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.

“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.

Related Articles

Harvard Library removes human skin from binding of French book

Review: ‘How to Solve Your Own Murder’: great title, OK novel

Book review: A Diana Spencer impersonator gets in a casino full of trouble in ‘Princess of Las Vegas’

Review: ‘The Tiger’s Wife’ author Téa Obreht is back with ‘magical’ ‘The Morningside’

Percival Everett’s new novel reworks Mark Twain. But ‘James’ has a different mission