Billy Crystal

New York, Aug. 22 (Reuters): Comedian and actor Billy Crystal, recently renowned as the voice of a cartoon monster extracting the screams of frightened boys and girls, will be trying his hand at two new children’s bedtime books.

HarperCollins Children’s Books said it bought the North American rights to the books by the Monsters, Inc. star, which will focus on the relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents.

The first book, titled I Already Know I Love You, is due to be published in April next year, HarperCollins said in a statement.

Crystal said the idea for the books was inspired by the birth of his first grandchild, Ella. He gained fame for movies such as When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers, besides being the voice of one-eyed creature Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc.