New Children's Book Celebrates the Life of Joey Ramone

Explore the inspiring story of Joey Ramone in the new children's book, reflecting on acceptance and individuality.

Joey Ramone: A New Children’s Book

Joey Ramone is set to become the star of an upcoming children’s book that aims to inspire young readers. The 51-page picture book, titled Gabba Gabba We Accept You: The Wondrous Tale Of Joey Ramone, narrates the touching story of the iconic Ramones frontman, who sadly passed away in 2001 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Story of a Misfit

The book tells the tale of a misfit kid who grew up to become a punk rock hero. According to the synopsis, it explores the challenges Jeffrey Ross Hyman—better known as Joey Ramone—faced while growing up. Through this narrative, the book imparts valuable lessons to youngsters navigating the complexities of growing up with themes centered around being true to oneself and embracing one's uniqueness.

“Out 6/27, Gabba Gabba We Accept You is a children’s picture book by Jay Ruttenberg and Lucinda Schreiber that tells the story of a misfit kid who became a punk rock hero – that is, Joey Ramone – to affirm everyone has a place in the world.”

The Authors’ Vision

Jay Ruttenberg and Lucinda Schreiber have crafted this story using simple yet impactful language, combined with lyrical graphic design and vibrant illustrations. Their collaborative effort finds unexpected depths on each page, making the book not only engaging but also educational.

This book is scheduled for release on June 27 via Drag City Records, and it is available for pre-order through various retailers.

Lessons from Punk

In an interview, Ruttenberg shared his inspiration for the book, mentioning that he often reads children’s literature with his daughter. He noted, “I think I’ve read her 97 books about Abraham Lincoln and 12,984 about Ruth Bader Ginsburg." However, he realized that many life lessons come from punk culture. He emphasized, “The importance of being your own person, following your own radar instead of a group’s, embracing uniqueness, etc.”

Upcoming Documentary

In related news, Joey Ramone's life is also set to be featured in a Netflix documentary titled I Slept With Joey Ramone, starring Pete Davidson. However, the project has faced legal challenges, particularly with Johnny Ramone’s estate suing Joey Ramone’s brother, Mickey Leigh. Leigh is accused of “covertly developing an unapproved and unauthorized Ramones-based biopic” based on a one-sided history of the band.

Leigh has counter-sued Johnny Ramone’s widow, Linda Cummings-Ramone, calling her attempts to halt the biopic “baseless and flimsy.” The ongoing legal battles highlight the complexities surrounding the Ramones' legacy.

Tribute to the Ramones

Elsewhere, there are exciting developments in the world of music as Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and the band Napalm Death have teamed up to cover Ramones tracks. This collaboration is expected to feature on Magnetic Eye Records’ upcoming tribute albums, ‘Ramones Redux’ and ‘Best Of Ramones Redux’, scheduled for release in early June. The ‘Ramones Redux’ album will include renditions of the band’s entire self-titled 1976 classic, while the ‘Best Of Ramones Redux’ will showcase a collection of their greatest hits.

FAQs

• What is the release date for the book? The book is set to be released on June 27.
• Who are the authors of the book? The book is authored by Jay Ruttenberg and Lucinda Schreiber.
• What themes does the book explore? It explores themes of individuality, acceptance, and being true to oneself.
• Is the book available for pre-order? Yes, it can be pre-ordered from various retailers.
• What is the title of the upcoming documentary about Joey Ramone? The documentary is titled I Slept With Joey Ramone.

If you're a fan of Joey Ramone, don't miss out on the chance to shop for your favorite album cover poster at our store: Architeg Prints.