HarperCollins Signs Book Contract with Billy Crystal

Posted on October 10, 2003

HarperCollins Children's Books announced that it has acquired North American rights to publish two children's books by actor, director and Academy Award host Billy Crystal. The deal was negotiated by Kate Morgan Jackson, HarperCollins Children's Books Editor-in-Chief and Byron Preiss Visual Publications, Inc., who is producing the books in collaboration with HarperCollins. Billy Crystal is represented by MBST Entertainment.

"My granddaughter's birth has made me want to create things that she will love," said Crystal. "It's a great challenge and pleasure to write something that children and their parents can enjoy together."

Crystal will draw upon his personal experiences in creating the books. I Already Know I Love You, to be published in April 2004, is a touching book inspired by the recent birth of his first grandchild, Ella. This wonderful tribute to grandparents and grandchildren everywhere is illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles. A second picture book is scheduled to follow.

"Billy Crystal is one of our country's most preeminent storytellers, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to be his children's book publisher," said HarperCollins Children's Books President and Publisher Susan Katz.

An Emmy Award winning comedian, director, actor and author, Crystal has charmed children and grownups alike as the voice of Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc. and starred in the movies Analyze That, When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers. Crystal is the father of two grown daughters, Jennifer and Lindsay, and lives with his wife Janice in California and New York.

HarperCollins Children's Books is one of the leading publishers of children's books. Byron Preiss Visual Publications, Inc. previously collaborated with HarperCollins on the critically acclaimed children's books Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton and Rock Steady by Grammy Award Winner Sting.