Celebrities live in a world where there are endless opportunities for their lifestyles and passions. While many dive into various businesses to expand their brand, others focus on the families they’ve created. Many celebrities with kids are inspired by parenthood and lean into marketing that new aspect of their lives, including writing children’s books.
Most of the celebrities on this list were motivated to write their own children’s books either because of their own childhoods or because of situations they go through with their own kids. The personal stories are every bit as inspiring as they are motivational.
Each children’s book has something to teach kids. Some are geared for older kids (like Max Greenfield’s I Don’t Want to Read This Book), while others focus on first reads for babies (like Jimmy Fallon’s Your Baby’s First Word Will be DADA.)
With two kids of my own, I’m always interested to see how celebrities lean into children’s books. Yes, they’re wealthy and famous, but from the looks of the messages in their children’s books, they go through the same ups, downs, and struggles as the rest of us.
Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA (Jimmy Fallon)
In 2015, Jimmy Fallon released his first children’s book, Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA. The host, actor, and comedian wrote the book hoping his own daughter’s first word would be “dada” (she ended up saying “Mama” first). The simple book shows animal dads trying to get their babies to say “dada,” but the babies respond with their own species’ sounds — moo, baa, oink, and so on — instead.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Although Fallon’s imagery and words are humorous, the book does encourage young readers to say “dada.” Because children learn through repetition, Fallon’s use of the word “dada” on every page helps kids understand and use the word themselves. It’s lighthearted, silly, and adorable.
Where You’ve Seen Jimmy Fallon: Fallon became known as a member of Saturday Night Live before diving into acting. He has been in Fever Pitch and Taxi, but is best known for his late-night television show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon now has a series of like-minded books. If you like Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA, you'll probably like Everything Is MAMA, This Is Baby, NANA Loves You More, and Papa Doesn't Do Anything! (But Love You).
Sulwe (Lupita Nyong’o)
Actress Lupita Nyong’o wrote the children’s book Sulwe in 2019. Meaning “Star” in Kenya’s Luo language, the story is about a young girl who wishes on a star after realizing she has the darkest skin in her family and at school. Wanting lighter skin, the young girl then goes on an adventure into the night sky, where she learns about the sisters Day and Night.
She soon realizes that both Day and Night have their own beauty and importance in the world, and that she, too, is worthy of love and admiration. The powerful story became a #1 New York Times bestseller.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Told beautifully, Sulwe teaches kids to love the skin they’re in, with subtle notes on colorism. Having self-worth and understanding (and appreciating) diversity are huge topics in Sulwe. The coming-of-age tale is something that young and old can relate to.
Where You’ve Seen Lupita Nyong’o: Nyong’o rose to fame after appearing in 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther, Us, and more.
The World Needs More Purple People (Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart)
In 2020, mother and actress Kristen Bell teamed up with her longtime friend Benjamin Hart to pen the children’s book The World Needs More Purple People, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman. The book is guided by a character named Penny Purple, who walks readers through the five steps to becoming a “purple person”: asking really good questions, laughing a lot (the hard-belly kind), using your voice to speak up for what you believe in, working hard, and being your authentic, “you-nique” self.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The World Needs More Purple People inspires children to find common ground with others regardless of their differences. Just as the color purple is made when red and blue come together, the book gently nods to bridging the political divide, reminding kids that curiosity, laughter, and authenticity are traits everyone can share.
Where You’ve Seen Kristen Bell: Mother of two and actress, Bell has been a part of Frozen, Nobody Wants This, and Veronica Mars.
Busy Betty (Reese Witherspoon)
Busy Betty is a series of books by actress Reese Witherspoon. The series follows a quirky little girl named Betty, who is always on the go. She’s creative, she’s spontaneous, and she’s always ready for an adventure — even if her big ideas tend to snowball into messy chaos that she and her best friend Mae have to turn around together.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Busy Betty inspires kids to be exactly who they are. Embracing their loud personalities and bright ideas is part of every little kid’s charm. There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork to bring Betty’s busy ideas to life, which reminds kids to always turn curiosity (and mistakes) into opportunities.
Where You’ve Seen Reese Witherspoon: Reese Witherspoon is a powerhouse in Hollywood who has starred in, produced, and directed incredible movies and shows. Legally Blonde, The Morning Show, Wild, and Big Little Lies are just a few of her more popular works.
Have fun with the Busy Betty series and read Busy Betty & the Circus Surprise and Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present.
The Adventures of Qai Qai (Serena Williams)
In 2022, legendary tennis player Serena Williams released her first children’s book, The Adventures of Qai Qai. Based on her real-life daughter’s toy doll, Qai Qai, the story follows a little girl who loves to dance but becomes nervous when practicing for her recital. Luckily, her doll, Qai Qai, takes her on a magical adventure that helps her become confident and comfortable in her skin. When it’s time for the big day, the little girl is prepared, thanks to the love of a toy.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The Adventures of Qai Qai does a great job exploring a range of emotions, such as stage fright and fantasy. These real-life emotions are relatable to readers, especially when she manages anxiety to recenter her nervous system. The Adventures of Qai Qai teaches confidence, imagination, and reinforces the power of friendship.
Where You’ve Seen Serena Williams: Known as one of the “greatest tennis players of all time,” Serena has won 23 Grand Slam titles, four Olympic gold medals, and was ranked Number 1 for over 300 weeks.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be (Joanna Gaines)
Home renovator and TV personality Joanna Gaines wrote The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be in 2020, beautifully illustrated by Julianna Swaney. The book follows a group of culturally diverse children as they each design and build their very own hot air balloons. Every child brings a different style, idea, and set of skills to the project, and when they’re finally finished, the balloons launch together and fill the sky with color — proving that we all have something special to offer.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The book has an inspiring message: your individuality is your gift. Rather than everyone contributing to one shared creation, each child builds something that reflects who they are — analytical, creative, or somewhere in between — and the result is a sky full of possibilities. It’s a celebration of being “fully and unapologetically you.”
Where You’ve Seen Joanna Gaines: Joanna Gaines became first known for her amazing designs on the HGTV show Fixer Upper. The series spawned multiple spinoffs before expanding into books, magazines, lifestyle lines, and a TV network.
The Bench (Meghan Markle)
In 2021, actress Meghan Markle released a gentle children’s book, The Bench. The book takes an interesting approach, telling the story from a mother’s point of view. Each page depicts a different quiet moment between a father and son. The mother either witnesses the sweet moments on or by the bench, making it a sentimental place for family memories.
What the Book Teaches Kids: In many ways, The Bench is a special book for parents, particularly from a mother’s perspective. The book does have special teachings for kids, such as support, sympathy, and listening. The book inspires father-son bonds and demonstrates tender masculinity.
Where You’ve Seen Meghan Markle: Meghan Markle became well-known for her role in Suits. Later, she became a worldwide figure after marrying Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Meghan released a Netflix show in 2025 called With Love, Meghan.
Gorgeously Me (Jonathan Van Ness)
In 2024, celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Van Ness released Gorgeously Me!, illustrated by Kamala Nair. The rhyming book encourages kids to celebrate themselves and embrace individuality. It follows a diverse group of children — different skin tones, genders, and abilities — in various scenarios where they’re happily expressing themselves, from playing soccer and picking out outfits to dancing onstage and jumping into a lake. It also gently touches on recital nerves, friend conflicts, and the occasional “blue” day.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The book’s refrain drives home a message of self-confidence and assurance: children should be able to express themselves freely without judgment, and they should be proud of who they are. It teaches self-love, emotional honesty, and divine timing.
Where You’ve Seen Jonathan Van Ness: The hairstylist is most known for their time on Netflix’s Queer Eye reboot. When they’re not filming the series, they have a popular podcast, Getting Curious.
I Don’t Want To Read This Book (Max Greenfield)
Actor Max Greenfield had the clever idea to make a children’s book about hating to read… while children are actually reading (and enjoying) the book. I Don’t Want to Read This Book has a sarcastic tone, as the narrator whines and grumbles about books having too many words and too many long sentences. All the while, kids are happily reading along. The book is perfect because it connects with kids who don’t like reading and those who do.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Written with humor and drama, the book shows kids that reading doesn’t have to be a chore. As much as the narrator hates reading, the kids are reading with them. I Don’t Want to Read This Book inadvertently teaches kids about words, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. Reading becomes approachable and funny through Greenfield’s eyes.
Where You’ve Seen Max Greenfield: Max Greenfield is most known for his role in New Girl, which ended in 2018. As of late, he’s currently on The Neighborhood and will be in season 4 of White Lotus.
PictureFace Lizzy (Josh Gad)
In 2024, actor Josh Gad released PictureFace Lizzy, a book about a little girl named Eve learning the difference between wanting something and needing something. Eve has it all — a loving family, great friends, a pet hedgehog named Snoop Hog, and a knack for gymnastics. But she’s convinced her life will only be complete if she gets the hottest new toy on the market: PictureFace Lizzy, a trendy electronic doll whose name pokes fun at our video-call-obsessed culture. After begging her parents and finally getting one, Eve discovers that real adventures, imagination, and the people around her are what actually make her happy.
What the Book Teaches Kids: PictureFace Lizzy teaches kids the difference between wanting and needing, with a sharp eye on consumerism and peer pressure. Toy excitement doesn’t last, and keeping up with fads doesn’t equal happiness. The message lands in a generation where instant gratification is the norm.
Where You’ve Seen Josh Gad: Josh Gad is a triple threat in the entertainment world. He can sing, act, and dance — lending his talents to Frozen, The Book of Mormon, and Beauty and the Beast.
I Have A Superpower (Stephen Curry)
NBA player and father of four, Stephen “Steph” Curry, wrote the children’s book I Have a Superpower, which closely relates to his real life. In the book, Hughes loves playing basketball but is often picked on for his short stature. He doesn’t feel strong or fast enough to keep up with the other players, but when he gets on the court, he realizes he has an unstoppable superpower: heart.
What the Book Teaches Kids: I Have a Superpower teaches kids that regardless of their passion, they’ll go far if they have heart. Kids learn that they don’t have to be the best, but if they have fun doing what they love, then they’re already winning. Practice, try again, and never give up — those are the messages that Hughes teaches readers.
Where You’ve Seen Steph Curry: Steph Curry is a current NBA player, Olympic gold medal winner, and entrepreneur.
My Little Brave Girl (Hilary Duff)
Singer and actress Hilary Duff is also the author of the children’s book My Little Brave Girl, illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. The poetic book is a hit with parents and kids alike — a lyrical, second-person message from a parent to their child about bravery, kindness, and dreaming big. The illustrations follow a diverse group of young girls through metaphorical adventures like chasing fireflies, swimming in the ocean, bandaging a rabbit’s paw, and imagining themselves as astronauts and scientists, while the narrator reassures readers that the world is vast and they can do anything they set their minds to.
What the Book Teaches Kids: My Little Brave Girl shows readers that bravery comes in many forms: trying new things, growing up, reaching for the stars. With a gentle tone, the book shares that it’s okay to be scared of the unknown — courage is about leading with your heart anyway.
Where You’ve Seen Hilary Duff: Hilary Duff became a Disney sensation after appearing in Lizzie McGuire. She then branched out and starred in A Cinderella Story, Raise Your Voice, Cheaper by the Dozen, and more. Duff is also known for her pop music and is currently on a world tour in 2026.
Elbow Grease (John Cena)
Elbow Grease is a fun children’s book about a small and mighty monster truck named Elbow Grease. The truck is on the smaller side and lives with its bigger, stronger brothers. Instead of letting his insecurities get the better of him, he signs up for the demolition derby to prove that he’s just as talented as his brothers.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Elbow Grease is determined and teaches kids to never give up on their dreams. Despite not being the biggest or strongest, he never gives up on himself and perseveres in adversity. The book reminds kids that individuality is important and they don’t have to look or be like everyone else to succeed in life.
Where You’ve Seen John Cena: John Cena got his start as an icon for the WWE, but soon transitioned to a life in front of the camera as an actor. The former wrestler has been in Heads of State, Barbie, Freelance, and Argylle.
I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! (Seth Meyers)
Like Seth Meyers’ sense of humor, his children’s book I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! is both humorous and endearing. Following a Rabbit and a Bear who are also best friends, the two are opposites that attract. The Rabbit is brave, while the Bear is scared of most things. On their adventure, the Bear often repeats, “I’m not scared, you’re scared!” despite being shaken up. The story is heartwarming, relatable, and silly for young readers.
What the Book Teaches Kids: I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! reinforces that all feelings are welcome. Despite Bear being known as the scared friend, he fights through his fears to continue his adventure with his friend. The book teaches courage and bravery, but more importantly, it teaches readers about friendships and support systems.
Where You’ve Seen Seth Meyers: Seth Meyers is a comedian and TV writer who is best known for being a member of SNL and the face of Late Night with Seth Meyers.
The Book With No Pictures (B.J. Novak)
The Book with No Pictures is brilliantly written. At first, parents may not think a book with only words is right for their child, but as they start reading, they realize the reader has to say the words aloud, which leads to a fit of belly laughs. The experience leads the reader to read every page out loud, each sillier than the last. It’s clever, it’s fun, it’s interactive. The Book with No Pictures proves that books don’t need pictures to be irresistible,
What the Book Teaches Kids: The book’s main point is that reading can still be fun without pictures. Reading becomes game-like, leading to excitement rather than boredom. The mix of words is imaginative and creative, teaching new words and phrases in a light-hearted way.
Where You’ve Seen B.J. Novak: B.J. Novak is a writer and actor who made it big on The Office. He later appeared on The Morning Show, The Smurfs, and The Founder.
I Promise (LeBron James)
NBA mega-star LeBron James wrote I Promise in 2020, illustrated by Niña Mata. The story doesn’t follow a traditional tale or character; instead, it’s structured as a series of rhyming promises, or affirmations, that kids can make to themselves. Across each spread, a diverse group of children moves through a typical school day, from the morning bus ride to class, recess, and extracurriculars, embodying promises like “I promise to be open and try new things” and “I promise to run full court.” The book is directly inspired by, and echoes the pledge recited at, LeBron’s I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Because a different promise is made on each page, I Promise teaches kids that they can achieve anything they set their minds to as long as they believe in themselves. Choices matter, and kids should be accountable for what they decide to do. The deeper message is that success is earned by showing up and making promises — to yourself and your community.
Where You’ve Seen LeBron James: LeBron James is the all-time leading scorer in the NBA and has been in the league for over 20 years. The father of three has also ventured into acting after starring in Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Billy The Kid Makes It Big (Dolly Parton & Erica S. Perl)
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big, co-written with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, is an adorable children’s book that follows a French bulldog with big country music dreams. Billy leaves home and heads to Nashville to chase stardom, only to run into a pack of bullies at the “Battle of the Bow-Wows” competition who try to shake his confidence. With the help of scrappy new friends, his favorite songs (“Jowlene,” “I Will Pawlways Love You”), and a little encouragement from his favorite country star, Billy learns to stand tall and sing his heart out. The book is an expansion of Dolly’s anti-bullying song “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny.”
What the Book Teaches Kids: Billy the Kid reminds young readers to believe in their dreams and follow their passions despite the naysayers. Even when you feel like you don’t belong, standing up for yourself — and for others — can lead to incredible confidence. Billy also leans on his friends for support, reminding readers that life is always better with a friend.
Where You’ve Seen Dolly Parton: Dolly Parton may as well be the “it girl” in country music. At 80 years old, there’s not much that Dolly hasn’t accomplished. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress, and author who created Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books monthly to eligible children.
Fans of the Billy the Kid series will also like Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas and Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out.
River Rose And The Magical Lullaby (Kelly Clarkson)
In 2016, singer and TV host Kelly Clarkson released River Rose and the Magical Lullaby. The book was inspired by her daughter, and shares the imaginative tale of River Rose, who’s so excited to go to the zoo the next day that she can’t sleep. After her mom sings her a magical lullaby, she falls into a deep sleep and dreams of the zoo.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The story is relatable to parents with a bedtime routine. Sometimes kids are too excited to sleep, but the book reminds them how important sleep is. River’s mom’s lullaby is a source of comfort and whimsy for her, which highlights an important parent-child connection for readers.
Where You’ve Seen Kelly Clarkson: Kelly Clarkson got her start on the singing competition series American Idol. She became a quick, award-winning singer and is now the host of a successful daytime TV show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
If you like River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, you'll also like River Rose and the Magical Christmas.
Sugar Plum Ballerina (Whoopi Goldberg & Deborah Underwood)
Whoopi Goldberg’s Sugar Plum Ballerinas series, co-written with Deborah Underwood, follows a group of young girls attending the Nutcracker School of Ballet in Harlem. The characters learn independence and structure as they dance, but also develop confidence and friendships along the way. Each book shares the view of a different character in a coming-of-age tale.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Friendships and social dynamics are large themes in the Sugar Plum Ballerinas series. Misunderstandings, jealousy, confidence, and conflict resolution are tackled among the main friend group. It’s a relatable and honest reflection of modern social circles.
Where You’ve Seen Whoopi Goldberg: Before becoming a staple on daytime television’s The View, Goldberg was a comedian and actress known for Sister Act, Ghost, and The Color Purple.
If you want to read every book in the series, look for Plum Fantastic, Toeshoe Trouble, Perfectly Prima, Terrible Terrel, Sugar Plums to the Rescue!, and Dancing Diva.
Freckleface Strawberry (Julianne Moore)
Actress Julianne Moore released Freckleface Strawberry in 2007. The children’s book follows a young girl (much like Moore) who hated her red hair and freckles. She hated that her freckles made her stand out among the other kids. She tried to cover her freckles and change her appearance, but she slowly realized that her appearance didn’t define her. In fact, she needed to embrace her uniqueness.
What the Book Teaches Kids: Freckleface Strawberry‘s main theme is self-acceptance. The character realized that individuality was beautiful and that her freckles were what made her, her. It’s a tale of body positivity, identity, and confidence. Kids learn to celebrate their differences and to grow with confidence.
Where You’ve Seen Julianne Moore: The Oscar-winning actress has been in movies like Still Alice, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and The Big Lebowski.
Always With You, Always With Me (Kelly Rowland & Jessica McKay)
Singer and songwriter Kelly Rowland teamed up with Jessica McKay to write Always With You, Always With Me, illustrated by Fanny Liem. The picture book is written for kids who have a hard time when a working mom leaves for the day. As mother and child get ready to part, they share a soothing mantra — “Always with you, always with me, mommy and child, together we’ll be” — reassuring the child that a parent’s love travels with them even when they’re apart.
What the Book Teaches Kids: The book tackles children’s separation anxiety head-on, especially the kind tied to a working parent’s daily routine. Always With You, Always With Me reminds kids that just because mom isn’t in the same room with them doesn’t mean she’s gone — her love is always there, carried in a shared promise they can return to whenever they need it.
Where You’ve Seen Kelly Rowland: Kelly Rowland is best known for being part of the 2000s girl group Destiny’s Child. Rowland is still an artist today and has appeared in movies such as Bad Hair and Fantasy Football.
Celebrity children’s books have grown in popularity over the years and these are just a handful of some popular options that have gained attention for their fun storytelling and important messaging.
