The 23 best children's books written by celebs from Dolly Parton to Meghan Markle
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- Children's books help adults teach young readers important lessons.
- Many celebrities have written children's books that parents love.
- Here are some of the best children's books written by celebs like Dolly Parton and Meghan Markle.
Children's books are bright and colorful stories that help adults teach young readers everything from the alphabet to important lessons about self-love and respect. They can be funny or heartfelt, rhyming or nearly wordless, joyful or serious — but the best ones enthrall children and adults alike.
Many celebrities have written children's books, whether they're inspired by their own children or just offer a message they're passionate about. Though many children probably don't know who our favorite celebrities are, it's fun to find a read by an actor or athlete you love whose story you can share with a child in your life.
So whether you're looking for a funny read from a comedian or a beautiful story by a beloved singer, here are 23 of the best children's books written by celebrities to read in 2022:
The 23 best children's books written by celebrities:
"I'm Not Scared, You're Scared" by Seth Meyers, Illustrated by Rob Sayegh
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.49
Seth Meyers' newly published children's book is a funny story about the friendship between an easily scared bear and a brave rabbit. When Rabbit tries to help Bear face his fears on an adventure, their trip doesn't go as planned — and the two find that bravery and fear are both important.
"Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters" by Barack Obama, Illustrated by Loren Long
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.98
This short, 2010 children's picture book is a tender letter from former President Barack Obama to his daughters. "Of Thee I Sing" highlights 13 historical American heroes who shaped the nation and how their traits can be seen in the children of America today, inspiring young readers to pursue their greatest dreams.
"River Rose and the Magical Lullaby" by Kelly Clarkson, Illustrated by Laura Hughes
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.99
Written and titled after her own daughter, Kelly Clarkson's "River Rose and the Magical Lullaby" is about a magical lullaby sung by her mother that sends River Rose on an exciting dream adventure the night before a trip to the zoo. Kelly Clarkson also wrote another "River Rose" story, where she travels to the North Pole to tell Santa what she wants for Christmas.
"Welcome to the Party" by Gabrielle Union, Illustrated by Ashley Evans
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.27
Gabrielle Union's children's book, "Welcome to the Party" was inspired by her wait for the birth of her own daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade. This cute story is a letter from mothers to their babies and a celebration of all the wonderful moments of early parenthood that await a child's anticipated arrival.
"The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" by Julie Andrews Edwards
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.35
First published in 1974, "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" is about a creature called a Whangdoodle who created a safe and wonderful land for extraordinary animals like him. In this second children's book by Julie Andrews, Professor Savant and the three Potter children discover a secret way to reach the Whangdoodle and grant him his heart's deepest desire.
"Sulwe" by Lupita Nyong'o, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.58
Sulwe is a young girl with skin darker than any of her family and friends and wishes she could be bright and beautiful like her mother and sister. "Sulwe" is a #1 New York Times bestselling book by award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, who wrote the story to inspire young children to love themselves no matter the color of their skin.
"Tomatoes for Neela" by Padma Lakshmi, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99
This adorable multi-generational children's story is about the food that brings family together, no matter how far apart we may be. Neela and her amma go to the market, cook together, and write down recipes in her notebook, all of which make her feel closer to her paati, who lives in India.
"The One and Only Sparkella" by Channing Tatum, Illustrated by Kim Barnes
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.49
Ella loves all things that sparkle but when her classmates make her feel bad about her bright choices, she decides to be less sparkly so other kids won't make fun of her. In this children's book from Channing Tatum, Ella's dad helps her learn how to be herself, no matter what others may think.
"The Bench" by Meghan Markle, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.47
Meghan Markle published her first children's book in 2021 — a poem from a mother to the father of her child. In "The Bench," Markle's poem explores the diversity of relationships, love, and heartfelt moments between a father and son.
"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton, Illustrated by Brooke Boynton Hughes
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.24
First published in 1994, Dolly Parton's poetic children's book is inspired by her song of the same name. In this story, a young girl's mother sews her a patchwork coat out of rags because they don't have enough money to buy a new one. Though the girl loves her coat, the children at school make fun of it and soon learn a lesson about what's truly important.
"Dream Big, Little Pig!" by Kristi Yamaguchi, Illustrated by Tim Bowers
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.35
Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi published this inspirational children's book in 2011 to help young girls follow their dreams, no matter how big. The story follows a pig named Poppy who wants to be an ice-skating star but quickly learns it's not as easy as she thought.
"A Bear to Share" by Jessica Alba, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, and Norah Weinstein, Illustrated by Alicia Mas
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.10
Written by Baby2Baby's co-CEOs and ambassador, Jessica Alba, "A Bear to Share" is a story about Tiana and her well-loved teddy bear. As Tiana learns her friend doesn't have a teddy bear, she learns the importance of sharing, letting go, and giving back.
"I Promise" by LeBron James, Illustrated by Nina Mata
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.98
Inspired by his foundation's I Promise program, LeBron James' picture book is about promises children can make to themselves today that will lead to success tomorrow. With vibrant illustrations, this book asks children to stay in school, be respectful, and try their best.
"Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha" by Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter, Illustrated by Nivea Ortiz
Available at Amazon, from $19.79
Sebi loves the clothing, music, and especially the dancing of El Carnaval Latino, but her mother says she's too young to take dance lessons. Written by actors Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter, this story follows Sebi and her friend as they find themselves on an enchanting adventure where they learn exciting Latin dances.
"Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA" by Jimmy Fallon, Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $5.00
This hilarious children's book was written by Jimmy Fallon, who hoped his child's first word would be "Dada." This simple story is for the youngest readers (but really their parents) about the secret campaign fathers launch to get their children to say "dada" first.
"I Am Perfectly Designed" by Karamo Brown and Jason "Rachel" Brown, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.25
Co-authored by "Queer Eye" star Karamo Brown and his son, "I Am Perfectly Designed" is the story about a father and a son who take a walk through the city and discover the ways each person is perfectly designed and deserve love and acceptance as they are. With bright illustrations and authentic narration, this children's book is a beloved message for children to be their truest selves.
"The World Needs More Purple People"by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.85
In this children's book by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, purple people are everyday superheroes who bring people together. Young readers follow Penny Purple as she leads them through the steps to become a purple person by asking questions, being silly, and speaking up.
"Out of the Ballpark" by Alex Rodriguez, Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $7.99
Alex Rodriguez's children's book is a story about his own childhood experiences of loving baseball and finding the determination to get better every day. The story follows a young Alex who loves baseball but isn't great at the sport. He practices early every day and doesn't let his mistakes keep him from his dream.
"Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day" by Jamie Lee Curtis, Illustrated by Laura Cornell
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.89
Jamie Lee Curtis has written many children's books but her most popular is "Today I Feel Silly," which aims to help children understand the many emotions they may experience in a day. This story follows a little girl who is sometimes happy, sad, or angry, and uses examples and fun images to explain how and why our moods change.
"The Book With No Pictures" by B.J. Novak
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.74
"The Book With No Pictures" is the only book on this list without illustrations, but that's what makes it fun. "The Office" actor B.J. Novak's children's book only has one rule: The reader has to say every word out loud, even if it's "Blork" or "Glibbity Globbity," making it an entertainingly goofy read to share with kids.
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.88
This picture book is a story of self-empowerment from "Empire" star and activist Grace Byers. With a simple story and gorgeous artwork, this read uses affirmations to teach children respect for themselves and others, no matter what they may experience in the world.
"We Are the Gardeners" by Joanna Gaines, Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $11.84
This adorable and funny children's book chronicles the Gaines' family exploration into gardening after Chip buys them a young fern. With mistakes, lessons, and triumphs, the family learns how to care for plants and have fun in the process.
"You Are My Happy" by Hoda Kotb, Illustrated by Suzie Mason
Available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.27
Inspired by Hoda Kotb's nighttime routine with her own daughter, "You Are My Happy" is the story of a mama bear and her cub, who reflect on what makes them happy each night before they go to sleep. This story is a soothing lullaby to teach children about gratitude and the importance of finding the positive moments in each day.
Katherine Fiorillo Katherine Fiorillo is a freelance content writer specializing in books, lifestyle, and e-commerce.Katherine has a B.A. in Journalism from Marist College and previously wrote for BuzzFeed's Shopping and Products beat. She is an Army veteran, an avid reader, and designs book-themed stickers for her Etsy shop.Say hi to Katherine at katherinemfiorillo@gmail.com. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnnJqus7rIp55ompWowW6vx6KjnaqVo8Burs6ooqxlkq56pLHLnpmroaSesrQ%3D