MUMBAI: The star of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond is extending his reach into other areas of media.

Raymie, Dickie, and the Bean: Why I Love and Hate My Brothers is scheduled for publication next year. It tells the funny and true story of why brothers can be gross, disgusting, and downright mean but still love each other. The book is based on Romano’s experiences growing up with his two brothers, Richard, a retired New York police sergeant, and Robert, a New York City school teacher. They are writing the book with him. The book will be illustrated by children’s book artist Glin Dibly.

In India, the sitcom airs on Star World. President and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Rick Richter added, "Everybody does love Ray Romano. Romano’s book is a funny, loving, and real look at what it’s like to be a big brother (and a little brother). Anyone with a sibling will love this book."

Ray Romano said, "When my brothers and I were not fighting with each other, we had a lot of fun growing up. Now it is great as adults to collaborate with them on this book and fight with each other once again."

Romano further admits that he always knew he could make his friends laugh. However he never really gave standup comedy any serious thought until an open-mike night at a New York comedy club in l984. He did well, the bug bit hard, and Romano was smitten. After several odd jobs, including futon mattress delivery boy, he decided to pursue comedy full time.

An official release informs that Romano’s regular appearances at comedy clubs throughout the US led to guest spots on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson then with Jay Leno, and finally on CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman. Letterman recognised his talent and offered him a development deal with his production company Worldwide Pants. From that association Everybody Loves Raymond was born.