The legendary star teams up with her daughter for a story about finding your voice
Julie Andrews is returning to children’s publishing with Shy, a picture book co-written with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and illustrated by Eva Byrne. Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, the 40-page book is available now and is aimed at children approximately ages 4 to 8.
The story follows Shy, a timid shelter puppy who finds a loving home with a piano-playing man and gradually discovers her own voice through music. The character was inspired by Andrews’ real-life poodle, who famously joined her singing during rehearsals for My Fair Lady.
Andrews has described the real Shy as a dog who would “join in” whenever she practiced singing, even following along with the scale. That unusual memory has now become a gentle story about confidence, companionship and discovering what makes you special.
A Mother-Daughter Creative Partnership
Shy is another chapter in an unusually successful creative partnership between Andrews and Walton Hamilton. The pair have now written more than 35 books together, while also collaborating on projects including the Netflix children’s series Julie’s Greenroom and the podcast Julie’s Library.
Their relationship brings together two generations of storytelling experience, with Andrews contributing her lifelong connection to performance and music and Walton Hamilton bringing her experience as a writer, producer, editor and educator.
The book’s central idea—finding your voice despite shyness—also has a personal resonance for both authors. As Andrews and Walton Hamilton explained, once they recognized that the story was really about “finding your voice,” the concept began to take shape naturally.
A Career That Keeps Evolving
At 90, Andrews remains remarkably active across entertainment and publishing. Her career has encompassed Broadway and London’s West End, major films, television, albums, concert tours, directing, podcasts and children’s literature.
Her film legacy includes Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and The Princess Diaries, while her children’s publishing career began decades ago with Mandy and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. Both remain in print today.
Andrews was named a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2000 for her contributions to the arts and humanities. With Shy, she is continuing that legacy in a form designed to introduce a new generation of children to the power of storytelling, music and finding their own voice.
