Madonna records book message

Madonna is adding novelist to her list of credentials

Pop star Madonna says she is hoping to "inspire" young people as she begins promoting her debut novel.

In a recorded message on the website of online bookseller Amazon, she speaks about her first book, out on 15 September.

"The English Roses is the first of five stories I have written," said the US singer.

"It deals with the subject of envy and jealousy and how these emotions cause so much unnecessary suffering in our lives."

The English Roses is set to be a worldwide publishing phenomenon as it goes on worldwide release, having been translated in to 42 languages.

The five books, which will feature works by different celebrated illustrators, are based on the moral teachings of the Jewish kaballah tradition.

Although Madonna is staying tight-lipped about the storyline of the English Roses, it has been described as a tale "about friendship, jealousy, sleepover parties, and fairy godmothers".

'Wish'

In her recorded message, she said: "I hope these children's books inspire kids of all ages, even grown-up ones."

She added that she "wished I had read about some of these subjects when I was little kid".

Madonna, 45, has two children, Lourdes, six, and Rocco, three.

She said she began writing for children after struggling to find any books that were not "vapid and vacant" to read to her children, or that actually taught any lessons.