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Mario Lopez, Author: Do We Really Need Another Celeb-Written Children’s Book?
Don’t get me wrong: I’ve got nothing against Mario Lopez, or as I like to think of him, A.C. Slater. But I’m bemused by the news that the 37-year-old actor dad will be releasing a new children’s book come fall.
It’s not his first book: following in the footsteps of other celebs-turned-authors like Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jerry Seinfeld, Lopez released Mud Tacos in 2009 and has published fitness and diet books as well. Mario and Baby Gia is just the latest in a steady stream of children’s books written by actors, singers, comedians and other famed personalities, their ranks recently including Kathie Lee Gifford, Tori Spelling and Ricky Gervais.
I can’t blame Lopez for wading into these lucrative waters, seeing how well it’s turned out for his peers. But I do have to ask other parents: does a celebrity name actually make you more likely to pick up a children’s book? And if so…why?
I’ve heard publishers and experienced children’s authors say that kid’s literature is some of the most difficult to do well. Assuming that’s the case – and I think these people know what they’re talking about – either:
- A: Hollywood has an incredibly multi-talented pool to draw from;
- B: The celebs aren’t actually doing any of the writing themselves, but using the work of a ghost-writer and talented illustrator to create elaborate vanity projects; or
- C: These books just aren’t very good.
I wouldn’t know: I’ve honestly, to my memory, never read a single one of them. Give me the tried-and-true any day; those children’s authors who’ve spent years honing their crafts and have built a career based on talent and hard work instead of celebrity and star power.
But maybe I’m just a fuddy-duddy. What do you think? Is the celeb-as-children’s-author trend a good thing? Does it have staying power? Would you personally be more likely to pick up a book for your child because it was written by Mario Lopez?
How about something for mom? 10 Most Inappropriate Books for New Parents!
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7 Comments
Stephanie Precourt commented on Jul 11 11 at 1:01 pmOk, when I first heard about this I thought it was JENNIFER Lopez, so I was like, well, she *is* a mom and all. I thought of Madonna, etc. But now that I see it’s Mario LOL I have no idea. I’m skeptical, that’s all.
Steph
Stephanie Precourt commented on Jul 11 11 at 1:04 pmPS I meant to say, I am more likely NOT to pick up a book by a celeb like that… I just don’t take them seriously. Kind of how hard it is for a celeb to make the transition of any sort- from actor to singer or purse designer or whatever.
Steph
Diana commented on Jul 11 11 at 4:38 pmjust because they are celebritys does not make them any less intellegent nor any less contributive to the childrens book community.. if you knew the lives of the past famouse authors you speak of you probably would not pick up there books. i say first check it out at the library it cant be any less silly then see spot run . the title though lol reminds me of the childrens book mud pies XD
Gretchen Powers commented on Jul 11 11 at 7:27 pmSoooooooooo many children’s books suck…it’s just a crapshoot, so, what’s one more. I would probably shy away from celeb books, if I had to generalize, although I must admit, this one looks kind of cute….and all those who reviewed it on Amazon had good things to say.
kikiriki commented on Jul 11 11 at 7:44 pmWhatever it is, it cannot be as awful as Katie Couric’s books. Reading her clumsy, labored and poorly-timed rhymes made me want to rip out my own eyeballs. I will never be the same again.
Ava commented on Oct 01 11 at 8:13 amThe author of the article should read the book before criticizing it. It’s a great book for all kids, and especially for those with a Hispanic heritage. Beautiful story and illustrations. I appreciate when a celebrity can use their “star power” to accomplish good things, and this book is one of them.
Terri Landry commented on Jan 06 12 at 4:18 amPersonally, I’m more concerned with content and quality than the name of the author. I don’t think I’d pick up a book just because it was written by a celeb, but I wouldn’t rule it out for that reason either. Some children’s books are terrible, some are good and some are outstanding, just like any other category, and there is no way to tell what falls into which classification unless you read the book. I don’t think it is a bad thing to have more books available to choose from, no matter who is doing the writing. My personal opinion is that the more books there are to choose from, the more likely we are to find something we approve of or even love for our children. Why does it matter if it was written by Mario Lopez or Robert Munsch? If it’s a good book, it doesn’t matter, at least not to me.
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