Pharrell Williams along with Penguin Books have launched a “Happy” campaign for young readers.
The publishing company’s children books division, Penguin Young Reader, will partner with First Book, which provides access to new books for children in need, to donate up to 50,000 books to children in low-income families.
Penguin encourage readers to use the hashtag #readHappy to post thoughts or images on why reading makes them “Happy.” Every post shared on social media will lead to a donation.
Pharrell said in a statement issued through Penguin, “Every child on this planet deserves to experience the joy of reading.”
Happy! is slated to be released Tuesday, Oct. 6th. The children’s picture book will showcase children across cultures celebrating what it means to be happy. According to Penguin, the Happy! picture book is full of memorable, precious childhood moments that will move readers in the same way they were moved by the song.
In a statement released earlier this year, Don Weisberg, President of Penguin Young Readers, said, “This is the beginning of an incredible partnership with one of America’s most talented and beloved stars. Pharrell has an important and inspiring message about individuality and being your best self and we’re proud to help him share that with young children.”
Pharrell also expressed how happy he is to release a children’s book based on his record-breaking song. He said, “I’m humbled by the global success of ‘Happy,’ but especially in awe of the song’s young fans. My collaboration with Penguin allows me to continue a dialogue with these children in a fresh, new way. We’re both committed to feeding the curiosity of young minds with imagination.”
“Happy” became the first single for 57 years to start a third separate run at No. 1, according to Billboard.
Happy! will be Pharrell’s first published book. Excited about his new project, he shared this Instagram post about a week ago.You can pre-order the book here.
Featured photo via Shutterstock
