Geri Halliwell becomes children's author

Geri Halliwell is to follow in Madonna's footsteps by becoming a children's author.

The former Spice Girl, who announced that she was quitting the pop world last year, has been signed up by Macmillan Children's Books.

Halliwell branded the heroine of her books, nine-year-old Ugenia Lavender, "the rebirth of Girl Power".

The flame-haired former pop star cites Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and Enid Blyton as her literary influences. The Ugenia Lavender books will include characters like an intimidating princess called Posh Vatoria and a fiery chef known as Uncle Gordon.

Halliwell said: "One of the greatest gifts in life is actually to love what you do. For me, writing Ugenia Lavender is one of them. When I write these stories about Ugenia I feel like I'm going on an adventure.

"I hope Ugenia encourages girls and boys to read. But I wouldn't even dream about being the next JK Rowling."

The first Ugenia Lavender book is expected to be published in May 2008.