Pharrell Williams to write children's book based on hit single 'Happy'

The singer has signed a deal to publish four children's picture books

Top hat: Pharrell Williams (AP)

He has his own record label, his own clothing line and has written the soundtrack to dozens of films – but Pharrell Williams still has his sights set on other ventures.

The singer-songwriter is to write four children’s picture books in an agreement with publishers Putnam Books for Young Readers.

The first book will be inspired by his hit song “Happy” and will feature photographs of children from around the world “celebrating what it means to be happy”.

The book, which is due to be published on 22 September, will have a first printing run of 250,000 copies.

The children's publishing deal comes after Pharrell drew criticism for his 2013 single "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke and TI.

The single's lyrics and video were accused of "reinforcing rape myths" by rape charities.

"Happy" became one of the best-selling singles of all time after selling more than 12 million copies world wide following its release in July 2014. The song was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song last year.

Pharrell has also written songs for Madagascar 3, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and the forthcoming SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out of Water.

The singer and producer follows in the footsteps of a number of musicians who have ventured into children’s literature.

Madonna, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and Courtney Love have all tried their hand at writing children’s picture books.