Children's Books By Celebrities
Actress/comedian Molly Shannon writes about a feisty, mischievous heroine named Tilly, who plays tricks on her family and friends.
"Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters"
President Barack Obama writes a letter to his daughters in which he pays tribute to 13 groundbreaking Americans, including Georiga O'Keeffe, Jackie Robinson and George Washington.
"The English Roses: The Runway Rose"
Madonna's "English Roses" are a group of five young friends, and "The Runway Rose" is the ninth book in their series. Amy's mother gets her a job working at a teen fashion show, but the new job and fashionable friends go to her head. When she starts neglecting the other Roses, the girls worry that they've lost their friend forever.
"Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully"
This is Moore's second book featuring her cute-as-a-button alter ego. This time, she's facing down a large and daunting dodgeball player who throws way too hard. The freckle-faced heroine uses her imagination and a dose of compassion to win over the bully, who as it turns out has fears of his own.
"I Got Two Dogs"
The story, one of Lithgow's many children's books, is about two well-loved dogs that aren't always on their best behavior. The book, based on the actor's own two dogs, uses song lyrics to tell the story and comes with a CD of Lithgow singing along.
"How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals"
Phelps' workouts for the 2008 Olympics get put into context for kids. He trained for six years (or 42 dog years), swam 60,000 meters a week (183,040 trips around the bases on a baseball field) and his legs were strong enough to press nine tons in one workout (the weight of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and 10 velociraptors).
"I Am a Rainbow"
The book has simple rhymes and even simpler drawings of children who express emotion as colors, including red for anger, blue for sadness and green for envy.
"SheetzuCacaPoopoo: Max Goes to the Dogs"
Behar's high-energy mutt Max tries to survive doggy day care after trashing the house of his owner, Evie. At home he's king of the castle, but when thrown into a big-dog mix, he's lower than dirt. But Max rallies the little guys and goes head to head with a bully named Brutus for the benefit of all.
"Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Toeshoe Trouble"
This is the second book in Goldberg's chapter book series. At age 9, Brenda Black studies diseases to get a head start on medical school and hangs with her multicultural friends at the Nutcracker School of Ballet. All is well until Brenda's rich, bragging cousin hits town.
"Silly Street"
You can find just about anything in rhyme on Foxworthy's Silly Street. Be on the lookout for big ponies that eat fried baloney, baton-twirling raccoons and a quacking cow. Bjorkman's drawings do the rhymes proud.
"Little Red's Autumn Adventure"
The fourth book by the Duchess of York (seen here, center, with her daughters) about cheery, big-hearted Little Red features a sack of smiles, some magic dust and large leaves used as fall sleds. With its Buttercup Cottage and Bluebell Wood, the feel of the series is reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh. Out Aug. 4, 2009.
"Momma Loves Her Little Son"
In his first children's book, the only child of the late June Carter and Johnny Cash brings a mother's love alive as the characters watch whales, ride a rhino and sit along a stream telling secret wishes to a salamander. Cash said the title is something his mother used to tell him often.
"Welcome To Your World, Baby"
Shields, a mother of two daughters herself, penned this story about the joys of becoming a big sister -- including all the things there are to do, share and celebrate.
"Little T Learns To Share"
Pro football player Terrell Owens tells the story of Little T, who doesn't want to share his new football because he's afraid his friends will mess it up. However, when he tries to play by himself, he realizes that football isn't much fun alone.
"Big Words For Little People"
Curtis' eighth picture book teaches little children words that they can use to navigate the grown-up world -- like practicing "patience" on a waterslide line or to "persevere" when they can't find the right puzzle piece.
"Noelle's Treasure Tale"
This is Estefan's second book about Noelle the bulldog. In this edition, Noelle is inspired to look for treasure on a family vacation after hearing her owner talk about a long-lost pirate ship and a crown lost at sea.
"Queen Of The Scene"
Latifah's book is about a sassy little girl named Queen who rules her local playground and celebrates her strengths, from building the best sandcastles to playing sports.