Perhaps the most shocking move in Madonna's long, scandalous career has been her gradual domestication. Since Madonna became a mama two times over and settled into marital bliss with British director Guy Ritchie, she's considerably toned down her once risqué image.

Now, in another step toward tamer pursuits, the material-turned-maternal girl is creating a series of illustrated children's books. Madonna has signed a five-book distribution deal with Penguin, while in the United States the books will be published by independent imprint Callaway Editions.

The first book, "The English Roses," is due in September. Madonna has been working with yet-unnamed international artists on the illustrations for each book.

"As with everything she does, Madonna is once again going to surprise, delight and lead the way," said Nicholas Callaway, founder and publisher of Callaway Editions. "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."

This is not Madonna's first foray into the publishing world. Her glossy coffee-table book, aptly titled "Sex," stirred a wave of controversy upon its release in 1992 with its X-rated images of the star walking down a highway naked and engaging in explicit poses.

This report is provided by MTV News



*By the way, this is in the right forum, so don't say anything.*

we've already got 2 of these threads.

thanks for going to the effort though

*Ooops, sorry..! I know how annoying this is!*