Kelly Clarkson dropped clues all week about a new project. We knew it had something to do with “magic” and her one year old daughter, River Rose. Now, we know what the American Idol original winner has been cooking up for her fans. It’s a children’s book starring River Rose!
HarperCollins Publishers announced on Tuesday (2/9) the publication of Kelly’s first picture book, River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, featuring an original lullaby written and performed by Kelly herself.
River Rose and the Magical Lullaby is described in the press materials as “an enchanting picture book that chronicles the night before an imaginative little girl’s first trip to the zoo. River Rose is so excited to see the animals and ride the carousel that she can’t fall asleep—until a magical lullaby from her mom sends her off on an amazing adventure. Soon River Rose is hopscotching with the hippos, slip-sliding with the penguins, and dancing with the big brown bears. It’s a rollicking, rhyming tale from America’s most beloved performer, recording star Kelly Clarkson. Join along on this bedtime journey, complete with an original lullaby that parents and kids are sure to love.”
The book is illustrated by Laura Hughes.
“When kids read River Rose and the Magical Lullaby my hope is that it inspires their imagination and reminds them that they should always follow their dreams – no matter where they lead,” says Kelly.
“The first time I heard Kelly talk about this project, I knew it was something special,” says David Linker, Executive Editor, HarperCollins Children’s Books. “Her passion for the story and musical ear for the rhythm and melody that make for great storytelling was evident from the very first draft. It’s been a true labor of love.”.
In this short video, Kelly describes the genesis of the story. When the singer was on the road promoting her last album, Piece by Piece, River Rose was along, travelling to some pretty amazing places around the world.
“We were going on trips in the UK, Asia and Australia–all these amazing places she was too little to remember…I started writing down these little fun stories…I thought I would write cute little stories and put little pictures with it, and that was the initial idea. These little storied ended up turning into a book for each place we went.”
The last minutes of the video is an extra: The Diva Life of the Adorable River Rose. “I don’t know where she gets it from!” snarks Kelly. Heh.
River Rose and the Magical Lullaby is available for pre-order now, and out October 4.