Taraji P. Henson an her new children’s book.Photo:Mr. D. Adams
Mr. D. Adams
Taraji P. Hensonis stepping back into the publishing world, this time with a children’s book with an empowering message.
‘You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)’ book cover.
Henson has been vocal about her ownmental health strugglesin the past. HerBoris Lawrence Henson Foundationaims to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and with this new book, she’s aiming to help children who may be experiencing bullying because they’re uniquely themselves.“Mental health struggles can start even in childhood and oftentimes it begins with being bullied," Henson says in a statement exclusive to PEOPLE. “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.”
With her new kids book, Henson is hoping to empower kids to be kind to one another and deal with their own anxieties. She intends her new book to promote mental wellness and kids' socialization skills, as well as the importance of standing in their own uniqueness and choosing friendship over bullying.
“SoYou 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,” Henson says. “I can’t wait to see the many conversations my book starts in homes and classrooms everywhere!”
Henson recently starred inThe Color Purpleand also appeared in award-winning filmsThe Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonandHidden Figuresand on shows likeAbbott ElementaryandEmpire. She published her memoirAround The Way Girlin 2017.
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“We are so proud of this book and feel that it’s not just a fun story, but an essential tool for teaching empathy, resilience and self-love,” said Megan Dobson, vice President and publisher of Zonderkidz. “Our hope is that this will become a conversation-starter about mental wellness, an important lesson in friendship and handling tough social situations and a testament to the importance of standing proud in one’s own uniqueness.”
You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)will be published on June 18, 2024.
source: people.com
