You may know actor Max Greenfield best from his role as Schmidt in the hit sitcom New Girl. A role that ended with him being a dotting fictional father, who loved spending time with his kid.
And while the role itself may have been only for television, Greenfield and his character had that in common. Greenfield, in real life, is the father of two children. An 11-year-old daughter, Lilly, and a 5-year-old son, Ozzie.
RELATED: 25 Celebrities Who Are Also Published Authors, This Is a List of Their Books
I Don’t Want to Read This Book
$17.99 at the time of publication
And like most parents, Greenfield and his wife, Tess Sanchez, have been homeschooling their two little ones as quarantine continues. During his experience being a makeshift teacher, Greenfield said he learned something about his own children— that they don’t find joy in reading.
“The homeschooling was really the catalyst for the book. When everything was shut down and it became just the two of us in a room with a curriculum, we both knew we were in real trouble. It put a microscope on just how intense schooling can be and how MUCH reading is involved. I think we both needed to vent and the outcome was this book.”
Max Greenfield, People
In an interview with People, Greenfield said that he was inspired by his kids’ lack of interest in reading books, to write his own. The book is “about not wanting to read” he told People, and he hopes it inspires his kids to read it. “Fingers crossed,” he said.
Greenfield said the most interesting part about learning his children don’t want to read was because he was the same way. “In my experience, it was because I found reading to be very difficult — a hard thing for a child to articulate and to admit. For a lot of kids, I Don’t Want to Read This Book will be the book they choose when they are feeling playfully rebellious.”
The actor and father said he hopes and wants his book to be a source of comfort for all kids like him and his own. “I hope it will give them a voice,” he told People. “One that’s acknowledged with empathy and, in a perfect world, with a sense of humor.” He also hopes that his kids know that it’s okay to go at their own pace, with reading, and with anything else in life.
In fact, it’s actually a book Lilly and her friends have already read. And as Greenfield admitted, “They were a tough crowd. Very unforgiving.” Other parents can now preorder Greenfield’s book titled, I Don’t Want to Read This Book, on Amazon!
I Don’t Want to Read This Book
$17.99 at the time of publication
Here are several other children’s books written by celebrities:
River Rose and the Magical Lullaby
$13.28 at the time of publication
A New York Times Bestseller, this children’s book written by singer Kelly Clarkson is one inspired by her daughter River Rose. River Rose and the Magical Lullaby follows River as she anticipates a big day at the zoo and the magical lullaby her mother sings to her to help her fall asleep! And guess what, this book comes with a link so that you can download the actual lullaby sung by Clarkson!
Everything Is Mama
$5 at the time of publication
Everything Is Mama was written by Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. And it was inspired by the hope that it could be used to teach children different words so that everything isn’t always ‘Mama.’ This lighthearted book also features fun illustrations that include cartoon animals.
The Book with No Pictures
$8.64 at the time of publication
Another #1 New York Times bestseller is this one by actor and comedian B.J. Novak, best known for his work on The Office. It’s a unique children’s book in that it has no pictures, but don’t let that fool you. This book will still make you laugh and feel joy. The trick is to read it out loud.
Joey: The Story of Joe Biden
$10.99 at the time of publication
The First Lady of the United States wrote a children’s book about her husband, President of the United States Joe Biden’s life. This book is a great way to teach your little ones about who our current president is. It’s also a great story that teaches how hard work and perseverance leads to success.
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
$11.97 at the time of publication
Former President Barack Obama also wrote a book during his time in the White House. The picture book is written as if it was an open letter to his two girls. And inside the letter are tributes to some of the United State’s most legendary heroes. So not only is this book beautiful, but it’s also a way to teach your kids about these important people in our country’s history.
The English Roses
$11.59 at the time of publication
From compassion and the importance of friendships, legendary performer, Madonna, created a fan-favorite book called The English Roses. Amazon calls it clever, humorous, and a story that everyone can learn from.
Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars
$8.62 at the time of publication
Ricky Martin authored a children’s book titled Santiago the Dream in Land Among the Stars. It’s a story about never giving up, never doubting yourself, and always reaching for your goals. It’s a book with lessons every little kid should learn at an early age.
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