In the enchanting world of children’s literature, where imagination knows no bounds, a remarkable trend has emerged, blurring the lines between Hollywood glitz and the cozy corners of a child’s bedroom.
Celebrities, renowned for their talents on the silver screen, in the music industry, or on the sports field, have embarked on a journey far removed from the spotlight, choosing instead to wield the power of words as they pen their own tales for young readers.
Uncover the magic, the inspiration, and the heartwarming stories that have emerged from the pens of some of the world’s most beloved celebrities with WHO’s compilation of the best celebrity children’s books.
Matthew McConaughey
BOOK: Just Because
After a very successful foray into writing with his number one New York Times bestselling memoir, Greenlights, the actor, 53, has taken a stab at penning a children’s book. “I didn’t make plans to write a children’s book so much as the idea of Just Because came to me one night at 2am as a ditty in a dream,” McConaughey told People magazine of the picture book, which he believes “will resonate with children of all ages ‘just because’ it speaks to the kid in all of us”.
Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon
BOOK: Con Pollo
While the talk show host is no novice when it comes to writing children’s books – this is his seventh! – he has admitted that this bilingual book about a playful little chicken was just a chance for him to work with pal Jennifer Lopez, 54. “[I was] thinking of every idea I could think of like, ‘Would she ever do a song with me? Do I do a cameo in her movies?’” Fallon, 49, joked. “She’s a great mum. She loves her kids. And I [had] just written a couple of children’s books. So I’m like, ‘Maybe that’s a good book idea.’”
Andy Lee
BOOK: Pretty Please Do Not Open This Book
The radio and TV host-turned-podcasters Do Not Open This Book series was an accident. The first book was only ever meant to have one copy, written as a surprise for his nephew’s first birthday. Lee’s mate then asked if they could print more and he replied, “No. DO NOT print this book.” The rest, as they say, is history, with the award-winning children’s author, 42, just releasing the ninth addition to the series.
Natalie Portman
BOOK: Natalie Portman’s Fables
The actress, 42, tweaked three classic children’s stories – The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs and Country Mouse and City Mouse – in order to make them more gender-inclusive. “When I was reading the books, I was struck by how the classic stories had overwhelmingly male characters and thinking, ‘What am I telling my kids – both my son and my daughter – about whose stories are important to tell and also whose lives they should care about?’” she explained.
Channing Tatum
BOOK: The One and Only Sparkella
While many might know the actor from his prowess on a podium in the Magic Mike movies, Tatum’s latest venture is more PG-rated. The Sparkella books (he’s written two!) were inspired by his 10-year-old daughter, Everly, who he shares with ex-wife Jenna Dewan. “I don’t think I really expected little moments I put in the book, that were just me and Evie’s moments, to be so resonant,” he has said.
Chloe Dalton
BOOK: The A-Z of Who I Could Be
The former Olympian and AFLW player is showcasing amazing female and non-binary Aussie athletes in her new tome. “Not many things have brought me as much joy as seeing this project come to life,” the 30-year-old shared. “To think that kids across the country can have the chance to sit down and learn the names, stories and achievements of these 26 insanely talented athletes is mind-blowing.”
Turia Pitt
BOOK: Koko and the Coconut
Most kid’s books set out to entertain, but the inspiration for Pitt’s runs deeper. “I’m Tahitian so we wanted to celebrate our Polynesian heritage,” the 36-year-old said of the book she wrote with mum, Célestine Vaite, 57. “Koko is a coconut crab who wants to get a coconut and along the way he needs to use his persistence, determination and get through a tough time he’s facing.”
Meghan Markle
BOOK: The Bench
The Duchess of Sussex was inspired to put pen to paper when watching her husband, aka Prince Harry, bond with their son Archie, now 4. The poem was originally conceived to be placed on a plaque on a bench in their back garden as a Father’s Day gift, but Markle, 42, wanted to share it with the world. “Watching them from out of the window and watching [my husband] just, you know, rock him to sleep or carry him … those lived experiences, from my observation, are the things that I infused in this poem,” she has explained.
Isla Fisher
BOOK: Mazy the Movie Star
While the actress prefers to keep her personal life private, get Fisher talking about books and she’s … well, an open book! “I started writing again because I was pregnant and couldn’t work,” she has said of her career change. “So, I could either develop an obsession with gardening, get into Pilates or have a mid-life crisis. I considered all three and then decided to write.” She now has eight children’s books.
Jamie Oliver
BOOK: Billy and the Giant Adventure
While cookbooks might be a piece of cake for the celebrated chef, Oliver, 48, admits his children’s book took a little bit more effort. “When you’ve got dyslexia [like I do], it doesn’t take long for your kids to get better at reading,” he previously shared with WHO. “So they just used to say, ‘Daddy, Daddy, just read a story from your head.’ So this book pretty much came off the top of my head … but I’m very proud of it.”
Reese Witherspoon
BOOK: Busy Betty
Starting her very own book club in 2017, most would know reading is a beloved pastime of the actress. Last year, however, Witherspoon, 47, decided to try her hand at writing – with “Betty”, a silly, bright and busy young girl, based off her own experiences. “Instead of writing about the perfect little girl with the pink bows and tennis shoes, I wanted to write about that busybody who wears her brother’s hand-me-downs and is really creative,” she has said of the character, who recently returned in a sequel.
Alex Johnston
BOOK: A Footy Tail
Inspired by his team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, NRL star Alex Johnston, 28, writes of an underdog team of bunnies who are up against the stronger teams of animals. “The main intention of A Footy Tail is to show that if we welcome all people despite our differences, and work together, we can achieve great things,” he explains of the book, which is a wonderful story of unity, togetherness, resilience and teamwork. “To do this we may have to challenge old and outdated ideals to pioneer a better way forward as a society.”
Christian Wilkins
BOOK: Princess Mitchell
Taking inspiration from his own childhood, the son of entertainment journalist, Richard Wilkins, shares a sweet story of acceptance in his recently-released picture book about celebrating differences, overcoming adversity and embracing your identity. “If this story resonates with even just one child, I know its job is done,” the budding actor, 28, shared on Instagram.
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