Colin Meloy Inks Kids Book Deal

"A collaboration they've been dreaming about for years" Meloy + artist Carson Ellis.

By Blurt Staff

Decemberists mainman Colin Meloy, no stranger to flights of lyrical whimsy, and an author in his own right, is now set to deploy his active imagination in the field of children's literature. HarperCollins Publishers announced yesterday that it has acquired North American rights to Wildwood, a middle-grade series by Meloy, illustrated by acclaimed artist Carson Ellis. Wildwood is described as "a classic tale of adventure, magic, and danger, set in an alternate version of modern-day Portland, Oregon."

It's a 3-book deal for Meloy, with the first one due in the fall of 2011.

"Storytelling and rich imagery are hallmarks of Colin's songs, so writing a novel seems like a perfect next step for him," said Donna Bray of HarperCollins imprint Balzer & Bray. "Wildwood is both incredibly original yet timeless - nothing less than an American Narnia. We're thrilled to introduce such an exciting new voice in children's literature."

Steven Malk of Writers House added, "Colin and Carson tap into the greatest potential of an illustrated novel; the words and images invigorate each other in a way readers rarely get to experience."

"The germ of this series goes back a long way," Meloy said. "For me, this is the culmination of a long-term collaboration with Carson, matching words and art.  I grew up on a steady diet of Lloyd Alexander, Roald Dahl, and Tolkien; this is our humble paean to that grand tradition of epic adventure stories." Artist Ellis, who first rose to prominence as the artist who created the band's iconic visual look, and has gone on to illustrate bestselling books such as The Mysterious Benedict Society and Lemony Snicket's The Composer is Dead, commented, "Wildwood is a project very close to my heart - the collaboration that Colin and I have been dreaming about for years."

BONUS BEATS: Name the two separated-at-birth celebrities, below.