School show makes Madonna nervous

Madonna’s second book for children, Mr Peabody’s Apples – a story about the power of words and the importance of teachers – has gone on sale in the US.

“This book was inspired by a nearly 300-year-old story that was told to me by my Kabbalah teacher,” Madonna said. “When I began to write books for children, I decided to share the essence of this story in one of them. I hope I have done his story justice.”

She gave her first reading of her new book to children at a private day school in Montclair, New Jersey.

With about 40 pupils seated at her feet on the stage and more than 300 in the auditorium, she told her listeners that it was her first reading before a live audience.

“I think it’s easier singing for a stadium full of people than this,” she said.

Madonna’s first book, the English Roses, published simultaneously around the world in September, is a best seller.