Singer, actor, now writer – Madonna has taken up the pen.
Penguin Group announced Monday that the singer has written five illustrated story books for young readers aged 6 and above.
The first title, “The English Roses,” will be published in hardcover in September and distributed simultaneously worldwide, Penguin Group said. No further details were given.
“Madonna is an artist with a universal appeal and these books will touch children of all backgrounds everywhere in the world,” said chairman and chief executive John Makinson.
Penguin Group has bought the English language rights to the five books, each of which will feature a different celebrated illustrator, from Callaway Editions, the New York-based publisher of illustrated books, which will publish the books in the United States.
In all other English language markets, the books will be published by Puffin, the children’s imprint of Penguin Group (UK).
Puffin is Britain’s leading publisher of children’s books; other children’s authors on its books include Roald Dahl, Eric Carle, Raymond Briggs and Allan and Janet Ahlberg.
The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.
Callaway titles have included many highly acclaimed illustrated books, including the best-selling “Miss Spider” series, written and illustrated by David Kirk and Hilary Knight’s “When I Have a Little Girl/When I Have a Little Boy.”