When actors, singers, and sports icons are not busy hitting the Billboard charts, winning Golden Globes, or immersed in spring training, they can often be found writing children’s books. Dozens of celebrities including Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Queen Latifah, and many others have penned stories specifically for kids. These books are huge hits with kids and families, covering issues from politics and social justice to throwing the perfect curve ball and learning how to dance.
Even if your child already has a bookshelf full of celebrity books, there's always room for more. Below are 10 new children’s books written by celebrities:
“River Rose and the Magical Lullaby” by Kelly Clarkson
World-famous singing sensation and the original “American Idol” winner, Kelly Clarkson, wrote “River Rose and the Magical Lullaby” in honor of her own daughter, River Rose.
River Rose is headed to the zoo. She’s so excited, she can’t fall asleep the night before her big adventure. Mom comes to the rescue with a soothing song and loving reminder. The book includes a link to an original lullaby written and performed by Kelly herself.
“The Very Fairy Princess: Attitude of Gratitude” by Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews, best known for her performances in “The Sound of Music,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Princess Diaries,” is also a New York Times bestselling author with a plethora of children’s books under her belt.
Her most recent book, “The Very Fairy Princess: Attitude of Gratitude,” tells the story of Princess Gerry, who is excited to give thanks on Gratitude Day. When things take a turn for the worse, can Gerry prove that a fairy princess always has the right attitude of gratitude?
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Get “Happy” with this delightful book from singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams. His song, “Happy,” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 list and topped the charts in more than 75 countries worldwide. Williams turned the song into a beautiful picture book that celebrates the wonders of being a child and the differences that make us all unique.
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
It’s time to cut loose with singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins and his new children’s book, “Footloose.” When a zookeeper named Jack joins the animals for an all-night dance party, what rockin’ things will happen? Based on the blockbuster hit movie and song “Footloose,” kids will love dancing along with the boogey-woogiest chimp Louise, Mister DJ Elephant, the lemur Marie, Milo the wombat, and Luke, the funkiest cat in the zoo.
“Fair Ball” by Derek Jeter
Inspired by Derek Jeter’s own life, including his time in professional baseball, “Fair Ball” is a middle-grade story that focuses on the theme that the world isn’t always fair.
Derek is looking forward to a summer full of baseball and fun. But when his best friend starts acting strange and ignores him, he wonders if summer will be fun after all. The tension causes him to make some serious mistakes on the baseball field. Can he stay focused and get back into the game?
“Jake the Fake Keeps it Real” by Craig Robinson
Actor, comedian, and singer Craig Robinson, who played Darryl Philbin on “The Office,” has also been busy working on his first children’s book, “Jake the Fake Keeps it Real.”
Jake is struggling to discover his talent. He’s certainly no musician or artist and yet, somehow, he just faked his way into the Music and Art Academy for really talented kids. How long can he keep up the shenanigans?
Fans of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Big Nate” will love this side-splitting book.
“Always Watch Out for the Flying Potato Salad” by Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler charmed audiences as Fonzie in “Happy Days.” Today, he’s a beloved children’s author.
“Always Watch Out for the Flying Potato Salad” is the ninth book in his “Here’s Hank” series. This time, young Hank joins his mother for Take Your Child to Work Day, and he soon realizes that working in a deli is not all fun and games (and delicious meats). His one big screw-up of the day leads to an unsatisfied customer – his rival, Nick McKelty. Will he redeem himself or go home smelling like cheese?
“She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World” by Chelsea Clinton
Mini-activists will be inspired by Chelsea Clinton’s new book, “She Persisted.” Featuring 13 inspirational women who never took no for an answer and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted, Clinton introduces children to history, tenacity, and the will of the human spirit.
“Marge in Charge” by Isla Fisher
Actress and comedian Isla Fisher’s hilarious debut book, “Marge in Charge,” introduces kids to siblings Jemima and Jake Button, who are having a tough time figuring out their new babysitter, Marge. She looks like the grandmother next door when she first arrives, but after the kids' parents leave, a wild adventure begins. Can they have fun and finish their chores by the time their parents come home? With Marge in the house, things have been turned upside down!
“Freckleface Strawberry: Monster Time” by Julianne Moore
Academy Award–winning actress Julianne Moore opens a world of reading with her “Freckleface Strawberry” series and her newest book “Monster Time.” Freckleface Strawberry can’t wait to play "monster" at recess. Her friends have other ideas, helping Freckleface learn about cooperation and compromise.
What book would you add to this list? Share in the comments!
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