Gloria Estefan to Write Children's Book

Posted on January 21, 2005

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Gloria Estefan will pen her first book, a story for children to be published in both English and Spanish in November 2005. The book will be published by Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Gloria will also write and record a song based on Noelle's story, and the single CD will be packaged inside the respective editions of the new book.

The book will center on the life and adventures of an intrepid bulldog named Noelle who doesn't feel like she fits into the new and mythical land she now calls home. Inspired by Estefan's beloved pet English Bulldog Noelle, the book will mirror the true story behind how Noelle came to be such an important part of Gloria's life. Already a celebrity in her own right, Noelle has appeared with Gloria on Oprah and Don Francisco Presenta, and has been featured in both People Magazine and Cristina la Revista. The story will focus on Noelle's experience as a loveable, yet very unconventional looking dog, who must find her way through life in her new adopted home, feeling different and confronting a bevy of clustered animal cliques whose ultimate reluctance to include Noelle in their world is soon offset by Noelle's true, albeit hidden, beauty.

"I don't think too much is known about the affinity that I feel for animals. I have a very real connection with them and although I've had many pets, especially dogs, I have found a new and very unique connection with my two year old English Bulldog, Noelle," said Gloria Estefan. "She came to be a part of our family quite by accident and has brought us unforgettable experiences that I hope to share with the readers of my book based on her real- life experiences. I hope Noelle will bring the readers as much joy and surprise as she has brought into the lives of everyone who has met her."

Gloria Estefan has sold over 70 million of her albums sold worldwide. Her latest CD Unwrapped was released in 2004 and was the centerpiece of her final concert tour this past summer.

The Rayo imprint, founded in 2000, publishes fiction and nonfiction books for and about Hispanics in the U.S. in both English and Spanish. In 2005, the imprint will publish more than 75 titles, including children's books, spiritual, self-help and general reference titles.

"We are thrilled to be publishing Gloria's first book - and to be launching her career as a published author," said Rene Alegria, Publisher of Rayo. "We have adored her as a musician and entertainer -- and now with Noelle's story, the world will bear witness to this long adored dedicated wife and mother as she sets off in a new and satisfying direction, building on her legendary career in helping to educate and entertain children throughout the world."