Nick Cannon's illustrated book of poetry is set for March publication

NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Scholastic says it will publish an illustrated poetry book for children by entertainer Nick Cannon in March.

Intended for readers ages seven and up, Neon Aliens Ate My Homework and Other Poems will include "funny, silly, gross, heartwarming, as well as serious poems," in addition to illustrations by Cannon and various renowned street artists, the publisher said.

"Writing is at the center of everything I do as an artist. Doing creative writing -- especially writing poetry -- is when I felt the calmest and freest," Cannon said in a statement Tuesday.

"As a kid, it was my escape from the inner-city pitfalls. The first important writer in my life was Shel Silverstein -- he made me fall in love with writing and seeing his whimsical sketches got me interested in art. When I was eight years old, I got a spiral notebook and wrote my first poem/rap. I filled that notebook with poems, rhymes, jokes, and witty stories. I still keep one to this day. I hope that poems in Neon Aliens will help inspire kids to want to get out a pen and paper to write or draw their own thoughts, rhymes, and stories."

Scholastic also will publish Cannon's previously announced book Roc and Roe's Twelve Days of Christmas in November. The holiday book is about Moroccan and Monroe, Cannon's 3-year-old twins with his estranged wife, Mariah Carey. Twelve Days of Christmas is illustrated by AG Ford.

Cannon is an actor, recording artist and host of TV's America's Got Talent.