Introduce your little one to some of Hollywood’s best authors! Here are some of our favourite children’s books that are written by celebrities, including Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Hilary Duff, Barack Obama and more

Thinking of padding your child’s bookshelf with a few good reads? Or maybe you just want something new to read aloud to your kids before bedtime. We’ve got you covered with our shortlist of fun children’s books. You won’t find any Enid Blyton or Roald Dahl here though; instead, our booklist comprises children’s books written entirely by some of Hollywood’s most famous faces! Many of these books are inspired by a celebrity’s experiences in motherhood or parenting, but some take a cue from social issues and personal experiences with colourism, gender inclusivity and more. Scroll to check out some of our favourite children’s books written by celebrities!

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The Bench

by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, illustrations by Christian Robinson
The Duchess of Sussex’ very first children’s book hit the shelves on 8 June 2021, and it’s a beautifully illustrated tribute to the relationship between fathers and sons, through the eyes of a mother. Written in the form of a poem, The Bench is a heartwarming take on modern-day fatherhood and glosses over themes such as connection, compassion, discovery, learning and comfort. The gorgeous watercolour images by Christian Robinson also reflect a diverse group of fathers and sons, making it an inclusive read for all.
Suitable for: Ages 3 to 7
How much: From $27. Purchase it online from Amazon.sg, Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya.

My Little Brave Girl

by Hilary Duff, illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley
The book’s title is fitting for this poetic love letter, as the words within describe all the ways little girls have to be brave from infanthood. Inspired by Hilary Duff’s own experience of motherhood (she just welcomed baby number 3 with husband Matthew Koma), the book’s message of empowerment is complemented with vibrant illustrations, and makes for a wonderful birthday present for young girls, or even as a Mother’s Day gift for your mum squad. There’s also a My Little Brave Girl activity sheet you can download online, filled with simple crafting and letter-writing activities.
Suitable for: Ages 3 to 7
How much: From $26. Purchase online from Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya.

Superheroes are Everywhere

by US Vice President Kamala Harris, illustrations by Mechal Renee Roe
In a world where superheroes take the shape of genetically engineered soldiers, otherwordly gods or genius, billionaire philanthropists in flying metal suits, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ literary effort offers a realistic yet empowering alternative. On each colourful page, she highlights the many heroes she’s encountered in her life, ranging from doctors and teachers to nurses and even her own mother. The book allows children to see that you don’t need to have superpowers to be a hero. Instead, being a hero is as simple as making a positive difference, no matter how small, in someone’s life.
Suitable for: Ages 3 to 7
How much: From $16. Purchase online on Amazon.sg, Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya

Natalie Portman’s Fables

by Natalie Portman, illustrations by Janna Mattia
Oscar-winner Natalie Portman puts her own gender-inclusive spin on three regular fables – The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse. These new stories offer modern takes on classic life lessons, subtly showing small readers how to respect the planet and what it truly means to be a winner. The colourful artwork is charming, and the writing is simple enough for your little one to read on their own.
Suitable for: Ages 4 to 7
How much: From $28. Purchase online from Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya.

This is Baby

by Jimmy Fallon, illustrations by Miguel Ordóñez
Teaching your babe to identify their eyes, nose, ears and mouth? Then this is the perfect book by for you! It breaks down the various parts of the human body in a simple and digestible manner, and proves to be an easy read if you’re just starting to introduce your child to the human body. Jimmy Fallon also has three other books for children – the highly popular Everything Is Mama, Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada and the recent 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas.
Suitable for: Ages 1 to 3
How much: From $14. Purchase online from Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy from Books Kinokuniya.

Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrations by Vashti Harrison
The word ‘Sulwe’ translates to mean ‘Star’ in Lupita’s native Luo language, and this New York Times bestseller deals with themes of colourism, self-worth and inner beauty. Inspired by Lupita’s own experiences with having darker skin, Sulwe tells the story of a little girl with “skin the colour of midnight.” When she finds herself wanting to be lighter-skinned like others around her, she’s taken on a supernatural journey that changes her mind and opens her eyes to her true worth. In addition to some seriously stunning visuals, the book is also a good tool to teach children about the effects of colourism and the importance of self-love and acceptance.
Suitable for: Ages 4 to 8
How much: From $27. Purchase online from Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy from Books Kinokuniya.

River Rose and the Magical Lullaby

by Kelly Clarkson, illustrations by Laura Hughes
The book is all about River Rose and her excitement about a trip to the zoo. But when she struggles to fall asleep the night before the trip, only a magical lullaby can send her on a special dream adventure filled with magical animals. A written tribute to her daughter River Rose, American Idol winner and Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson even wrote an original lullaby just for it. It’s also available as a board book.
Suitable for: Ages 4 to 8
How much: From $5. Purchase online on Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy from Books Kinokuniya.

Bunheads

by Misty Copeland, illustrations by Setor Fiadzigbey
Misty Copeland’s already made waves onstage and as the first African-American Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. Now, her book is showing children of colour that they can be anything they want to be. Drawn from Misty’s own childhood, Bunheads describes how she overcomes her nerves to audition for the ballet Coppélia and learns to dance ballet herself. Along the way, she makes a few good friends who help her put on an unforgettable performance. In addition to breaking down colour barriers, Bunheads is also a warm tale of friendship, teamwork and the importance of believing in yourself.
Suitable for: Ages 5 to 8
How much: From $27. Purchase online on Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy from Books Kinokuniya.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

by Barack Obama, illustrations by Loren Long
A visually captivating picture book, Of Thee I Sing details the stories of 13 American icons such as Georgia O’Keefe, Jackie Robinson and George Washington, all of whom have shaped America’s music, art, poetry and political landscapes. Written for his daughters Malia and Sasha, Of Thee I Sing ultimately stresses that each child has the potential to set ambitious goals and achieve them successfully.
Suitable for: Ages 6 to 8
How much: From $15. Purchase online on Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya.

Please, Baby, Please

by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrations by Kadir Nelson
This Hollywood power couple may be the visionaries behind some of Hollywood’s best films, but that doesn’t make them immune to the ups and downs of parenting. Please, Baby, Please gets hilariously honest about raising a toddler, and we promise you’ll be chuckling along with your little one, as you read and reminisce about their own antics.
Suitable for: Ages 2 to 5
How much: From $15. Purchase online on Amazon.sg or Book Depository or pick up a copy at Books Kinokuniya.