9:30 Coffee Break: Musicians who have written kids' books
by Steve Seel and Jill Riley
February 18, 2015
For today's 9:30 Coffee Break, we're thinking about the recent news that Pharrell Williams will release a series of children's books this fall, one of which will be based on his hit, "Happy." Williams signed an agreement with a division of Penguin Books to write a total of four children's books for the publisher.
But it turns out Pharrell Williams is not the first musician to venture into authorship for kids. There are many musicians and songwriters who have done the same thing. Perhaps there's something about being able to write song lyrics that translates well to writing the often rhyming verses that work well in children's books.
So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, we're asking: What songs would you like to hear from musicians who have written books for children?
Songs Played
Pharrell - "Happy" (book: Happy)
The Rolling Stones "Happy" (book: Keith Richards - Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar)
The Decemberists "The Wrong Year" (book: Colin Meloy - Wildwood, Under Wildwood, Wildwood Imperium)
Dolly Parton - "Coat of Many Colors" (book: Coat of Many Colors)
David Bowie - "John, I'm Only Dancing" (book: Musical Storyland)
Hole - "Violet" (book: Courtney Love - Princess Ai
Do you deserve a Coffee Break? Jill and Steve think you do and want to bring treats from Gigi's Café to your workplace. You'll also be treated to the music of local singer-songwriter Chris Koza! Send us an email: CoffeeBreak@thecurrent.org.