With the news that Nick Cave is releasing his very own children's book this month, we reflect on some of the most unexpected children's authors we've seen over the years. Apparently, there's no such thing as being too rock 'n' roll to appeal to children!
Nick Cave, 2019 / Photo credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images
Nick Cave
This goth icon is the epitome of darkness and misery (the highest compliment we can afford the rock singer) so the idea of him writing a children’s book is quite the surprise. The book is called The Little Thing and is about “a little thing that goes on an epic adventure to discover the true nature of its identity”. Featuring his own illustrations, it’s set to be released on November 15th.
Madonna
Encouraged by her Kabbalah teacher, the Queen of Pop unveiled her first children’s picture book, The English Roses, in 2003. It sold more than a million copies worldwide, and tells the story of four girls with a jealous vendetta against a new girl, only for them to slowly become friends. Madonna went on to release two sequels to the story, along with a series of chapter books, and she also released four other picture books.
Ricky Gervais
For a comic who frequently manages to offend with his no-nonsense brand of comedy, the idea of a children’s book by Ricky Gervais is a little worrying. But Flanimals is a wonderful concept about a group of stupidly named creatures with completely useless abilities. There are six books in the Flanimals series so far and they’re all crazier than the next.
Keith Richards
Someone as rock ‘n’ roll as the Rolling Stones’ guitarist writing a children’s book is intriguing to say the least, but his story - Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar - is all about how he learned his instrument from his grandfather when he was just a child. A great book for any budding young musician!
Lil Nas X
When he’s not been gyrating on Satan, Lil Nas X has been writing a book for children entitled C Is For Country. Released at the beginning of 2021, the book features the queer rapper himself and Panini the pony as they take their readers through the country-themed alphabet.
Russell Brand
With a reputation for womanising and drug addiction (something he’s long put behind him), it’s rather bizarre to think of him as a children’s author. Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin was released in 2014 with illustrations by the legendary Chris Riddell. Unfortunately, this modern retelling of classic tales was panned by critics, but amongst the public it has been rather divisive.
MORE: Seven banned and brilliant LGBTQ+ children’s books
Simon Cowell
TV mean guy Simon Cowell has turned into a bit of a softie since the birth of his son, and last year announced that he would be writing a seven-book series with the 7-year-old entitled Wishfits, which is all about a group of adorable animal hybrids. The books have yet to be released but we seriously hope the project won’t be shelved.
