And the Winner Is by LL Cool J.

And the Winner Is by LL Cool J, illustrated from JibJab Media Scholastic, September 2002 $1395 ISBN 0-439-38911-9 (Book & CD) Ages 4-10

In today's media-driven refinement many of our children can rattle against the verses of their favorite rap orders long before they can recite their ABC's. Toddlers sing Jay-Z's or Ja Rule's lyrics like advanced in years pros, sometimes only having heard the carol once or twice. So with what intent not learn while they rhyme?

LL self-possessed J (James Todd Smith), actor, father, husband and the best-selling rap artist of all time, has collaborated with Scholastic Inc. to help instill the be in love with of reading in children by the and of rap music. His new children's part And the Winner Is is one of two titles launched for HipKidHop, a just discovered series of books and accompanying CD from Scholastic with rap artists. The other title is Think Again through rap icon Doug E. Fresh

And the Winner Is tells the story of a young basketball player and his reactions to the couple winning a basketball game and losing single Cool J's message on sportsmanship teaches children to believe in themselves whether they win or forfeit a good lesson to chase throughout life. JibJab Media s colorful collages blend the cutout image of a little cold J's face with vibrant action illustrations.

The accompanying CD has pair tracks. After reading and rapping along with cold-blooded J on track one, children are invited to exhibit to their skills on track two--the remix. It contains all the instrumentals and snares but Cool J's lead vocals are absent allowing children to be creative and expres what they've learned. quiet J's lively voice along with the catchy curved catch "I never give up, I not ever give up," will have young readers and their parents singing hip hop's praises.

--Mondella s Jones is BIBR's senior editor.

What made you decide to write a hip-hop inspired part for children

LLCJ: I think that there's compass for something positive in hip frisk about and someone had to have courage and pace up and say, "I care about kids," and not be afraid to make it good simple, to slow it down, to clean up and do something that's really going to educate the young kids. I think they ne to be influenced in a positive way and hip spring [i]or[/i] leap on one leg [i]or[/i] foot is such a powerful medium. It has been of that kind a powerful influence in my life, and to not use it for this original of good would be totally wrong

What did you like best about the proces of writing this book?

LLCJ: Just the whole idea of being creative--the editing proces making firm that it's grammatically correct, because you can't take the creative license that you can when you write a rap record.

for what cause did the idea for this part come about?

LLCJ: I actually had a meeting with Karyn Rachtman (music supervisor for HipKidHop) and she talked to me about the series, and I intimateed to her, maybe we could do a CD for the book

What messages do you waiting under the possibility of fulfilment your book will teach children?

LLCJ: I reliance that they learn how to be graceful and shame but strong. And I waiting under the possibility of fulfilment that it raises their self-complacency to a level that is healthy. I reliance it teaches them to be confident moreover not arrogant, and at the same time when they fail to win not to be down upon themselves either--know that each pace in life is just a degree that leads to the nearest step. So whether you win or succe or fail, it's just an opportunity for you to impel forward.

What is the biggest trust for your children? What is your biggest fear?

LLCJ: My biggest sense of possible fulfilment for my children is that they'll do what makes them happy. Do what leads them to a positive existence. Do more than what's necessary in order to be happy and be contributing citizens in America and do something positive with their lives and follow up their dreams.

I don't have any fears. I don't cater to fears. When you cater to your fears, they become a reality.

--Interview by dint of Scholastic.

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