Madonna publishes children's story

Madonna will make publishing history when her first children's story becomes the biggest simultaneous, multi-language book release yet, her publishers said. .

The English Roses will be printed in 42 languages and launched in more than 100 countries, from Turkey to Taiwan, on September 15.

It is the first in a series of five morality tales based on the Kabbalah, the mystical Hebrew texts Madonna studies.

Her publishers said it was an illustrated story for young readers about "friendship, jealousy, sleepover parties and fairy godmothers".

Nicholas Callaway, of Callaway Editions, said: "We will have a new generation that will know Madonna as an inspiring storyteller."

The Pop Queen has wanted to write something deeper than the other "vapid and vacant" titles for youngsters.

Her previous best-known venture into publishing was a decade ago when she released Sex, a book of arty, adults-only photos.