Singer/songwriter Billy Joel [ tickets ] has signed a publishing contract with Scholastic to create two new children's books, the publishing house announced on Tuesday (5/18).

The first book, "Goodnight My Angel: A Lullabye," is a picture book based upon a similarly titled song that first appeared on Joel's "River of Dreams" album and was written for Joel's daughter. It will be published in September.

The book features paintings by artist Yvonne Gilbert that "illustrate the relationship between a father and daughter and the profound ways that small moments--like tucking a child into bed--affirm parents' devotion to their children," according to a press release.

The second book will be based on the Joel song "New York State of Mind," and is tentatively scheduled for release in the fall of 2005.