25 Books Written by Celebrity Authors

You might not have thought about this topic before, but there are a lot of celebrities out there who have written children’s books. I’ve included 25 titles on this list and barely scratched the surface of the number of books out there. While I have conflicting feelings about celebrity authors, I do know the power of The Book With No Pictures and have seen how much kids absolutely love it! I read it at a summer camp outreach program and literally had kids chanting for me to read it again.

While most of these books are written by actors, you’ll also see some athletes, political leaders, musicians, and more. I don’t always think that just because you’re famous makes you an equally great author, but I also know that the publishing world is looking for successful titles that people will buy. And my hope is that popular titles help publisher also print debut authors and stories written by underrepresented authors.

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25 Books Written by Celebrity Authors

The Adventures of Qai Qai by Serena Williams, illustrated by Yesenia Moises

“Don’t be scared, Best Friend! I’m right here with you, always!”

“But what if I’m not good enough?”

“Girl!” Qai Qai answered. “You’re already good enough when you walk in the door! Come on, let me show you.”

Baby Girl has a dance recital coming up, and she can’t help but worry. She’s practiced and practiced, but what if something goes wrong? What if she forgets the steps or freezes up during her solo?

Luckily, her best friend Qai Qai the doll has her back! When Qai Qai comes to life, they go on a magical journey that shows Baby Girl that she’s ready for the stage.

The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak

You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here’s how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . .

BLORK. Or BLUURF.

Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY.

Builder Brothers: Big Plans by Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott, illustrated by Kim Smith

It all begins when Drew and Jonathan are doing what they do best—thinking up big plans for even bigger projects. Will they build a treehouse? A castle? A catapult? They have a whole lot of big ideas, but no one thinks they can do any of them!

The twins brainstorm, scribble, and tinker until they have the perfect big plan. They’ll save every last penny, sketch out some designs, and make a whole lot of noise—builders aren’t known for being quiet—because they know that little kids can do big things.

But what will Drew and Jonathan do when their big plans don’t go the way they’d hoped? Find out in this heartwarming new story from everyone’s favorite twins.

And the book comes complete with an original do-it-yourself building project that parents and kids can tackle together at home. Everyone knows that every big plan starts with a dream!

Busy Betty by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan

Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby!

When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world! But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and just when everything seems impossible, with Mae’s help, Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork, and one great idea.

Elbow Grease by John Cena, illustrated by Howard McWilliam

Meet Elbow Grease, a little monster truck with a big problem! He’s smaller than his four brothers, but wants to prove that he has the guts and the grit to do big things. He decides that entering the Demolition Derby is the perfect way to show everyone that what he lacks in horsepower he makes up for in gumption. From multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena comes this exciting story about the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up. Full of high-octane illustrations and a new character kids will cheer for, this fun and fast-paced book proves that a little Elbow Grease . . . can go a long way!!

Happy! by Pharrell Williams

Nominated for an Academy Award in 2014, “Happy” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, and has topped the charts in more than seventy-five countries worldwide. Now Pharrell Williams brings his beloved song to the youngest of readers in photographs of children across cultures celebrating what it means to be happy. All the exuberance of the song pulses from these vibrant photographs of excited, happy kids. This is a board book full of memorable, precious childhood moments that will move readers in the same way they were moved by the song.

I Don’t Want to Read This Book by Max Greenfield, illustrated by Mike Lowery

Words, sentences, and even worse, paragraphs fill up books. Ugh! So what’s a reluctant reader to do? Actor Max Greenfield (New Girl) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Mike Lowery bring the energy and laugh-out-loud fun out for every child (and parent) who thinks they don’t want to read a book. Joining the ranks of favorites like The Book With No Pictures and The Serious Goose, this clever and playful read-aloud breaks the fourth wall and will have all readers coming back for laughs again and again!

I Promise by LeBron James, illustrated by Niña Mata

Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close.

I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

I’m Not Scared, YOU’RE Scared! by Seth Meyers, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

When you’re a bear who is easily scared, it’s hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. One day, Rabbit urges Bear to face his fears and embark on an adventure together. However, things don’t entirely go as planned, and the two friends learn the true meaning of bravery.

I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb, illustrated by Suzie Mason

With Kotb’s lyrical text and stunning pictures by Suzie Mason, young ones and parents will want to snuggle up and read the pages of this book together, over and over again.

In the universe,

there was you and

there was me,

waiting for the day our

stars would meet. . .

Just Because by Matthew McConaughey, illustrated by Renée Kurilla

Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.

Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time?

What about ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway?

Have you ever thought there was more than one right answer to a question?

That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.

Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship by Marie Kondo, illustrated by Salina Yoon

The KonMari Method inspires a charming friendship story that is sure to spark joy!

Kiki and Jax are best friends, but they couldn’t be more different. The one thing they always agree on is how much fun they have together. But when things start to get in the way, can they make space for what has always sparked joy—each other?

My Little Brave Girl by Hilary Duff, illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley

The world is big, my little brave girl.
It’s all here for you.

A poetic text encourages girls to reach higher, dream bigger, and approach the world with their hearts wide open. This love letter to little girls was inspired by Hilary Duff’s own experience as a mother as she considered all the ways her daughter had to be brave even as an infant.

Natalie Portman’s Fables by Natalie Portman, illustrated by Janna Mattia

From realizing that there is no “right” way to live to respecting our planet and learning what really makes someone a winner, the messages at the heart of Natalie Portman’s Fables are modern takes on timeless life lessons.

Told with a playful, kid-friendly voice and perfectly paired with Janna Mattia’s charming artwork, Portman’s insightful retellings of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse are ideal for reading aloud and are sure to become beloved additions to family libraries.

Of Thee I Sing! A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

In this poignant letter to his daughters, Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.

This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.

The One and Only Sparkella by Channing Tatum, illustrated by Kim Barnes

Ella is excited for her first day at a new school.

Glimmering pencil case? Check!

Shimmering backpack? Check!

Glittery ribbons in her hair? Check!

She can’t wait to meet the other kids and share her sparkly personality. But her first day doesn’t go quite as planned: Her new classmates don’t like her disco-ball shoes, her PB&J-with-sprinkles sandwich, or her rainbow-y unicorn painting.

Ella decides to try to be less sparkly at school the next day so the other kids won’t make fun of her. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of just being herself, no matter what other people say.

The Serious Goose by Jimmy Kimmel

Written, illustrated, and lettered by Jimmy Kimmel, this picture book challenges young readers to bring the silly out of a very Serious Goose. Inspired by Jimmy’s nickname for his kids, The Serious Goose reminds us to be silly in a serious way. Put your little comedians in front of a mylar mirror and challenge them to make this no-nonsense goose smile. This delightful read-aloud is guaranteed to create gaggles of giggles time and time again!

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell

Jamie Lee Curtis’s zany and touching verse, paired with Laura Cornell’s whimsical and original illustrations, helps kids explore, identify, and, even have fun with their ever-changing moods.

Silly, cranky, excited, or sad—everyone has moods that can change each day. And that’s okay! Follow the boisterous, bouncing protagonist as she explores her moods and how they change from day to day.

Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi and Juana Martinez-Neal

Neela loves cooking with her amma and writing down the recipes in her notebook. It makes her feel closer to her paati who lives far away in India. On Saturdays, Neela and Amma go to the green market and today they are buying tomatoes to make Paati’s famous sauce. But first, Neela needs to learn about all the different kinds of tomatoes they can pick from. And as Neela and Amma cook together, they find a way for Paati to share in both the love and the flavors of the day.

What Will I Do With My Love Today? by Kristin Chenoweth, illustrated by Maine Diaz

Join young Kristi Dawn as she joyfully walks around New York City, sharing her love through acts of generosity—from singing in the church choir to helping a neighbor weed her garden. When she meets a lonely dog looking for a home, Kristi shows that adoption is one of the most loving and life-changing gifts of all.

Through delightful rhyme and examples of child-friendly (and pup-friendly!) acts of generosity and kindness, Chenoweth shares the powerful message that the more love you give, the more love you get back!

Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines, illustrated by Julianna Swaney

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Joanna Gaines celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life—it’s more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated.

Why Not You? by Ciara and Russell Wilson, illustrated by JaNay Brown-Wood

Why not you? Amazing you! You’re a winner! You’re so strong! You are perfect and important—you and all your gifts belong!

We all have big dreams! Sometimes it’s hard to imagine our big dreams coming true. But what if someone saw all the amazing and spectacular parts of us—our winning smiles, our fancy feet, our warm hearts—and asked, “Why not you?”

Whether it’s becoming a football player or a pop star or the president or a scientist: Why not you?

The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.

Looking to reach beyond the political divide of red and blue, Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart have created a hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans. This book will inspire a whole generation to paint the world purple!

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon, illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez

Your baby’s first word will be . . .

“Dada!”

Right?

Everyone knows that fathers wage a secret campaign to ensure that their babies’ first word is “Dada!”

But how does it work?
One of the most popular entertainers in the world and NBC’s The Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon, shows you how.