News
November 08, 2004
Publishers Callaway have published this press release to celebrate the launch of Madonna's fourth children's book The Adventures of Abdi today:
Callaway Arts & Entertainment is pleased to announce today's release of The Adventures of Abdi, the fourth in a series of five books for children by Madonna.
Madonna's first children's book, The English Roses, made publishing history with its simultaneous release in 30 languages and over 100 countries on September 15, 2003. It became the biggest and fastest - selling book ever by a first - time children's author, and is now available in 40 languages and more than 110 countries as diverse as England, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, China, Brazil, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
The English Roses was followed in quick succession by Mr. Peabody's Apples, released on November 10, 2003, and Yakov and the Seven Thieves on June 21, 2004.
Not only were Madonna's first three children's books launched within one year, but they also all debuted on The New York Times' best - seller list, and have sold in excess of 1.5 million copies worldwide.
To celebrate Madonna's unprecedented achievement, Callaway is releasing a boxed - set of her first three children's titles, The English Roses, Mr. Peabody's Apples, and Yakov and the Seven Thieves. A .85 value for only .95, this gift item comes just in time for the holiday season!
Madonna will launch her fourth children's title, The Adventures of Abdi, with a series of print, radio, and television interviews in London, followed by a book signing on November 11 at Selfridges.
Madonna's fifth children's book Lotsa De Casha, will be released worldwide in June 2005.
Callaway Arts & Entertainment is pleased to announce today's release of The Adventures of Abdi, the fourth in a series of five books for children by Madonna.
Madonna's first children's book, The English Roses, made publishing history with its simultaneous release in 30 languages and over 100 countries on September 15, 2003. It became the biggest and fastest - selling book ever by a first - time children's author, and is now available in 40 languages and more than 110 countries as diverse as England, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, China, Brazil, Slovenia, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
The English Roses was followed in quick succession by Mr. Peabody's Apples, released on November 10, 2003, and Yakov and the Seven Thieves on June 21, 2004.
Not only were Madonna's first three children's books launched within one year, but they also all debuted on The New York Times' best - seller list, and have sold in excess of 1.5 million copies worldwide.
To celebrate Madonna's unprecedented achievement, Callaway is releasing a boxed - set of her first three children's titles, The English Roses, Mr. Peabody's Apples, and Yakov and the Seven Thieves. A .85 value for only .95, this gift item comes just in time for the holiday season!
Madonna will launch her fourth children's title, The Adventures of Abdi, with a series of print, radio, and television interviews in London, followed by a book signing on November 11 at Selfridges.
Madonna's fifth children's book Lotsa De Casha, will be released worldwide in June 2005.
November 06, 2004
In promotion for her new childrens book The Adventures Of Abdi Madonna is due to make a couple of UK TV appearances.
One interview will be aired on Channel 4's The Richard And Judy show which is broadcast weekdays at 5.00pm - this show is well know for helping to promote new books so will be ideal for promoting The Adventures Of Abdi. The other appearance is scheduled for a children's TV show to be confirmed later.
At the moment we do not have scheduled air dates yet for these interviews (of which some will be pre - recorded) but as soon as the confirmed dates are known we will publish them here.
One interview will be aired on Channel 4's The Richard And Judy show which is broadcast weekdays at 5.00pm - this show is well know for helping to promote new books so will be ideal for promoting The Adventures Of Abdi. The other appearance is scheduled for a children's TV show to be confirmed later.
At the moment we do not have scheduled air dates yet for these interviews (of which some will be pre - recorded) but as soon as the confirmed dates are known we will publish them here.
November 06, 2004
Today's edition of UK newspaper The Times featuring extracts from Madonna's new book The Adventures of Abdi, a chat with the illustrators Andrej and Olga Dugin and a revealing interview with Madonna by Jane Wheatley, in which Madonna talks about the writing process, and her daily life in London with her family.
Can you tell us something about the inspiration for The Adventures of Abdi?
This book was inspired by a combination of things. I have always loved the backdrop and setting of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and One Thousand and One Arabian Nights so I wanted to write a story in that genre. In this setting I wanted to explain the Kabbalistic principle of 'certainty', the idea that we can overcome all obstacles and challenges in our lives if we perceive them as blessings and not curses; if we accept that they have arrived in our lives to teach us something valuable.
What were your favourite books as a child?
Charlotte's Web, The Giving Tree, The Little Prince, Pippi Longstocking, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Do you read some of those childhood favourites to your own children?
Yes, all of them.
What are Lola's and Rocco's favourite books at the moment?
Lola's are Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, Wayside School by Louis Sachar and Tom - Tom & Nana by Jacqueline Cohen.
Rocco's are Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis and Les Schtroumpfs.
What do your children think of the books you have written?
They love them, but The English Roses is Lola's favourite as she was very involved in its creation.
Is there a bedtime story ritual in your house?
Yes, my children go to the Lyc so they get French and English books read to them. When I read to my son, my French nanny is reading to my daughter, then we switch. Although my daughter is getting to the point where she likes only to read by herself so she reads aloud to me.
What do you feel is the role of stories and books in children's lives?
Stories and books are everything. They were very important to me as a child and were instrumental in developing my imagination. I feel very fortunate that my children love books as much as they do.
Do you think you will continue to write after this series?
Yes, I have already written a sequel to The English Roses.
Have you any thoughts about writing for adults?
Well I have thought about it, but that is a much tougher crowd. Ask me again in a few years.
How does the process of writing books compare with writing song lyrics?
At this point in my life I have written so many songs and they tell only a part of a story. I find the process of writing books much more rewarding, as there is a beginning, middle and an end.
You live mainly in England with your family; can you describe your perfect day out with your children in London?
A perfect day always includes going to Hyde Park riding bikes, feeding the ducks, having a treat at the little restaurant on the lake, and a trip to Bramley's Big Adventure. Lola loves ice skating at Somerset House and Rocco loves the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
What else would you recommend?
Tate Britain on Sunday afternoon has a children's day to do artwork and they like the Puppet Barge on the Thames.
What is the one best thing you have all enjoyed and why?
Our favourite thing to do together as a family that we all enjoy is going to our country house. My children really come alive there, feeding chickens, taking care of the horse, picking flowers and spending time outside in nature. I realise that this is not "in London" but it is our favourite thing to do.
Where do you shop with them?
The children's sections of Selfridges and Harrods.
Where do you take your children to eat in London?
Guy and I rarely take our children out to dinner as we rarely go out to dinner. But they go to the Blue Kangaroo a lot with their grandfather.
Do you worry about children and safety in London?
Not really. We take the normal precautions. but I would say we feel very safe here.
You also have a home in LA. How child friendly is London by comparison?
Extremely. There is so much to do for children here.
Can you tell us something about the inspiration for The Adventures of Abdi?
This book was inspired by a combination of things. I have always loved the backdrop and setting of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and One Thousand and One Arabian Nights so I wanted to write a story in that genre. In this setting I wanted to explain the Kabbalistic principle of 'certainty', the idea that we can overcome all obstacles and challenges in our lives if we perceive them as blessings and not curses; if we accept that they have arrived in our lives to teach us something valuable.
What were your favourite books as a child?
Charlotte's Web, The Giving Tree, The Little Prince, Pippi Longstocking, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Do you read some of those childhood favourites to your own children?
Yes, all of them.
What are Lola's and Rocco's favourite books at the moment?
Lola's are Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park, Wayside School by Louis Sachar and Tom - Tom & Nana by Jacqueline Cohen.
Rocco's are Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis and Les Schtroumpfs.
What do your children think of the books you have written?
They love them, but The English Roses is Lola's favourite as she was very involved in its creation.
Is there a bedtime story ritual in your house?
Yes, my children go to the Lyc so they get French and English books read to them. When I read to my son, my French nanny is reading to my daughter, then we switch. Although my daughter is getting to the point where she likes only to read by herself so she reads aloud to me.
What do you feel is the role of stories and books in children's lives?
Stories and books are everything. They were very important to me as a child and were instrumental in developing my imagination. I feel very fortunate that my children love books as much as they do.
Do you think you will continue to write after this series?
Yes, I have already written a sequel to The English Roses.
Have you any thoughts about writing for adults?
Well I have thought about it, but that is a much tougher crowd. Ask me again in a few years.
How does the process of writing books compare with writing song lyrics?
At this point in my life I have written so many songs and they tell only a part of a story. I find the process of writing books much more rewarding, as there is a beginning, middle and an end.
You live mainly in England with your family; can you describe your perfect day out with your children in London?
A perfect day always includes going to Hyde Park riding bikes, feeding the ducks, having a treat at the little restaurant on the lake, and a trip to Bramley's Big Adventure. Lola loves ice skating at Somerset House and Rocco loves the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.
What else would you recommend?
Tate Britain on Sunday afternoon has a children's day to do artwork and they like the Puppet Barge on the Thames.
What is the one best thing you have all enjoyed and why?
Our favourite thing to do together as a family that we all enjoy is going to our country house. My children really come alive there, feeding chickens, taking care of the horse, picking flowers and spending time outside in nature. I realise that this is not "in London" but it is our favourite thing to do.
Where do you shop with them?
The children's sections of Selfridges and Harrods.
Where do you take your children to eat in London?
Guy and I rarely take our children out to dinner as we rarely go out to dinner. But they go to the Blue Kangaroo a lot with their grandfather.
Do you worry about children and safety in London?
Not really. We take the normal precautions. but I would say we feel very safe here.
You also have a home in LA. How child friendly is London by comparison?
Extremely. There is so much to do for children here.
November 06, 2004
In celebration of the Steven Klein/Madonna X - STaTIC PRO=CeSS exhibition that opened today at the Camerawork gallery in Berlin, numerous articles about Steven Klein's work with Madonna have been featured in German newspapers.
Yesterday's edition of Berlin newspaper the Berliner Morgenpost featured a short interview with Steven Klein about how he works with Madonna, and how she brought her lucky pantyhose along for the photoshoot!
We'd like to talk about the elections in the USA.
Uaah.
How would you photograph Laura Bush?
Just because she is Mrs Bush doesn't mean she is interesting to me as a photographer.
In the Madonna photos there is a perfect hole in her pantyhose. Did you do that?
The evening before the photo shoot we went through everything on the set and then she said that she would like to bring her lucky pantyhose. She had worn it many times. The hole was already in it and I'm very happy with it.
How were the first five minutes with Madonna?
She is very shy and very quiet. And I was incredibly nervous. Usually, when I meet models or movie stars to take their photos I always think, oh they look like regular people after all. But with Madonna it's different, she has an incredibly intense aura and she really is an extremely beautiful woman.
Your photos of movie stars and models do not necessarily portray classical beauty. What is your definition of beauty?
A structured face or body shape. But also a power that lies beneath.
What did Madonna do with your photos?
She put some of them on her wall at home. In the living room.
Yesterday's edition of Berlin newspaper the Berliner Morgenpost featured a short interview with Steven Klein about how he works with Madonna, and how she brought her lucky pantyhose along for the photoshoot!
We'd like to talk about the elections in the USA.
Uaah.
How would you photograph Laura Bush?
Just because she is Mrs Bush doesn't mean she is interesting to me as a photographer.
In the Madonna photos there is a perfect hole in her pantyhose. Did you do that?
The evening before the photo shoot we went through everything on the set and then she said that she would like to bring her lucky pantyhose. She had worn it many times. The hole was already in it and I'm very happy with it.
How were the first five minutes with Madonna?
She is very shy and very quiet. And I was incredibly nervous. Usually, when I meet models or movie stars to take their photos I always think, oh they look like regular people after all. But with Madonna it's different, she has an incredibly intense aura and she really is an extremely beautiful woman.
Your photos of movie stars and models do not necessarily portray classical beauty. What is your definition of beauty?
A structured face or body shape. But also a power that lies beneath.
What did Madonna do with your photos?
She put some of them on her wall at home. In the living room.
November 05, 2004
Madonna's Re - Invention tour has been named as the Top Tour in the inaugural Billboard Backstage Pass Awards. The awards recognize the top performers of the just - completed touring season, and are based on box - office data gathered from Billboard Boxscore reports.
The Re - Invention tour grossed 125 million from 56 performances across North America and Europe this summer. The awards will be presented during the Backstage Pass Conference at New York City's Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday 09 November.
Madonna's manager Caresse Henry will also be awarded the Top Manager award!
The Re - Invention tour grossed 125 million from 56 performances across North America and Europe this summer. The awards will be presented during the Backstage Pass Conference at New York City's Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday 09 November.
Madonna's manager Caresse Henry will also be awarded the Top Manager award!
November 05, 2004
Meet Madonna as she celebrates the launch of her new book "The Adventures of Abdi".
Pre - signed copies will be available to the first 250 customers in the queue and Madonna will hand these copies to customers as she meets them.
November 11, Oxford Street, London, 3pm, Designer Room on 2.
Pre - signed copies will be available to the first 250 customers in the queue and Madonna will hand these copies to customers as she meets them.
November 11, Oxford Street, London, 3pm, Designer Room on 2.
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November 04, 2004
Madonna and Steven Klein's photographic exhibition moves back to Germany this month after a successful showing at the Scout Gallery in London.
The exhibition runs from 06 November 2004 to 08 January 2005 at the Camerawork gallery in Berlin.
Camerawork GmbH
Kantstrae 149
10623 Berlin
Germany
Open: Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
For more information visit www.camerawork.de
The exhibition runs from 06 November 2004 to 08 January 2005 at the Camerawork gallery in Berlin.
Camerawork GmbH
Kantstrae 149
10623 Berlin
Germany
Open: Tuesday - Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
For more information visit www.camerawork.de
November 03, 2004
The Tourism Ministry has produced a 30 - second video in which Madonna says Israel is a safe place to visit. The video, which was taped during the pop singer's recent trip here, will be shown about 10 times on three large screens at the world tourism fair in London, which runs from November 8 - 11. Other attractions at the fair's Israeli site include a beach corner. (
November 02, 2004
Click here to order
Guy Oseary, chief of Maverick Records, will publish a Paperback edition of his book On the Record, in which over 150 of the most creative people in th music business share the secrets of their success. Among them Madonna who is featured on the book's cover as you can see below.
"From artists and songwriters to directors and publicists, On the Record offers an insider's look at the dreams, labor, lucky breaks, and rude awakenings of the industry's top performers. We hear revealing thoughts and advice from Madonna, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Moby, Alicia Keys, and others, throwing light on a broad range of experiences. As they speak candidly of their careers, a portrait emerges of a glamorous and capricious culture, making On the Record an invaluable introduction to those who wonder what it's really like to reach superstardom."
Guy Oseary, chief of Maverick Records, will publish a Paperback edition of his book On the Record, in which over 150 of the most creative people in th music business share the secrets of their success. Among them Madonna who is featured on the book's cover as you can see below.
"From artists and songwriters to directors and publicists, On the Record offers an insider's look at the dreams, labor, lucky breaks, and rude awakenings of the industry's top performers. We hear revealing thoughts and advice from Madonna, Sean P. Diddy Combs, Moby, Alicia Keys, and others, throwing light on a broad range of experiences. As they speak candidly of their careers, a portrait emerges of a glamorous and capricious culture, making On the Record an invaluable introduction to those who wonder what it's really like to reach superstardom."
November 01, 2004
Madonna will attend the ceremony to induct her into the UK Music Hall of Fame as a founding member.
The ceremony will take place at London's Hackney Empire and will be screened on Channel 4 on Sunday 14 November - for more information visit the official UK Music Hall of Fame website.
The ceremony will take place at London's Hackney Empire and will be screened on Channel 4 on Sunday 14 November - for more information visit the official UK Music Hall of Fame website.
October 25, 2004
Pop star Madonna will be lending her voice to the cast of the animated film Arthur, directed by Luc Besson.
The film tells the story of ten - year - old Arthur, who, while trying to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes on a treasure hunt in the land of the Minimoys, a bunch of tiny people living in coexistence with nature, informs The Malaysia Star.
According to ABC News, "Arthur" is adapted from a series of children's books written by Besson, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie.
Madonna was said to be voicing the part of Princess Selenia, a character who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
The 80 million dollars project which is slated for release in 2006 follows the travails of 10 - year - old Arthur who, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes in search of treasure hidden in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.
Madonna will be lending her voice to the toon character Princess Selenia who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
"The recording is being done at the moment," a source was quoted by ratethemusic, as saying, informs New Kerala.
The film tells the story of ten - year - old Arthur, who, while trying to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes on a treasure hunt in the land of the Minimoys, a bunch of tiny people living in coexistence with nature, informs The Malaysia Star.
According to ABC News, "Arthur" is adapted from a series of children's books written by Besson, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie.
Madonna was said to be voicing the part of Princess Selenia, a character who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
The 80 million dollars project which is slated for release in 2006 follows the travails of 10 - year - old Arthur who, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes in search of treasure hidden in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.
Madonna will be lending her voice to the toon character Princess Selenia who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
"The recording is being done at the moment," a source was quoted by ratethemusic, as saying, informs New Kerala.
October 22, 2004
Madonna will head the voice cast of the big - budget computer - animated "Arthur," based on a series of children's books written by French filmmaker Luc Besson, who will direct the project, sources said Thursday.
The 80 million English - language project, scheduled for a 2006 release, follows 10 - year - old Arthur who, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes in search of treasure hidden in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.
Madonna is understood to be voicing the part of Princess Selenia, a character who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
'The recording is being done at the moment,' a production source said. Besson's Europa production banner also is in the process of casting a major male star. The film will include some live - action sequences.
"Arthur" will be the first film directed by Besson since "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" five years ago. Besson also is working on a parallel live - action project, which he has written but which remains a closely guarded secret.
Billboard.com also reports that CAA (who represent Madonna) have also confirmed this deal.
The 80 million English - language project, scheduled for a 2006 release, follows 10 - year - old Arthur who, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes in search of treasure hidden in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.
Madonna is understood to be voicing the part of Princess Selenia, a character who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells.
'The recording is being done at the moment,' a production source said. Besson's Europa production banner also is in the process of casting a major male star. The film will include some live - action sequences.
"Arthur" will be the first film directed by Besson since "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" five years ago. Besson also is working on a parallel live - action project, which he has written but which remains a closely guarded secret.
Billboard.com also reports that CAA (who represent Madonna) have also confirmed this deal.
October 21, 2004
MTV News have published this little snippet of news regarding the tour documentary Madonna filmed this summer:
Madonna's tour documentary, which chronicles her Reinvention Tour and the 'new' Madonna, among other things, is now tentatively projected to hit theaters by this spring, her spokesperson said. Jonas Akerlund is directing.
The documentary crews filmed around 1500 hours of footage during the tour. This footage is now currently being edited down to a 90 - 120 minute film.
Madonna's tour documentary, which chronicles her Reinvention Tour and the 'new' Madonna, among other things, is now tentatively projected to hit theaters by this spring, her spokesperson said. Jonas Akerlund is directing.
The documentary crews filmed around 1500 hours of footage during the tour. This footage is now currently being edited down to a 90 - 120 minute film.
October 14, 2004
Madonna will appear as a advisor/judge in Missy Elliott's forthcoming reality TV show The Road To Stardom With Missy Elliott
The show will look at look at how to make it in the music industry. Missy Elliott will take 13 hopefuls and each week she and her panel of judges, Dallas Austin, Teena Marie and Elliott's manager, Mona Scott of Violator Management will eliminate a contestant from the show. Madonna will guest on the show and will offer the contestants some valuable advice on the music industry.
The show will look at look at how to make it in the music industry. Missy Elliott will take 13 hopefuls and each week she and her panel of judges, Dallas Austin, Teena Marie and Elliott's manager, Mona Scott of Violator Management will eliminate a contestant from the show. Madonna will guest on the show and will offer the contestants some valuable advice on the music industry.
October 13, 2004
The Billboard Touring Awards will honor the concert industry's top artists and professionals for the year, based on the Billboard Boxscores chart.
Recognition for finalists and awards will be based on actual box office performance.
Caresse Henry has been nominated for Top Touring Manager of the Year! She is nominated along with: Q Prime (Metallica, Shania Twain,
Red Hot Chili Peppers) and OK Management/Metropolitan Talent (Simon &
Garfunkel). For all the Madonna fans out there this just confirms what we already know . . Caresse is the best!! Congratulations on your nomination
Caresse!
Recognition for finalists and awards will be based on actual box office performance.
Caresse Henry has been nominated for Top Touring Manager of the Year! She is nominated along with: Q Prime (Metallica, Shania Twain,
Red Hot Chili Peppers) and OK Management/Metropolitan Talent (Simon &
Garfunkel). For all the Madonna fans out there this just confirms what we already know . . Caresse is the best!! Congratulations on your nomination
Caresse!
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