Celebrity children's books that are actually worth buying

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Turns out a lot of celebrities have written children's books… and a lot of them are actually pretty good!

Often inspired by their own descendants or early life experiences, these sweet stories tell tales of family, love and gratitude.

From Channing Tatum to Reese Witherspoon to Dolly Parton, these picture books would all make a great addition to your little one's library.

Channing Tatum never intended to be an author… but he has now published several children's books.

The first in his series, The only Sparkellafollows a little girl named Ella as she prepares for her first day at a new school. Unfortunately, things don't go exactly as planned and Ella's classmates don't like her bubbly personality. With her father's help, Ella learns the importance of always staying radiant.

Dolly Parton's touching children's book, Coat in many colorsis a must read.

Based on her rural childhood in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the book tells the story of a young girl in need of a warm winter coat using lyrics from Dolly's song “Coat of Many Colors.” Because it's about to get freezing cold, her mother sews a coat out of rags, but is mocked by her classmates when she wears it to school.

With her positive attitude, the little girl soon realizes that the coat was made with love “down to the seams” – and teaches her classmates a lesson about what it means to be truly rich.

One five-star reviewer wrote: “It’s Dolly – how could you go wrong? She does so much good for children's literacy and for the world. I bought it as a Christmas present for a dear friend…I will be ordering many more.”

Matthew McConaughey is ready to pass on his wisdom to some of his youngest fans through his children's book. Just because.

This 32-page picture book helps readers understand that sometimes life is all about contradictions. We can be worried and excited at the same time, or have more than one correct answer to a question. We can shake but still remain calm – and that's completely okay.

“First of all, I love Matthew. Secondly, I love the messages it conveys about raising children. This book is intended for children, but the message is useful for all ages. The very positive, uplifting and encouraging message is presented in a simple form.” “I think the world would be a better place if everyone read it,” shared one reader in a review.

Reese Witherspoon has had her own book club for years — and now her youngest fans can join in on the fun.

Her beloved children's books have introduced readers to the creative and clever world of Hardworking Betty – a little girl with an entrepreneurial free spirit and a brain that is constantly working overtime. In the first book of the series, Betty tries to bathe her smelly puppy Frank, but finds that it's a little harder than she thought. With the help of her friend Mae, Betty learns that with perseverance, teamwork and a great idea, she can achieve anything.

One five-star reviewer shared, “I'm a librarian and don't have much admiration for most celebrity children's books.” Hardworking Betty is different. Reese Witherspoon is a gifted storyteller. It’s exactly what you would expect from her… adorable, fun and charming.”

The world needs more purple people it's about embracing the things that bring us together as people!

Written by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, this children's book teaches children what it means to be a purple person. Penny Purple is leading the way by telling kids what it takes to be purple – being inclusive, being kind and being unique. Readers are given the opportunity to be silly, stimulate their curiosity, use their voice, and be inspired.

“I am a third and fourth grade special education teacher and purchased this book to accompany to our morning meetings (and because I love Kristen Bell <3). In our morning meetings, I focus on social and emotional learning skills and what that entails being a good citizen and a good person overall. This book exceeded my expectations!! A teacher shared his assessment.

Jimmy Kimmel went above and beyond when it came to his children's book The serious goose!

Written, illustrated and captioned by the late-night host, the picture book was inspired by one of his nicknames for his children. The captivating book encourages little ones to be silly in a serious way, challenging them to bring out the silliness and pull off a no-nonsense smile.

One parent shared: “Overall The serious goose is a fantastic addition to any children's bookshelf, perfect for inspiring laughter and creativity. Kimmel is also donating proceeds from the book to children’s hospitals, adding a heartwarming touch to this entertaining project.”

Kristin Chenoweth's children's book is about spreading love. What will I do with my love today?

The whimsical adoption adventure follows a little girl named Kristi Dawn as she spends the day running around New York City and sharing her love through acts of generosity. Whether she's singing in the church choir or helping a neighbor with yard work, she knows the importance of spreading kindness. And when she meets a lonely puppy in need of a home, Kristi realizes that adoption is one of the most loving, life-changing gifts ever.

“I was concerned that the author would compare adopting a dog to adopting a child, as they are two different experiences. Although the story features an adopted dog, it takes a turn when the reader realizes that the child is also adopted. just like the author,” one parent wrote in a review.

They continued: “The story is absolutely beautiful and shows how we can find comfort in each other by simply showing our love. Personally, it really touched me and I noticed that I was in tears at certain points when I read the story to my child.”

If you're preparing for the arrival of a new family member, look no further than Gabrielle Union Welcome to the party was written for you!

In her children's book, Gabrielle wrote the story that led to the birth of her daughter, Kaavia James, who was born via surrogate mother. The book serves as a celebratory and universal love letter from parents to little ones, sharing the excitement of welcoming a new baby into the family.

“This book is such a cute book! It has a really adorable story that older siblings would really love to read to their new little siblings. Ashley Evans' illustrations are fabulous, so it's very visual for little ones, so it's a book that does that.” “Definitely grows with baby,” one reader shared in their review.

LeBron James knows that tomorrow's success begins with today's promise.

His first children's book, I promise itfollows a group of students who promise to do their best and give their best to their community. Whether it's helping each other on the playground, studying hard, or standing up for what's right, these young students strive for greatness every day.

One five-star reviewer said: “One of the best children’s literature books I’ve ever read! Super multicultural, diverse and encouraging for children of all shapes, sizes, colors etc. Beautiful book with a rich story!”

Hoda Kotb's children's book, You are my happinessis the perfect addition to any collection.

Inspired by Hoda's nighttime routines with her daughters, the book follows a mother bear and her cub as they prepare for a restful sleep. The couple snuggles together and reflects on the everyday wonders of life that make them happy – teaching them the importance of gratitude for things big and small.

“I bought this book for my new little grandson and to be honest – I wanted to keep it. I sent it to him and they all loved it. This little book is SO deeply sweet that I had tears in my eyes every time I read it.” “I'm going to buy it for myself to keep – for the days when I need to be reminded of it. I absolutely love it.”