Fun and Funny Picture Books by Celebrity Authors
by Devon A. Corneal
We tend to put celebrities in boxes. There’s the person who makes us laugh, the one who makes us cry, and the one who always wears the outrageous outfit. But it may surprise you to learn that some of your favorite actors, singers, and comedians have another talent – they are also authors. We’re sharing some of our favorite picture books by celebrity authors, and we hope they transport you to cozy kitchens, underwater adventures, and worlds of possibility.
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The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit
It’s a bit unfair that Emma Thompson is so wickedly talented, but then again, because she is, we have more Peter Rabbit to love. Building on Beatrix Potter’s classic tales, Emma Thompson brings the mischievous Peter to life for another generation.
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The Serious Goose
Available from:Late-night talk show host, comedian, and author Jimmy Kimmel gives kids the chance to use the wildest corners of their imaginations to figure out how to make a very serious goose crack a smile.
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I Don't Want to Read This Book
Available from:Actor Max Greenfield knows how to make people laugh, and he uses that remarkable talent to encourage, persuade, and even trick reluctant readers into reading. Think you don’t enjoy reading? Think again.
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Tomatoes for Neela
Available from:Best known for her role as host of Top Chef and her bestselling cookbooks, Padma Lakshmi has long encouraged children to help in the kitchen. Lakshmi explores family recipes, intergenerational cooking, and the humble tomato in her new picture book.
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The Book with No Pictures
Available from:This hugely popular pictureless picture book is a hit with children and adults alike. B. J. Novak brings his comedic talents to the page in a uniquely inventive way. I’ve never gotten through it without bursting out laughing, and I dare you to try.
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The World Needs More Purple People
Available from:I might argue that the world needs more episodes of The Good Place, but I suppose a heartfelt picture book by its star Kristen Bell will have to do instead. Bell encourages kids to become “purple people,” the people who know who they are and accept others for who they are and, as a result, build more harmonious, loving communities. That sounds like a worthy goal to me.
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My Little Brave Girl
Available from:Every little girl (and even big ones) can use encouragement to be brave, embrace all that the world offers, and remember the vast possibilities available to her. Inspired by her daughter, Hilary Duff delivers a lovely, beautifully illustrated book that provides that reminder.
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Elbow Grease
Available from:While none of John Cena’s movies are appropriate for little kids, his picture book is exactly what they need. Kids will cheer for the small but gutsy truck named Elbow Grease, who sets out to prove himself to his bigger brothers and finds he has all the determination he needs to make a big difference in the world.
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Grandude's Green Submarine
Available from:Kids don’t need to know a thing about The Beatles to appreciate Paul McCartney’s fun-filled book about a very inventive grandfather and his newest creation – a green submarine. Dive in for an underwater adventure with music, dancing, and an unforgettable octopus.
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Why Not You?
Available from:Sometimes it’s hard to believe that you can achieve everything you dream of – especially if your dreams are very big and you feel very small. Which is why Ciara and Russell Wilson wrote Why Not You? – to encourage children to trust in themselves and chase the goals they want to reach, no matter how impossible they seem.
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I'm Not Scared, You're Scared!
Available from:Late-night host Seth Meyers has never seen the world the way other people have, which is why the characters in his new picture book are not what you’d expect. The big, hairy, sort of scary bear in this story? Afraid of everything. The white, fluffy, tiny rabbit who is his best friend? Fearless. And when these two opposites set out on an adventure – well, let’s just say things don’t turn out the way you’d expect, either.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2022.