Hip-Hoppers Write Children's Books

Even rappers are getting into the kids' book business. Scholastic has launched a series of children's books written by hip-hoppers like LL Cool J and Doug E. Fresh. Called Hip Kid Hop, the books target four- to ten-year-olds and include CDs so kids can rap with the authors and their backing tracks.

LL Cool J's edition is a parable about winning and losing with grace, while Doug E. Fresh writes about two kids who overcome racial antagonism to become pals. "Hip-hop has the best way of turning language on its head," says Scholastic editor Liza Baker. "We think kids will respond."