The first children’s book inspired by the music of southern jam band Widespread Panic will be published this fall.
Written by teacher and author Pete Mason, The Widespread Alphabet is a must for Widespread Panic fans of any age (full disclosure: Pete Mason is Publisher of NYS Music). Children will be able to learn the alphabet with drawings illustrated by Pittsburgh artist Mark Serlo. Drawings on each page will evoke a Widespread Panic connection along with easy to read text.
“The lyrics of Widespread Panic lend themselves to incredible imagery thanks to the storytelling nature of many of the band’s songs,” said Mason. “Mark Serlo captures the spirit of each song vividly, and working with him on this book was a fantastic collaboration that has produced a book I hope Widespread Panic fans will enjoy for years to come.”
Fans will catch various nods to the bandthrough the songs referenced on each page. The book will also include tributes to Georgia, notable fans and characters from the songs of Widespread Panic.
Origins of The Widespread Alphabet
Mason began working on The Widespread Alphabet in 2020 after publishing his fourth children’s book Counting Down the Number Line. Serlo signed on as illustrator in 2025. He has previously designed posters and merchandise for The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic, Phil Lesh and Friends and more. Serlo described adjusting from his poster art style to a more approachable artwork for children.
“In teaching children to paint in my studio each Saturday morning, I’ve found that being loose and not adhering to strict rules appeals to them more, while I do teach some strict rules of drawing, still allowing them some loose colorful sloppy time to increase their imagination. We are appealing to parents with kids that are even younger as a rule with an alphabet book, projecting a mantra of ‘stay loose and allow imagination to fill in the rest,'” said Serlo.
The Widespread Alphabet will mark Mason’s fifth children’s book. Additionally, he promotes artists through PhanArt shows and serves on the board of directors for The Mockingbird Foundation.
“My love of Widespread Panic’s music and the band’s place in my life led me to creating a book I am truly proud of and grateful for the work that has been put in over the past year by Mark to bring these pages to life,” Mason said. “Together, we hope this book will be a must have item on every bookshelf for Widespread Panic fans of all ages, and bring the joy-filled music of the band to the children as they learn the ABCs.”
Learn more and get a copy of The Widespread Alphabet via Kickstarter.
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