fit with our already strong family of award-winning titles for young readers. Her stories are filled with wonder and adventure. She's also working with some of our favorite international artists. The illustrated book category remains a strength for us, and Madonna's titles will only enhance our position in this market." Francesca Dow, Managing Director of Puffin, said, "We're extremely excited about publishing these wonderful books and delighted to welcome Madonna to the Puffin list, where she joins the very best children's authors and illustrators-Roald Dahl, Eric Carle, Raymond Briggs, Allan and Janet Ahlberg, Anne Fine, and Eoin Colfer. Madonna's books are full of charm. Beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated-they are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, with their colorful cast of characters and gentle humor."

!@#$%^&* edit!
[This message was edited Mon Mar 3 11:34:20 PST 2003 by TRON]

In 1996 it was reported that Prince had recorded a children's album and was working on a children's book. This was around the same time that he appeared on the Muppets.

lovemachine said:

And the same time he was about to have a kid. I wonder if Madge is preggers.

It has been reported on the news here in the UK today.A series of childrens books due to come out in the autumn.

On a sideline regarding Lovemachines post... Anyone remember when Love 4 Oneanother first went live maybe 5 years or so ago there was a questionaire and one of the questions was indeed " would you like to hear a Prince CD of childrens nursery rhymes "

Much love Pochacco

Tron SHE IS PREGNANT

Much love Pochacco

Pochacco said:

And how do you know this?

TRON said:

according to the british press, she's been pregnant constantly for the last 7 years.

Sage said:

Which is more or less true.

TRON said:

18 months out of 7 years is hardly "constant"

Sage said:

I know. It just seems that way.