Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis rock band the Hold Steady will release the illustrated children’s book “Stay Positive” on Oct. 1 via Akashic Books.

Based on the title track of the group’s 2008 album of the same name, the book is “a call to arms to stand strong and persevere during trying times … (and) follows the path of a humble armadillo who discovers along the way how music can pull together a disparate cast of characters,” according to a press release.

Brooklyn-by-way-of-Minneapolis rock band the Hold Steady will release a children’s book based on the song “Stay Positive” from their 2008 album of the same name. (Courtesy of Akashic Books)

“Stay Positive” was illustrated by Mexican cartoonist and comic book author David “El Dee” Espinosa.

Said lead singer Craig Finn: “‘Stay Positive’ has a line that says, ‘The kids at the shows will have kids of their own’ and it’s true. Each year more Hold Steady fans become parents or grandparents. So, I’m thrilled that we’re offering the children’s book version of ‘Stay Positive,’ which brings THS joy to the whole family.”

The book follows last year’s publication of “The Gospel of the Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels,” an oral history written by Michael Hann and the band.

Autographed copies of “Stay Positive,” and a package that includes a custom water bottle and stickers, are available for preorder at akashicbooks.com.

Hold Steady in concert

The Hold Steady’s summer tour plans include a July 20 stop at the Minnesota Yacht Club festival on a bill that also includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Offspring and locals Hippo Campus and Soul Asylum.

Tickets start at $135 and are available from minnesotayachtclubfestival.com.

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