Ok, so if I was a celebrity (haha, yeah as if) and someone offered me the opportunity to write a kid’s book, I’m sure I’d jump on it. But I’d like to think I’d spend plenty of time researching, reading and working on it – not to mention the five years studying English and writing at university I’ve already enjoyed, of course. Do I think that’s the case for most book-happy celebs? Not really.
I’m not saying all stars are lacking in the qualifications it takes to pen a worthy kids tale. In fact, I’m sure plenty of them are. But the whole thing rubs me up the wrong way – much like pointless celebrity memoirs do.
Today the Beeb asked if celebrity kids books are any good, and there were plenty of folks arguing that, in general, they aren’t really. I don’t know why this would be surprising – I honestly can’t fathom a reason for anyone thinking former glamour model Katie Price would be a genius when she hit the books, Thanks goodness for ghostwriters eh? Not that they always help.
The BBC’s table, reproduced from Nielsen Bookscan does make me laugh though – what on earth does this say about the UK?
Lynsey May 
Looking at the BBC table, isn’t Kay Thompson the author of the Eloise books which are children’s classics? Or is this a different Kay Thompson?
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You know, I think it must refer to that Kay Thompson. I certainly can’t find another one who’d qualify for a place on the list. I have to say, I’ve never read the Eloise books but I’m intrigued now.
I also feel like I have to clarify – I’m all for artists diversifying in general. It’s when people like Peter Andre and Katie Price think they are qualified to write kid’s books I have to wonder.
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