Grisham to Write First-Ever Children's Book Series, the First of Which Will Be Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, to Publish May 25, 2010

John Grisham, #1 international bestselling author, will be writing his first-ever children's books series for Penguin Young Readers Group, it was announced today by Don Weisberg, President of Penguin Young Readers Group. The first two novels in the series will be edited by Julie Strauss-Gabel, Associate Publisher of Dutton Children's Books.

The two novels in this series will be aimed at readers ages 8-12, The first book in the series, Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, is scheduled for publication on May 25, 2010, and will follow the adventures of a 13-year-old, amateur attorney who unwittingly becomes involved in a high-profile murder trial.  The second book in the series, also featuring Theo, is due to be published in 2011.

David Shanks, CEO of Penguin Group (USA), said, "It's an honor to welcome John Grisham to Penguin Group (USA)'s family of award-winning, bestselling authors.  We are excited to be publishing him and we're proud to be unveiling his first children's series."

Don Weisberg commented, "We are looking forward to introducing John Grisham to a whole new generation of young readers. Theodore Boone delivers Grisham's trademark storytelling, perfectly spun for a younger audience. Kids are going to love it."

John Grisham is recognized as the world's most popular storyteller, with over 250 million books in print worldwide, which have been translated into 29 languages.