Award-winning singer/songwriter Don McLean’s iconic anthem “American Pie” has inspired a new children’s book about a young boy’s journey to uncover his passion for music.
Commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of one of the top songs of the twentieth century, ‘Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable’ weaves themes from the iconic song with experiences from McLean’s early life and, like the musical hit that inspired it, offers meaningful elements open to interpretation in a lushly illustrated tale.
“As ‘American Pie’ celebrates 50 years, I’m very happy to have a children’s book based on the premise of the song,” McLean said. “Everyone has a different interpretation of it. Releasing this fable brings another perspective to the lyrics, along with some backstory for when I wrote it. I hope every child gets to imagine in their own mind what ‘American Pie’ means to them and know that dreams can become reality.”
“Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable” is the story of a newspaper delivery boy in the late 1950s who discovers the joy of friendship and music, eventually learning that when you recognize what makes you happy, you are never truly alone.
The June 7 book release also serves as the launch of IPG Publishing and of a partnership between the Chicago-based publisher and Los Angeles-based media company Meteor 17.
“I’m especially proud that this timely fable is the first release in our partnership with IPG Publishing,” Proffer said. “It echoes the spirit and sentiment of Don’s ‘American Pie’ and will leave the reader contemplating and feeling, just like the song that inspired it. After fifty years, the song maintains its relevance and the book will introduce its magic to a new generation.”
Released in 1971, “American Pie” was named one of the top five songs of the century by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America, and the original recording was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically or artistically significant.” The song is also the subject of an upcoming documentary.
“At its heart, Don McLean’s iconic song was about real events that impacted a generation, and our book is similar in spirit,” said Richard T. Williams, Vice President, Business Development, Publishing & Licensing for IPG. “It doesn’t tell the literal story of The Day the Music Died, but it hints at how a young boy may have found inspiration from it, resulting in a lifetime of music and artistry—just as Don may have.”
He added that by pairing an emotionally resonant story with elaborate and whimsical illustrations, the publishing team hoped to inspire children to find their inner creative voices.
Find more information on ‘Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable,’ including illustration examples, at Edelweiss.
