Bruce Springsteen picture book for S&S

Simon & Schuster is to publish an adult picture book by Bruce Springsteen, based on his song "Outlaw Pete".

The book is illustrated by Frank Caruso and tells the story a bank-robbing baby whose exploits become “a meditation on sin, fate and free will.”

S&S US acquired world rights to the title following a “renaissance” of adult picture books recently. Wider press reports that the book is a children’s title are misplaced, the publisher said. The title will published globally on 4th November, with pricing to be confirmed.

Simon & Schuster also published the work which inspired "Outlaw Pete" – a book called Brave Cowboy Bill, dating from 1950, which Springsteen’s mother read to him as a child.

“Outlaw Pete is essentially the story of a man trying to outlive and outrun his sins,” Springsteen said. Frank Caruso, a cartoonist and writer, said: "When Bruce wrote ‘Outlaw Pete’ he didn't just write a great song, he created a great character. The first time I heard the song this book played out in my head. Like Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Dorothy Gale and for me, even Popeye, Outlaw Pete cuts deep into the folklore of our country and weaves its way into the fabric of great American literary characters."

Published in the run up to Christmas, S&S UK and international c.e.o. Ian Chapman said the book would make “the ultimate gift” for legions of Springsteen’s fans around the world, calling the American singer “a brilliant musician and a wonderful storyteller.” He added: “And Frank Caruso’s illustrations vibrantly capture the spirit of Springsteen’s work.”

The publisher said picture books for adults have undergone “a renaissance of late,” citing the success of similarly irreverent hits such as Ann Droyd’s Goodnight iPad and Adam Mansbach’s Go the F--k To Sleep.