She’s writing in a material world

London — She’s famed for being the Material Girl, but Madonna’s next illustrated children’s book is about how wealth is overrated.

“Lotsa de Casha” will be released next summer, the singer’s publisher, Nicholas Callaway, said Wednesday.

“All the characters in the book will be animals, and Lotsa de Casha is an Italian greyhound who has all the money in the world but no happiness,” said Callaway. “He thinks only of himself.”

“Lotsa de Casha” will be the final installment in Madonna’s five-book children’s series for Callaway Editions.

She’s now promoting her fourth book, “The Adventures of Abdi.”

Madonna’s other books are “The English Roses,” “Mr. Peabody’s Apples” and “Yakov and the Seven Thieves.”

Arnold wows ’em in Japan

Tokyo — Arnold Schwarzenegger is an old pro at promoting stuff in Japan. He’s pitched beer, instant noodles, even “energy drinks.” Well, he’s back. And the Japanese are still eating him up.

Opening a four-day California trade and tourism blitz with a food fair at a glitzy hotel, California’s governor was the toast of Tokyo.

“I feel like Japan is my second home,” he told a packed ballroom Thursday, with two dozen TV cameras rolling.

The actor-turned-politician noted that he had visited Japan in the past to promote everything from the Special Olympics to bodybuilding — not to mention his more lucrative product endorsements.

“But today I’m here for the most important reason of all,” he said, to “promote, market and sell California.”

Above, Schwarzenegger displays a tray of fruits produced in his state during a food fair Thursday at a Tokyo hotel.

He was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi today and with representatives of the auto and electronics industries throughout the visit, which ends Saturday.

Carson gives to Cornhuskers

Lincoln, Neb. — Former “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson has given $5.3 million to the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The gift from Carson, an alumnus of the school, will support the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts’ Department of Theatre Arts.

The money also will help renovate and expand the 100-year-old Temple Building. Plans call for a new black box theater and film soundstage, among other things.

The gift from Carson, 79, was announced Wednesday. Throughout his career, Carson has maintained a strong relationship with the school.