Having shelved the idea of writing a memoir, Mariah Carey is pulling a Madonna and planning to do children's books instead.

Carey originally planned to write a book focusing on her childhood and growing up biracial (see [article id="1479331"]"Mariah Carey Talking To Publishers About Autobiography"[/article]), but she took her memoir proposal off the market after discussing a deal with HarperCollins in the fall. Now she hopes to fictionalize her tale and tell it via a series of illustrated children's books, which would carry the title "Automatic Princess" -- the same name she uses for her fashion and accessories line. The book series would focus on a biracial orphan girl who goes on a journey of "self-discovery, navigating difficulties and misunderstandings, making the world a better place," a source close to the singer said.

There's no proposal for the children's book series in writing just yet, as the project is in the beginning stages.

Carey is also focusing on finishing her next album. She's currently collaborating with Kanye West, R. Kelly, Scott Storch, Swizz Beatz and James Poyser for the LP, according to her agent at Creative Artists Agency. The project is expected to be released on her own imprint, MonarC, via Island/ Def Jam later this year.

The singer is trying to schedule her next acting gig as well. She plans to join a London West End production of "The Sleeping Prince," a stage adaptation of the 1957 Marilyn Monroe film "The Prince and the Showgirl." Carey will play the part of the showgirl Mary, and might sing a song in that role.