Dancer, actor and producer. Channing Tatum has just added children’s author to his resume. While we were all hunkering down to bake sourdough bread, or were busy playing the role of new plant parent, the Magic Mike star got down to penning his first book, ‘The One And Only Sparkella’ during quarantine.
Dedicated to his 7-year-old daughter Everly, whom he co-parents with former spouse Jenna Dewan, it’s centred around a little girl named Ella and her love for sparkly things. She gets teased at school for donning disco ball shoes, but her father teaches her lessons about expressing herself and loving herself. It’s set to land in stores in May 2021.
Channing Tatum isn’t the only celebrity who has authored children’s books. Below, check out the other famous faces who have written books for little ones.
In a picture book that takes the form of a poignant letter to his daughters Malia and Sasha, former President of the United States Barack Obama shares the stories of important people who shaped the history of the US. Famous names include Neil Armstrong, George Washington, Hellen Keller and Jackie Robinson, who brought pride to their country.
It doesn’t just teach children about the important historical figures, but also serves as an inspiration to learn and be the best versions of themselves.
If you’re throwing up your hands when it comes to getting the kids to clean up after themselves, we reckon Marie Kondo, Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’, could help.
The kids’ counterpart of her bestselling book, ‘Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship’ tells the story of two best friends, a messy squirrel called Kiki, and her neat owl friend, Jax, who learn to cherish each other through tidying. It’s co-written and beautifully illustrated by award-winning author and illustrator Salina Yoon.
We all know him as the face of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, but the actor and comedian has also gotten into the business of children’s content. His latest book, ‘5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas’, draws on two of his favourite things – his children and Christmas.
The picture book celebrates the magic and excitement that is amplified in the week leading up to Christmas Day, and is accompanied by vibrant illustrations by Rich Deas. It’s set to be released in October this year. It’s not his first children’s book, too. He’s also written three-time New York Times–bestselling children’s books ‘Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada’, ‘Everything Is Mama’ and ‘This Is Baby’.
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a tragic accident in early 2020, but his determination and dedication live on in his book series, which serve as an inspiration to young readers, and especially aspiring athletes.
The first of the series, ‘Wizenard Series Training Camp’, shares the tale of a terrible youth basketball team who turned things around with the help of their coach and a bit of magic.
The second, and Bryant’s last book, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’, follows the story of Reggie, a benchwarmer for the basketball team who dreams of making it big. Posthumously published in March 2020 and instantly making it to the bestseller’s list, it is co-authored by Wesley King, and is about working hard to achieve your dreams.
You’d hardly expect “The Queen of Pop’ to pen a children’s book, but she has done just that. ‘The English Roses’ (2003) was Madonna’s first book for kids, and became the biggest and fastest-selling book ever by a first-time children’s author. It delves into the story of Binah, a little girl who is initially disliked by her four friends. Jealous of her seemingly perfect life, they later come to realise that their treatment against Binah is wrong, and welcome her into their small group. It has since expanded into a 12-book series.
Madonna’s other books for kids include ‘Mr. Peabody’s Apples’, ‘Yakov and the Seven Thieves’, ‘The Adventures of Abdi’, and ‘Lotsa de Casha’.
Who else better to pen the journey of an aspiring figure skater than American former figure skater and 1992 Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi. In this book, Poppy is a young pig with big dreams. She discovers how it’s not as easy as it seems, but later achieves her dream of being a figure skating star with encouragement from her family, and after feeling the magic of gliding in her skates.
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