Pulp friction Writers rue the rise of celebs' books for children
The Guardian|October 21, 2024
“A modern classic by Keira Knightley,” reads the provisional cover of the actor's debut children's book I Love You Just the Same. Set to be published next October, the 80-page volume, written and illustrated by Knightley, is about a girl navigating the dynamics that come with the arrival of a sibling.
Ella Creamer, Lucy Knight
Pulp friction Writers rue the rise of celebs' books for children

The Pirates of the Caribbean star is the latest in a long list of celebrities to have turned to writing children's books. McFly's Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter have been hovering at the top of the bestseller chart since the publication of their latest book The Dinosaur That Pooped Halloween! Earlier in the year, David Walliams dominated with his newest book Astrochimp. The entertainer has sold 25m copies of his children's titles in the UK alone, according to Nielsen BookData.

The celeb-to-author pipeline is nothing new: Julie Andrews' children's novel Mandy was published in 1974, while Madonna's picture book The English Roses came out in 2003. What has changed in recent years is that the non-celeb side of the playing field has been hollowed out, with author incomes in decline.

“These celebrities do not need any more money or exposure, but plenty of genuine writers do,” says the author and poet Joshua Seigal. When news of Knightley's book broke, authors expressed frustrations online: in one tweet, the writer Charlotte Levin joked about trying to become a film star.

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE GUARDIANSe alt
I did not mean to make light of self-harm, says Guardiola
The Guardian

I did not mean to make light of self-harm, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has said he did not intend to \"make light of the very serious issue of self-harm\" when he answered a question relating to a cut he made on his nose during Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Maeda saves point for Celtic after costly error by Carter-Vickers
The Guardian

Maeda saves point for Celtic after costly error by Carter-Vickers

There were spells in this game when Club Brugge resembled a reincarnation of 1970 Brazil. As Cameron Carter-Vickers bundled home an embarrassing own goal to send the Belgians in front, it looked a matter of how many they would choose to score.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Amorim: Rashford has to 'really want' to find form
The Guardian

Amorim: Rashford has to 'really want' to find form

Ruben Amorim believes Marcus Rashford has to \"really want it\" if the forward is to recapture his 30-goal Manchester United form of two seasons ago.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Mac Allister kickstarts Liverpool party to keep up perfect record
The Guardian

Mac Allister kickstarts Liverpool party to keep up perfect record

Arne Slot's Liverpool reboot has its latest dividend. His team continues to boast the only 100% record in the Champions League group stage and this was not just another victory, it was a swatting aside of the holders, a statement of intent.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Martínez reactions hold up Juve before Rogers denied at the last
The Guardian

Martínez reactions hold up Juve before Rogers denied at the last

Three minutes of second-half stoppage time had been and gone when Morgan Rogers thought he had snatched victory with surely the final kick.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Guardian

FA investigates claims Coote discussed giving booking

The Football Association is investigating allegations that the referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
To see the impact the club has, it's really extraordinary
The Guardian

To see the impact the club has, it's really extraordinary

As they gear up for a famous night at Old Trafford, this is how Bodø/Glimt became one of Europe's big success stories

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Australia's mission: how to dismantle Bumrah's genius
The Guardian

Australia's mission: how to dismantle Bumrah's genius

India's supreme fast bowler destroyed top order in Perth and hosts have little time to avoid a second Test repeat

time-read
5 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Van Nistelrooy set for Leicester as Coventry close in on Lampard
The Guardian

Van Nistelrooy set for Leicester as Coventry close in on Lampard

Ruud van Nistelrooy is poised to become the new Leicester manager, making an almost immediate return to the Premier League after leaving Manchester United.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Williamson's return leaves no room for in-form Young
The Guardian

Williamson's return leaves no room for in-form Young

A green surface at Hagley Oval - scene of the first Test that was due to start last night - meant New Zealand made changes from the seismic 3-0 series win in India.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024