NEW YORK —  Madonna's (search) third book for children, "Yakov and the Seven Thieves," (search) will be published June 21 by New York-based Callaway Arts & Entertainment.

Written for readers age 6 and up, Madonna describes the book as "a story about how all of us have the ability to unlock the gates of heaven — no matter how unworthy we think we are. For when we go against our selfish natures, we make miracles happen, in our lives and in the lives of others."

"Yakov and the Seven Thieves" is among five children's books planned by the singer, each set in a different time and place. Her fourth book, "The Adventures of Abdi," (search) will be published on Nov. 8.

The announcement was made Monday by Nicholas Callaway, publisher and chief executive officer of Callaway Arts & Entertainment. The book will be distributed in the United States by the Penguin Group (USA) Inc.