First-Time Children's Book Author, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, to Pen the Story of His Canine in Congress for Scholastic

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, announced today that it has signed a publishing deal with Senator Edward M. Kennedy to publish his first children's book. A 56-page picture book illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist David Small, My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C. is not only a charming pet story, but also engages children in understanding how government works. The book will be published in May 2006.

85 years ago, Scholastic was founded to help kids understand the world in which they live and to be aware of their rights and responsibilities in a democracy. Today, this is still at the core of the Company's mission, and Senator Kennedy's book is a fitting addition to Scholastic's publishing program.

"Kids love animal stories, and they will be captivated by the tale of Senator Kennedy's extraordinary Portuguese Water Dog, and his adventures in Congress!," said Lisa Holton, President Children's Books and Book Fairs, Scholastic. "The Senator's book gives readers a true behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a Senator through a dog's-eye view and will help kids learn about the work of our elected officials in a unique and fun way."

"I am very excited about the opportunity to create a book for young readers and their families that will deepen their understanding of how our American government works," said Senator Edward M. Kennedy. "Reading is a lifelong adventure, and I hope that this book will spark an interest in young people to learn more about their government and to explore the joy of books."

My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C. tells the story of Senator Kennedy and his dog, Champion Amigo's Seventh Wave (nicknamed "Splash" by his original owner) and a day in their life in the Senate. A Portuguese Water Dog, Splash is always at Senator Kennedy's side - in his office, at press conferences, in meetings at the Capitol and even right outside the Senate chamber. Told from Splash's point of view, this charming picture book not only takes readers through a full day in the Senator's life, but also explains how a bill becomes a law. My Senator and Me also includes biographies of Senator Kennedy and Splash.

Senator Kennedy's inspiration for My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C. came from his work with the Washington-based reading program Everybody Wins!. The program connects adults with elementary school students who work together to develop reading skills. Senator Kennedy has been part of this program for five years.

Senator Kennedy will donate his net proceeds from the book to charities including Read Boston, an organization that supports literacy in the Boston public schools.

David Small won the 2001 Caldecott Medal for his pictures for So, You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George. The illustrator of more than forty books, he collaborated with his wife Sarah Stewart on The Gardener (a Caldecott Honor Book), The Journey, and The Friend, among others. His editorial drawings appear regularly in publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, GQ, and The Washington Post.

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, http://www.scholastic.com/.