Everyone thinks they can write a good children’s book, especially celebrities. And some of them are right! Here’s a wide range of great books penned by a diverse group of famous folk. A few tackle some of the biggest issues of our time. Others bring a much-needed dose of humor. All of them would make fun holiday gifts!
We worry about our kids’ screen time, and then we spend much of our family time glued to our phones. In this book, Tiffani Theissen, best known as Kelly from Saved by the Bell, makes a strong case to parents to put away their devices and join their children in enjoying the wonders of the real world.
Ages 3–5 • Amazon
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor had so much fun writing her own entry in the Ordinary People Change the World series that she followed it up with this inspirational book. After opening up about her diabetes, she tells the stories of kids with all sorts of other challenges — asthma, blindness, autism and more — and encourages children to embrace, and empathize with, such differences.
Ages 4–8 • Amazon
Who would be more fun as a grandpa than Paul McCartney? Judging from how his Grandude character pulls kids through wild adventures — like an only slightly less anarchic Cat in the Hat — he wouldn’t even need to pull out a guitar to leave ’em wanting more.
Ages 4–6 • Amazon
Prolific rocker Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s is apparently bursting with rhymes! Here he compiles 23 silly poems designed to hit kids in their humor sweet spots; titles like Disco Bath Party and 3:00 a.m. Pee should give you an idea of what you’re in for.
The title character in this heartrending book by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is ridiculed for her dark skin and thinks she needs to be lighter to have friends. Then, at night, a magical shooting star appears and tells her an African legend that shows her how beautiful she, and her skin, truly are.
Ages 4–8 • Amazon
Ed Dykhuizen is the former associate editor at Minnesota Parent and father of three, who lives in St. Paul.
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