Zonderkidz is proud to announce the debut picture book “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)” by actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, hitting shelves on June 18, 2024. The engaging story, illustrated by Paul Kellam, will help kids face the challenge of finding their place and being a good friend while being themselves.
Throughout her career, Henson has established a foundation that encourages mental health programming in under-resourced areas around the U.S. Now, her picture book release aligns with her life’s mission – to promote the importance of speaking up about good mental health practices.
The heartwarming children’s book narrates the story of a young girl, Lil TJ. Facing her first day of school, Lil TJ learns the valuable lesson of making friends and the importance of self-acceptance. The compelling narrative resonates with children of all ages, teaching them to ditch the fear of being different and allowing their unique qualities to shine.
In a personal message to People.com, Henson expressed her strong sentiments about the book by saying, “Mental health struggles can start even in childhood and oftentimes it begins with being bullied. This book isn’t just about bullying though—it’s about how children all have something different about them, and being different is what makes them oh so very special.”
She continued, “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is for the kids who feel different. This book is for the parents who want their kids to accept differences. And this book is for the kids and families who’ve encountered hard times because of differences. I can’t wait to see the many conversations my book starts in homes and classrooms everywhere!”
The book, making waves well before its release, will be available for pre-order wherever books are sold. Henson, exuberant over the launch, will also be holding presale virtual events where she will share more about the book and her passion for the engaging story. The book release will mark Zonderkidz’s first collaboration with Henson and the first children’s book release for the prominent mental health advocate.
The mood over at Zonderkidz is of excitement for the prospects the book holds. According to Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz, the book is bound to be a conversation starter about mental wellness and the importance of friendship. It’s a tool to teach young readers about empathy, resilience, and self-love, all in the backdrop of a captivating story about finding and celebrating one’s uniqueness.
People.com has been given the privilege of providing an exclusive cover reveal, and will be announcing tour dates and appearances with Henson this spring.
Young readers can look forward to sharing in the experience of “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)” from June 18, 2024, as the book comes to life both on store shelves and at author events around the country. The book can be pre-ordered at http://www.zondervan.com.
You’re invited to join Zonderkidz in sharing in the excitement as Taraji P. Henson takes the world of children’s publishing by storm with “You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)”.
Please direct all media inquiries to Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz:
j.westra@gmail.com
616-403-6628
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Zonderkidz
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