The best children's books written by the stars
Autobiographies and memoirs aside many celebrities are putting pen to paper in a different genre – children's books. And it's making story time a joy for parents too.
From real life royals to big screen royalty, NBA gods and presidents, we've rounded up the sweetest kids books written by some of the biggest names, both locally and abroad, which are bound to become your child's favourite too.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Asking to tell a story she has heard many times before, a young girl asks how she came into the world. Her parents take her through how she was adopted and made a much loved member of their family. Written by actress and Oscar nominee Jamie Lee Curtis and based on her own journey adopting her two children, this book is a new take on parenthood, how children connect and what all parents go through with a new baby.
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex
The Bench
Recommended reading age: 1-7 years
Love her or hate her, Meghan Markle can write a truly lovely children's book. Completely different from her husband's latest release, The Bench is about a relationship between a father and son and how it grows all from the perspective of the mother. It has watercolour imagery from bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson adding warmth and sweetness to an already beautiful story.
Zoë Foster Blake
No One Like A Fart
Recommended reading age: 3-5 years
Fart really wants to make friends, but unfortunately, no one likes farts. Awfully silly and lots of fun for any kid, this book by mother-of-two and Australian beauty entrepreneur Zoë Foster Blake will make everyone crack up laughing while learning a sweet message.
Andy Lee
Do Not Open This Book
Recommended reading age: 6-9 years
While we're given clear instructions not to open this book, it's hard not too considering it's written by Australian comedian and TV host Andy Lee. This book is all about not doing what you're told and grabbing the attention of kids who are less keen on reading. It's a simple, silly but fun book for every cheeky child in our life.
Kevin Hart
Marcus Makes a Movie
Recommended reading age: 8-12 years
Marcus does not enjoy his after school film lessons – that is until he realises he can turn his own cartoon superhero into his own movie. He'll need a lot of help from his friends and hard work to bring his character to life. Written by Hollywood comedian and actor Kevin Hart, your kids will enjoy this book.
Lil Nas X
C is for Country
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years
Who would have thought that Lil Nas X's latest venture outside of his uniquely crafted music world would be a children's book?! But C is for Country proves he can do anything. Now a New York Times bestseller, this alphabet picture book is led by the singer and his pony named Panini to help kids learn their letters with flair.
LeBron James
I Promise
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Inspired by the foundation of the same name created by LeBron James, this book helps kids make promises to themselves to help better their lives and the lives of their family, as well as sticking to these goals. This picture book illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Nina Mata is set to inspire all kids to achieve their dreams.
Turia Pitt
Koko and the Coconut
Recommended reading age: Baby-5 years
Written by humanitarian, public speaker and mother Turia Pitt, this sweet book follows a hard working and determined crab named Koko who is trying to reach the top of the tree to get a coconut. This story can help children learn not to give up and keep reaching for their goals.
Jonathan Van Ness
Peanut Goes for the Gold
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Peanut is a fun-loving and unique guinea pig who loves to do whatever they want. They decide to start learning rhythmic gymnastics and make a routine that is so much like Peanut that it's perfect. Written by star of Queer Eye and LGBTQI+ icon Jonathan Van Ness, the book is made for kids who are kind hearted but don't follow the regular rules of society.
Lupita Nyong'o
Sulwe
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years
Written by Academy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, this picture book is about Sulwe who was born with dark skin – darker than anyone else she knows. She wants to be beautiful, and is taken on a whimsical journey through the night sky that opens her eyes and shows her that the most beautiful people have their beauty on the inside.
Barack Obama
Of Thee I Sing
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Originally published during his time as US president, Barack Obama has written a children's book dedicated to his two daughters Sasha and Malia. The story looks at 13 heroic Americans in history whose traits and ambitions he sees in his children.
Chelsea Clinton
She Persisted
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Written by the daughter of Bill and Hilary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, comes a story about 13 American women in history. The book goes into what these women had to go through to reach their goals and encourages young female readers to never stop trying to reach their goals.
This book also begins a series of She Persisted books about individual figures including Florence Nightingale, Oprah Winfrey, Rosalind Franklin, and Kalpana Chawla as well as female leaders in male dominated industries like science and sport.
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan
The Sandwich Swap
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years
Two best friends named Salma and Lily do everything together and enjoy the same things – except what is on each other's sandwich at lunch. Written by Queen Rania of Jordan, this book teaches children about how small things can pull each other apart but friendship is more important than tiny differences.
B.J Novak
The Book With No Pictures
Recommended reading age: 3-5 years
Kids love to read books with bright pictures, but this one is different. Penned by the star of the US version of The Office B.J. Novak, this book is even more enjoyable than your regular picture book as it dives into how fun words.
Kate Ritchie
I Just Couldn't Wait To Meet You
Recommended reading age: Baby-2 years
In her debut picture book, Aussie actor, radio host and mum Kate Ritchie writes from her own experience about waiting to become a mother and have her baby in her arms. It's a very sweet and heartwarming story to share between mum and bub.
Reese Witherspoon
Busy Betty
Recommended reading age: 3-5 years
Betty is a busy girl with her friend Mae about to come over and play. But her dog Frank needs a bath before Mae comes over – so much to do, and so little time. This sweet story by Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon teaches little ones that if you persevere and work as a team, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Channing Tatum
The One and Only Sparkella
Recommended reading age: 4-8 years
Ella is about to start her first day of school and is dressed in all her sparkly clothes. When she gets to school, everyone in her class doesn't like her sparkles. The next day, she decides to be less sparkly, but does not feel herself. Written by Hollywood actor and father Channing Tatum, the story helps children learn to be themselves and not care what others think of them.
Hilary Duff
My Little Brave Girl
Recommended reading age: 3-7 years
Written by child star and mum-of-three Hilary Duff, this picture book follows a little girl and how she can achieve her dreams no matter how big as long as she tries her best.
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