7 Books for Kids by Famous People

Celebrities who make it big in one way (say, making movies) are often gifted writers, artists and athletes, too. Not fair, I know. But that’s just how it is. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that famous people have written some terrific books for kids.

Here are 7 books for kids written by celebrities that you and your children might enjoy:

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I Already Know I Love You
Billy Crystal

Books for Kids: In this beautifully illustrated tale, actor and comedian Billy Crystal writes a poem to his grandchild before they meet. It might appeal more to grandmas and grandpas than to kids, but it’s a heartfelt love letter, penned before the child is born.

One Dark and Scary Night
Bill Cosby

Books for Kids: I loved Bill Cosby as a kid. We had a bunch of his comedy records (vinyl!), and I listened to them over and over. The ones we had were clean enough for the whole family to enjoy. Then, as a young mom, I was a total fan of Cliff Huxtable, father of five on the Cosby Show. In my mind, Bill Cosby is the perfect guy to write for kids. Plus, some of his books are ‘chapter’ books, which are hard to find. You might like One Dark and Scary Night if your child is afraid of bedtime lights out.

What's Heaven?
Maria Shriver

Books for Kids: When her great grandma dies, a little girl named Kate contemplates what heaven is like. The illustrations are to die for. (Sorry.) Shriver’s view of heaven is a traditional one. If yours is, too, you might enjoy reading this book to your child.

Milton's Secret
Eckhart Tolle

Books for Kids: A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle, was one of the most important books I’ve ever read. I think Tolle’s writings are changing our planet—in a good way. Why am I saying this? To soften the blow. I felt that Milton’s Secret was preachy and contrived. But it is one of the few books that teaches children how present moment awareness can relieve suffering, so hats off to Tolle for writing it.

The English Roses
Madonna

Books for Kids: You know you’ve made it when you don’t use your last name and people still know who you are. (It's Ciccone, by the way.) Madonna wrote this charming book, adding to her repertoire of things you can buy from her. It’s cute! It reminds me a little of the Madeleine books, maybe because it takes place in a European school and stars a bunch of girls. It also deals with the human capacity for judging someone harshly.

Whoopi's Big Book of Manners
Whoopi Goldberg

Books for Kids: I always wanted to ask Guinan for advice! But if you can’t have the bartending Star Trek sage, this book is the next best thing. Maybe Goldberg was bemoaning the lack of manners in our culture, but whatever the reason, she did us all a great service by writing this guide for kids. And the pictures are fun, too.

How Roland Rolls
Jim Carrey

Books for Kids: This is a simple story about a tiny wave who ultimately discovers he is part of a vast ocean. A metaphor for our planet and how we are all one, Jim Carrey writes about How Roland Rolls: “The message of the story will help [children] feel connected, worthwhile and a part of something vast and grand.” What greater gift could a story offer your children?