RUN-DMC FOUNDING MEMBER DARRYL "DMC" McDANIELS TO PUBLISH DEBUT PICTURE BOOK WITH RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN'S BOOKS



DARRYL'S DREAM released on January 4, 2022



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, it was announced by Chris Angelilli, VP & Editor-in-Chief, Licensed Publishing.



DARRYL'S DREAM will be published on January 4, 2022, as part of Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products' recently announced cross-category consumer products program with McDaniels.



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, and the kids who make fun of his glasses only make things worse. Will the school talent show be his chance to shine?



Written by iconic performer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, DARRYL'S DREAM is a story about finding courage, facing bullies, and celebrating individuality.



A founding member of Run-DMC, McDaniels has extended his influence beyond the world of music in important ways. He is the co-founder of the Felix Organization, a nonprofit that works to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences for children in the foster care system. McDaniels appeared before Congress and other state legislatures in support of adoptees and foster children and has worked with First Lady Michelle Obama on her Let's Move! campaign.



DARRYL'S DREAM will also be released simultaneously as an ebook and audiobook on January 4, 2022, with narration of the Listening Library audiobook provided by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels.



Said McDaniels, "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. 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."



Said Angelilli, "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. We can't wait to see DARRYL'S DREAM start impacting young lives when it publishes in January."



Said Lourdes Arocho, Senior Vice President, Paramount Pictures Licensing & Global Games and Publishing for ViacomCBS Consumer Products, "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."



ABOUT DARRYL "DMC" MCDANIELS



Innovator, motivator, philanthropist, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels changed music and made history when he broke down cultural barriers with his legendary band Run-DMC. Forty million record sales later, he continues to inspire and impact the world. Darryl regularly talks with kids across the country about respect, responsibility, and self-awareness. He has appeared before Congress and various state legislatures in support of adoptees and foster children. In 2006, he co-founded the Felix Organization with Sheila Jaffe, a nonprofit that works to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences for children in the foster care system.