If you've ever had to stop whatever you were doing, turn the radio up, and just 'listen' to a song, you will understand the excitement that I am feeling right now.

The classic song American Pie turns 50 years old this year, and to commemorate that milestone, a new children's book is born.  American Pie: A Fable is the story of a newspaper delivery boy in the late 1950's who discovers the joy of friendship, and music.

"American Pie" is authored by Grammy Hall of Fame inductee Don McLean with Judith A. Proffer.  It is set for release in September of this year and will contain 40 illustrations by Yoko Matsuoka.  The book will retail for $19.95, and can be per-ordered wherever books are sold.

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“I am really excited to see the reaction from people about this book,” says Don McLean. “We have all read many children’s books to our kids and I am hoping this one stands up to the greatness of others we have put our kids to sleep with.”

The song was released in 1971, and was named one of the top five songs of the century by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America.

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Don McLean is a Grammy Award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, and a BC Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. McLean is one of the most respected songwriters in American History, scoring mega hits with songs including "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), "Castles in the Air". This year marks the 50th Anniversary for "American Pie".

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KEEP READING: Here are the most popular baby names in every state

Using March 2019 data from the Social Security Administration, Stacker compiled a list of the most popular names in each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., according to their 2018 SSA rankings. The top five boy names and top five girl names are listed for each state, as well as the number of babies born in 2018 with that name. Historically common names like Michael only made the top five in three states, while the less common name Harper ranks in the top five for 22 states.

Curious what names are trending in your home state? Keep reading to see if your name made the top five -- or to find inspiration for naming your baby.

 

 

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