By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 11, 2010
boo·ka·raz·zi: A freelance blogger who pursues celebrities who read books, to create posts that promote children’s literature.
Children’s books written by celebrities are growing in abundance. The latest books to join this category are The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews. I haven’t had a chance to flip through either of these titles, but they look promising. However, in a world where it is quite difficult to become a published author, it seems that celebrities have the upper-hand: their media presence immediately creates a publishing opportunity that is hard to pass, consumers love celebrities.
So … how do you know whether the next celebrity written children’s book that you find in your hands is going to be quality? For starters, take a look at the suggestions offered in the comments field on these two fab blogs:
A Fuse #8 Production
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Then, leave us a comment: We’d love to know your thoughts about the suggestions left on these blogs.
In the mean time, you can read the publisher’s synopsis’ on the two books mentioned above:
by Julie Andrews
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 18, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: While her friends and family may not believe in fairies, Geraldine knows, deep down, that she is a VERY fairy princess. From morning to night, Gerry does everything that fairy princesses do: she dresses in her royal attire, practices her flying skills, and she is always on the lookout for problems to solve. But it isn’t all twirls and tiaras – as every fairy princess knows, dirty fingernails and scabby knees are just the price you pay for a perfect day!
This new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection features the joyful illustrations of Christine Davenier, and is sure to inspire that sparkly feeling within the hearts of readers young and old.
Add this book to your collection: The Very Fairy Princess
by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 20, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Lily and Salma are best friends. They play together and stick together through thick and thin. But who would have ever thought that ordinary peanut butter or plain old hummus could come between them? Lily and Salma don’t quite understand each other’s tastes, but does that mean they can’t be friends? They understand far better than a lot of gown ups that these things hardly matter and that friendship is the most important thing of all.
Her Majesty,Queen Rania’s children’s book is inspired by her own experience. As written by Kelly Dipuchio, it is a warm-hearted and gently humorous fable about two girls who become aware of their subtle cultural differences, only to have their friendship strengthened as a result. Her Majesty travels the world promoting children’s causes as well as cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
Add this book to your collection: The Sandwich Swap