• The Hub

    News, Notes, Talk

    Yusuf/Cat Stevens is turning his song “Peace Train” into a children’s book.

    By 
    January 13, 2021, 12:36pm

    Some pleasant news! In honor of “Peace Train”s 50th anniversary, Yusuf/Cat Stevens has announced that the illustrated children’s book Peace Train, using the lyrics of the famous song, will be published May 11th via HarperCollins. It will be followed by a picture book adaptation of Stevens’ song “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out,” out summer 2022.

    Said Yusuf in a statement, “I wrote these lyrics more than 50 years ago, and I know the words still boom as true and loud today as they did in the Seventies. It’s incredible to see how Peter Reynolds, [Peace Train’s illustrator,] has made the words jump into life in brilliant style for a new generation with his joysome illustrations.” And we agree—look at this beautiful page from the book:

    The publication of these books is part of Yusuf’s anniversary celebration of his Seventies albums, but hopefully it’s just the start of a set of Yusuf children’s books. (If You Give A Moon A Shadow?) Get in the mood for Peace Train by watching Yusuf’s 1976 live performance of the titular song, below:

    [via Rolling Stone]

    Cat Stevens children's books HarperCollins Peace Train The Hub Yusuf Yusuf/Cat Stevens

    • Become a Lit Hub Supporting Member: Because Books Matter

    For the past decade, Literary Hub has brought you the best of the book world for free—no paywall. But our future relies on you. In return for a donation, you’ll get an ad-free reading experience, exclusive editors’ picks, book giveaways, and our coveted Joan Didion Lit Hub tote bag. Most importantly, you’ll keep independent book coverage alive and thriving on the internet.

    Become a member for as low as $5/month

    Dismiss without supporting Lit Hub
    x