Idris Elba and 5 more celebrities who write children’s books
These A-listers have been inspiring budding readers, says Liz Connor.
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Your support makes all the difference.If you’re a fan of Idris Elba you’ll be pleased to know the celebrated actor has a new project on the horizon – he’s signed a book deal and is set to publish a range of children’s books in 2022 with HarperCollins.
The actor, director and DJ is yet to spill any details on plot points, but has been inspired by his daughter Isan.
But Elba isn’t the only celeb to try their hand at writing for children (you only have to look at David Walliams )…
1. Pharrell Williams
As if being a singer, actor, skincare guru and style icon wasn’t enough, Williams published his first kid’s book, Happy! in 2015. It shares photographs of children from different cultures celebrating what it means to feel positive.
Named after one of his most famous hits, the book is a lovely meditation on joy, happiness, and also contains lyrics to the song, so parents and kids can sing along at bedtime.
2. Fearne Cotton
If you follow presenter and podcast host Cotton on Instagram you’ll know yoga has been a vital tool for supporting her mental health over the years, and she regularly shares personal anecdotes of its benefits.
So it’s not surprise The Happy Place founder penned a children’s book (illustrated by Sheena Dempsey) on kid’s yoga, encouraging little ones to slow down and have fun trying new poses. Called Yoga Babies, it’s a lovely picture book that introduces children and parents to the calming nature of the practice.
3. Tom Fletcher
McFly singer Fletcher provides #dadgoals on Instagram, and is also a bestselling children’s author. One of his best-loved titles is The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas, which he co-wrote with band-mate Dougie Poynter. The book’s message is all about teaching children the importance of family over material objects during the festive period.
4. Julianne Moore
Known for her beautiful auburn hair, actress Moore turned her hand to children’s book writing to tell the story of Freckleface – a little girl who feels different because she has red hair and freckles.
Moore has said she struggled with similar insecurities in her own childhood – she was teased for having freckles.
5. Lupita Nyong’o
Oscar-winning actress Nyong’o wrote New York Times Bestseller Sulwe – a beautiful picture book that tells the important story of a little girl who wishes her dark skin was the same colour as everyone else’s around her. Sulwe learns to love her beautiful skin after taking a journey through the midnight sky, discovering the power of self-love and acceptance.