Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books (RHCB), will publish a new picture book by hip-hop pioneer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels in partnership with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products. 

The book will be published as part of Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products’ recently announced cross-category consumer products program with McDaniels. Geof Smith, editorial director, Random House Books for Young Readers, will edit the project.  

A picture book about creativity, confidence and finding your voice, “Darryl’s Dream” introduces readers ages 3 to 7 to a quiet third grader named Darryl. He has big dreams, loves writing and wants to share his talents, but he’s shy. The kids who make fun of his glasses only make things worse. Will the school talent show be his chance to shine? 

 “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to participate in school visits, where I share my story with kids and try to show them that they can also accomplish anything they set their minds to,” says McDaniels. “Those visits inspired me in so many ways and motivated me to write this book, to reach as many kids as I can and encourage them to embrace who they are and believe the sky is the limit.” 

“It is an incredible opportunity to work with a legend like Darryl McDaniels and our good publishing partners at ViacomCBS, and particularly exciting to collaborate on a project aimed toward empowering and inspiring kids, which is a long-standing commitment shared by RHCB, ViacomCBS, and Darryl,” says Chris Angelilli, vice president, editor-in-chief, Licensed Publishing. “We can’t wait to see ‘Darryl’s Dream’ start impacting young lives when it publishes in January.” 

“As we continue to grow our expansive publishing business, we are thrilled to collaborate with Random House Children’s Books, a leader in this space, and the incomparable Darryl McDaniels to offer kids and parents Darryl’s Dream, an authentic and inspiring new story that is sure to galvanize generations of young readers to come to aspire to the greatness they all have within,” says Lourdes Arocho, senior vice president, Paramount Pictures licensing and global games and publishing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. 

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