Books is inspired by iconic “American Pie”

Award-winning singer/songwriter Don McLean’s iconic anthem “American Pie” has inspired a new children’s book about a young boy’s journey to uncover his passion for music.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of one of the top songs of the 20th Century, Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable weaves themes from the iconic song with experiences from McLean’s early life and, like the musical hit that inspired it, offers meaningful elements open to interpretation in a lushly illustrated tale.

“As ‘American Pie’ celebrates 50 years, I’m very happy to have a children’s book based on the premise of the song,” McLean says in a statement. “Everyone has a different interpretation of it. Releasing this fable brings another perspective to the lyrics, along with some backstory for when I wrote it. I hope every child gets to imagine in their own mind what ‘American Pie’ means to them and know that dreams can become reality.”

Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable is the story of a newspaper delivery boy in the late 1950s who discovers the joy of friendship and music, eventually learning that when you recognize what makes you happy, you are never truly alone.

The June 7th book release also serves as the launch of IPG Publishing and of a partnership between the Chicago-based publisher and Los Angeles-based media company Meteor 17.

“I’m especially proud that this timely fable is the first release in our partnership with IPG Publishing,” Proffer shares. “It echoes the spirit and sentiment of Don’s ‘American Pie’ and will leave the reader contemplating and feeling, just like the song that inspired it. After fifty years, the song maintains its relevance and the book will introduce its magic to a new generation.”

Released in 1971, “American Pie” was named one of the top five songs of the century by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America, and the original recording was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically or artistically significant.” The song is also the subject of an upcoming documentary.

McLean is currently on his 2022 American Pie 50th Anniversary Tour which was expanded to include 30 cities throughout the country.