The program will launch in early 2022 and capture the spunky spirit of rising star Lay Lay’s growing brand with a memoir, guided journal, and original chapter books
Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media company, announced a publishing deal with Nickelodeon to publish books about teen hip-hop sensation Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High. Under the terms of the deal, Scholastic has secured US and Canadian rights to the property across all storybook formats, including activity books, novelty books, journals, and more. The program will launch with a full-color photographic memoir, That Girl Lay Lay: It’s Time to #Slay, on January 4, 2022. The books will expand Lay Lay’s overall deal with Nickelodeon, which includes a comedy television series that launched September 23, 2021, and an exclusive line of consumer products spanning categories such as clothing, accessories, toys and more.
“Working with Nickelodeon has been filled with blessings,” said Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High. “Not only do I have my own comedy series with my name attached but now I have a series of books I am releasing through Nickelodeon and Scholastic that I couldn’t be more proud of. These books will allow me to tell my stories and help other kids realize their dreams!”
“Scholastic is the perfect partner to bring such amazing talent like Lay Lay to her fans in the form of a memoir,” said Lourdes Arocho, Vice President, Licensing, ViacomCBS. “This book provides a window into who Lay Lay is beyond her social media platforms. Her story is that of a young visionary changing the industry and definition of what it means to be a multi-talented artist and role model for this upcoming generation.”
The first title in the new Lay Lay publishing program, That Girl Lay Lay: It’s Time to #Slay, will include exclusive content and full-color photos of Lay Lay on every page in a scrapbook-style format. The memoir will share the hip-hop star’s journey with readers ages 7 to 10, from going viral after rapping in her dad’s car to becoming a bona fide superstar. Bust Your Own Rhymes, a guided journal to teach kids how to be confident, learn to slay, and write their own raps and rhymes, will release in February 2022, followed by the first book in an original chapter book series in May 2022. The illustrated chapter books will star Lay Lay and her music group as they come up with new routines, perform for their fans, and have epic music-filled adventures.
“That Girl Lay Lay is a force!” said Debra Dorfman, Vice President and Publisher, Global Licensing, Media and Brands for Scholastic. “We are truly excited to partner with her and Nickelodeon to showcase Lay Lay’s positive messages, confidence, passion for music, dance and everything glam. She has big dreams and we are thrilled to be a part of them.”
