Cover illustration by Daniel Nayeri

Stories for Ways and Means is a new book that features original “grown up” children’s story collaborations by some of this era’s most compelling storytellers from the worlds of music and contemporary art. It’s being published by the long-running indie record label Waxploitation run by entrepreneur and photojournalist Jeff Antebi. The Stories for Ways and Means project lends support to several non-governmental organizations and nonprofit groups aiding children’s literacy causes around the world including Room to Read, Pencils of Promise, 826 National and many more.

Some of the featured musicians contributing to the project include Frank Black, Laura Marling, Del the Funky Homosapien, Gibby Haynes, Alec Empire, Kathleen Hanna, Devendra Banhart, Nick Cave, Alison Mosshart, Satomi Matsuzaki of Deerhoof, Will Oldham, Gary Numan and ska great, guitarist Ernest Ranglin.

You can order the Stories for Ways and Means book at SFWAM.org
 

“The Lonely Giant,” narrated by Andre Royo (The Wire), written by Nick Cave, illustrated by Anthony Lister.
 

“Circus” is based on a short story by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. It was illustrated by painter Joe Coleman and narrated by the voiceover legend Ken Nordine.
 

“Death to Boys,” written by Will Oldham, narrated by Vivian Bang, illustrated by Swoon.
 

“La Bañerita,” written by Devendra Banhart, narrated by Lizzo, illustrated by Daniel Muñoz “SAN”.
 

“The Very Tall Tree,” written and narrated by Gary Numan, illustrated by Cinta Vidal.
 

“The Old Oak Tree,” written by Laura Marling, narrated by Lauren Lapkus, illustrated by Maria Rivans.
 

“A Boy Named Tim,” written and narrated by Elliphant, illustrated by Carlín Díaz.
 

“Merle is a Fat Orange Cat” written by Sera Cahoone, illustrated by David Bray