Rihanna is poised to take her music into the world of children’s movies. The Barbadian pop star has been cast as a voice actor in the animated film Home, and is due to drop a concept album based on the film this year, according to DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg.

“In addition to her starring role, Rihanna will record the score for the movie and release an original concept album with songs from the film,” Katzenberg said in a conference call on 25 February to announce the studio’s fourth-quarter and 2013 year-end results.

Rihanna is also reportedly due to perform new songs in the film, in which she voices the film’s protagonist, Gratuity ‘Tip’ Tucci. Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons is set to co-star, alongside Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin.

The film, directed by Antz’s Tim Johnson, is based on Adam Rex’s 2007 children’s book The True Meaning of Smekday, and was originally called Happy Smekday! The plot revolves around an alien invasion of Earth, and an unlikely bond that grows between Tucci and one of the extraterrestrials.

The project marks a return to form for the prolific singer, who released an album each year between 2009 and 2012. Her last acting role was in 2013, with a cameo in the comedy-disaster film This Is the End. Rihanna made her movie debut in director Peter Berg’s 2012 box-office flop, Battleship.