President Barack Obama can add “children’s author” to his many hats. His book “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters” was written before he took office and will be released on November 16.
According to the publisher, Random House, the book is “a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation,” including Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackie Robinson, and George Washington. Proceeds will benefit the children of fallen and disabled soldiers.
What other famous celebrities have written books for children? Here are a few you may want to pick up:
Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee “Please, Baby, Please”
The filmmakers and his wife co-authored “Please, Baby, Please” and “Please, Puppy, Please” sweet read-along books about a toddler and their endless energy on a busy day, and reprise the theme with the kids in charge of a puppy, respectively.
Kim Wayans, The Amy Hodgepodge Series
The sister of the famous comedy family, Wayans, who has an interracial marriage, wrote this book with her husband Kevin Knotts. The series of books tell the stories of Amy, a fourth-grader who is part Asian, Caucasian and African American.
Madonna, The English Roses Series
Inspired by her daughter Lourdes, Madonna’s books are about the five most fabulous friends in London. For a pre-teen set, these books focus on a girl’s secret crush to her most embarrassing moment. The box set of five of the English Rose titles features a 96-page book with a section on each Rose, plus one for the reader to fill out about herself.
Whoopi Goldberg, Sugar Plum Ballerinas Series
Alexandrea is a 9-year-old who has just moved from a small town in Georgia to Harlem with her mom. Even though she wants to be a speed skater, her mom forces her to take a ballet class, where she makes a few friends and learns that ballet is not so bad.
Dionne Warwick “Say a Little Prayer”
This semi-autobiographical story–named for her hit song–is about “Little D,” who one day discovers her secret talent and is encouraged by her grandfather to embrace it. The book comes with an audio CD of Ms. Warwick singing “Jesus Loves Me.”
LL Cool J”And The Winner Is…”
LL may be considered a little old-school, but the message in his book is universal and timeless. “And the Winner Is…” is about a young basketball player who learns the importance of winning and losing gracefully.
