LL Cool J & Doug E. Fresh To Release Read & Rap-A-Long Books For Kids

NEW YORK (LL Cool J Official Website) - In September LL Cool J and Doug E. Fresh will release the first two books in a new series of read & rap-a-long books, dubbed Hip Kid Hop, for children 4-10 years old. Each book will be 32 pages long and will include an original two-track CD featuring the song version of the book's story performed by the artist. The second track on each CD will be an instrumental so that children can read and rap along karaoke-style.

LL Cool J's book, And The Winner Is, tells the story of young basketball player who learns the importance of winning and losing. The music for And The Winner Is was produced by Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence.

LL Cool J shared in a statement why writing the book was so important, "One of the most important things you do, as a celebrity, is to use your influence to impact kids in a positive way. Kids love music and, through this book and CD, they can learn the valuable lesson of good sportsmanship. Kids also love entertainment and by following along with the words in the book they will learn how to rap while inspiring them to read."

Doug E. Fresh's book, Think Again, chronicles the relationship between two kids who dislike each other but then realize that they have a lot in common. The music for the story was provided by Prince Paul, who has worked with Stetsasonic and De La Soul, among others.

Doug E. Fresh shared his inspiration for the book, "I wrote this book because I think children are beautiful and I believe tolerance for diversity is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach a child. Kids love hip-hop music and picture books, so this is a great way to reach them about this important issue and help them have a greater respect and appreciation for one another."