Lady Gaga and Grandmaster Melle Mel to perform on children's audio book

Grammy winners Lady Gaga and Grandmaster Melle Mel joined forces to perform on “The Portal in the Park,” the children’s audio book written by Cricket Casey. The new, multi-media musical fable follows Scott, an 11 year-old-boy in Manhattan , on his magical adventure of self-discovery fending of negative villains Angroid, Fearod and Graboid to find a happier and healthier life.

“The Portal in the Park” includes seven inspirational songs that promise to help children, ages 6 and up, read, rap and remember, and can be purchased today through World Wide Audio Books, Amazon.com, Audible.com, and at iTunes.com beginning Feb. 25, 2010.

”The Portal in the Park” encourages children to embrace physical activity and mental balance through music and imagination, with catchy songs like Fountain of Truth and World Family Tree performed by Lady Gaga and Grand Master Melle Mel. Promoting exercise, and self-discipline, “The Portal in the Park” suggests ways to deal with the onslaught of negative emotions that come with growing up.

Casey located everyone involved with “The Portal in the Park” on the streets, in the trains, and at the clubs and cafes of her native New York City . She met Grandmaster Melle Mel after she literally bumped into the rapper’s former girlfriend on the subway, which led to him adding his lyrical dexterity to the project. Casey then discovered Stefani Germanotta, the future Lady Gaga, performing at a small bar called the Bitter End Café. Even then, the singer knew she was destined for the spotlight, telling the author she “had a vision” and insisting to be credited as “Lady Gaga” on the book. Now a Grammy winner with numerous hits, Lady Gaga is a household name. She's performed with icon Elton John, signed a high profile business deal with Polaroid, and raised funds for Haitian relief on her world tour, “Monster Ball." But “The Portal in the Park” is the diva’s only venture into children’s stories thus far.

Casey, who holds a degree in Physical Therapy from NYU and Biopsychology from William Paterson University , is also developing an exercise video for kids to learn to stretch and strengthen core muscles and encourage good posture.

Digital audio book: $6.95 -Audible: http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&productID=BK_MORE_000001

CD audio book: $12.99 - Worldwide Audio Books: http://www.worldwideaudiobooks.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_audiobook_info&cPath=9&products_id=139

Book with CD: $19.95 - Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Portal-Park-Cricket-Casey/dp/0978648803/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266436189&sr=8-1