Melissa de la Cruz to Pen Novel Based on Disney Channel Original Movie DESCENDANTS; Hits Shelves May 2015

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) today announced the acquisition of a new book based on the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie, "Descendants," featuring the teenage children of Disney's most infamous villains, to be written by best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz (THE WITCHES OF EAST END, BLUE BLOODS.) The book, ISLE OF THE LOST, will be a prequel to the story told in the forthcoming film that will premiere on Disney Channel in 2015.

Legend has it that long ago, the most infamous villains were imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, cut off from the rest of the world as a punishment for their misdeeds. In this dark and dreary place, the likes of Maleficent, Jafar, Cruella de Vil and the Evil Queen reside and evil reigns supreme. Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos are their descendants, the teenaged sons and daughters of the Isle's most villainous characters, and they are coming of age on the Isle of the Lost.

Disney Publishing Worldwide SVP and Group Publisher Jeanne Mosure joined forces with Disney Channel to conceive a prequel novel that would act as a lead-in to the movie. Mosure then appointed de la Cruz and her longtime editor, Hyperion Editorial Director Emily Meehan, to the project and tasked them with fleshing out the backstory for the book in association with the film's creative team.

Says de la Cruz, "I'm absolutely thrilled and honored to have been chosen for this fantastic project and to once again be working with Disney Publishing with whom I've had a long and wonderful relationship, and to be partnering with Disney Channel is beyond amazing. The opportunity to write and expand the story with these beloved characters is a dream come true for this Disney aficionado!" Adds Mosure, "It's a joy to be working synergistically with the brilliant team at Disney Channel who have helmed some of the highest rated films in cable TV history and have allowed us to bring our creative engine to the table to help enhance this delightful story featuring classic Disney heritage characters."

ISLE OF THE LOST: A Descendants Prequel will be published as a hardcover original and goes on sale May 5, 2015.

For more information on the Disney Channel Original Movie, "Descendants," visit: www.DisneyChannelMedianet.com.

About Melissa de la Cruz: Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times and Publishers Weekly best-selling author of many books for the middle grade, teen and adult market. "Witches of East End," starring Julia Ormond and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, returns for its second season on the Lifetime Network on July 6th. Her BLUE BLOODS series has sold millions of copies and is an international bestseller and now includes the adult spinoff, VAMPIRES OF MANHATTAN. Her latest novels include HEART OF DREAD: FROZEN, THE RING AND THE CROWN, and the reissue of THE ASHLEYS.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide: Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines with over 700 million products sold each year. DPW consists of an extensive worldwide licensing structure as well as vertically integrated publishing imprints, including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy, and Disney Libros in Spain. DPW publishes a range of children's magazines globally, as well as Disney kids magazines in the U.S. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, which includes Disney English learning centers in China and a worldwide retail-licensing program. DPW's digital products include bestselling eBook titles as well as original apps. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines, and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit www.disneypublishing.com.

ISLE OF THE LOST: A Descendants Prequel
by Melissa de la Cruz
On sale date: May 5, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4847-2097-4 • Price: $17.99
Hardcover

Pictured: Disney Channel's original movie DESCENDANTS stars Dove Cameron as Mal, BooBoo Stewart as Jay, Sofia Carson as Evie and Cameron Boyce as Carlos. Photo Credit: DISNEY CHANNEL/Bob D'Amico.