Carrie Bradshaw`s a teen in new book

New York: Before she grew up and became a Manhattan icon, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town Connecticut girl who dreamed of becoming a writer, made interesting fashion choices and had a crush on a boy named Sebastian Kydd who always kept her guessing.

"The Carrie Diaries," which came out Tuesday, is a prequel to "Sex and the City," focusing on Carrie`s life as a 17-year-old. "Sebastian Kydd...I guess he`s the kid version of Mr. Big," author Candace Bushnell says with a laugh. Like the adult Carrie, the 17-year-old version has a variety of friends and witty observations. What the book doesn`t have, though, are the sexcapades found in "Sex and the City." "The Carrie Diaries" is more, well, young adult. "It really is about a 17-year-old ... and I certainly remember when I was 17. I didn`t have all the answers," says Bushnell. "I certainly didn`t know everything about sex." Readers will learn what brought Carrie to New York City where she meets Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. A sequel to the prequel is expected next year. Bushnell says she`s already writing it and acknowledges it will be more mature. "When I first moved to New York, it was eye-opening. ... She`ll be in situations with adults and, you know, like a lot of young people you`re terrified, you`re fascinated and kind of horrified." For those who can`t wait to know what`s in store for the adult Carrie, "Sex and the City 2" hits theaters next month. Bureau Report