Musician James Mercer, the founder and frontman of the indie rock band The Shins, will make his debut in children’s literature with an upcoming picture book titled Book of Dreams. The project will be published on March 2, 2027, by Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books.
The publication features illustrations by designer Jacob Escobedo, the senior vice president of creative for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. The book marks a new collaboration for the duo, who have previously worked together on album artwork and music visuals for both The Shins and Broken Bells.
Written in rhyming verse, the story explores the imaginative and emotional worlds children experience while sleeping, drawing inspiration from conversations Mercer shared with his daughters. Escobedo created the accompanying artwork using a combination of gouache and acrylic paints printed with a fluorescent pink ink.
The book release will be accompanied by an upcoming original lullaby composed and performed by Mercer. Additionally, the physical publication will include dream journal prompts in the backmatter to assist children in reflecting on their dreams, and an audiobook version narrated by Mercer will be released by Listening Library.
The book project arrives as The Shins celebrate their 30th anniversary with a limited-edition vinyl release available through their official online store. The band is also scheduled to travel across the United States this autumn as part of a joint concert tour with the rock band Weezer.
Click here to preorder.
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