Celebrities Authoring Children’s Books
There have been some very UNlikely celebrities to enter the realm of children’s books. Think Madonna, Julianne Moore, Al Yankovic (you know, Weird Al from the 80s), Steve Martin, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jeff Foxworthy. I must admit, I’ve read four of the six mentioned above and they all wrote wonderful books I love sharing with my children. I didn’t know Steve Martin and Weird Al had offerings until researching this post. Curiosity is getting the better of me and they’re now on my “must read” list.
Then there’s the crop of celebrity children’s book authors that, because of their background or profession, you expect to provide inspiration and meaningful messages. Julie Andrews, Barack Obama, and Cal Ripkin, Jr. come to mind. To this latter list, you can add Kristi Yamaguchi.
If you don’t recognize the name, Yamaguchi is the 1992 United States Olympic Champion ladies’ single ice skater. Other awards and titles are far too numerous to list, but recognize both her athletic prowess and community contributions. She is an inspiring athlete who has focused her post-Olympics career on developing the skills and talents of others.
Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi
Now a mother of two, Yamaguchi adds “children’s book author” to her list of credits. Though she has penned other books about figure skating, Dream Big, Little Pig!
In pursuit of her passion, Polly finds she is not an immediate success at many things, but finds support and encouragement in her family and best friend, Emma. With persistence, she finally finds a success, or two!
I left Dream Big, Little Pig!
Having previewed the book, I was excited to read it to her and ask her questions. Even though preschool girl was VERY tired, we read the book three times before I had an opportunity to ask her, “How do you get really good at something?” To which she responded with a finger wag, “You have to pwactice and never, ever give up!” And I must admit, my heart swelled the most when I asked her, “Who are your biggest fans, or supporters?” and she said solidly, “mommy and daddy.” Thank you, Yamaguchi and Bowers for prompting this conversation.
Even though preschool girl could barely keep her eyes open, she requested I read the book three times.
To Buy or Not to Buy
To Buy… Dream Big, Little Pig!
With your purchase of Dream Big, Little Pig!, you are not only getting a wonderful story to share with your children, you are helping to support the Always Dream Foundation and its early childhood literacy initiative.
Or Not to Buy… It’s hard to view the cover of Dream Big, Little Pig!, featuring pink, purple and glitter, and not realize it is intended as an inspirational book for young girls. Once inside, readers find Polly dancing ballet, singing, and modeling before finding her true calling. And while all of these endeavors are enjoyed equally by boys, the illustrations and phrases solidly support the development of little girls.
Shop! Dream Big, Little Pig!
Kate
March 30, 2011Oh, this book looks darling! Will definitely add it to our wish list.
Lauralee Hensley
March 30, 2011Poor thing you had to read it three times in a row. Well, you know it’s an excellent book then and must have very engaging illustrations to capture her attention like that. She’s precious.