📖 Overview
Jamie Lee Curtis is an American actress and children's book author who has successfully balanced dual careers in entertainment and publishing since the 1990s. Her acting career began in 1978 with the horror classic "Halloween," leading to numerous acclaimed film roles over multiple decades.
As an author, Curtis has written over 13 children's books, many of which have appeared on The New York Times bestseller list. Her first book, "When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth" was published in 1993, launching her writing career with illustrator Laura Cornell, who would become her longtime collaborator.
Curtis's books often address everyday childhood experiences and emotions, tackling subjects like self-esteem, adoption, and personal growth. Notable titles include "Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day" (1998), "Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born" (1996), and "Me, Myselfie & I: A Cautionary Tale" (2018).
Her work in children's literature has earned recognition from the Children's Choice Book Awards, and her books have sold over 5.2 million copies worldwide. Curtis continues to write while maintaining her acting career, including her Academy Award-winning performance in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022).
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Curtis's ability to address complex emotional topics in child-friendly language. Parents note her books help start difficult conversations about feelings, adoption, and self-acceptance.
Liked:
- Simple, relatable illustrations by Laura Cornell
- Rhythmic, memorable text that children request repeatedly
- Books that validate children's emotional experiences
- Adoption stories that celebrate family diversity
Disliked:
- Some find the writing style overly simple
- Higher price point compared to similar picture books
- A few readers note the books feel "preachy" or "message-heavy"
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: Average 4.7/5 across all titles
Goodreads: 4.2/5 average rating
"Today I Feel Silly": 4.8/5 (Amazon), 4.3/5 (Goodreads)
"Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born": 4.9/5 (Amazon), 4.4/5 (Goodreads)
One parent reviewer wrote: "These books give kids permission to feel their feelings and talk about them openly." Another noted: "The adoption stories helped our family celebrate our journey without sugarcoating it."
📚 Books by Jamie Lee Curtis
Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day (1998)
A child experiences different moods throughout the day, illustrated through rhyming verses and colorful drawings.
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born (1996) A young girl asks her adoptive parents to recount the story of her adoption and arrival into their family.
When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth (1993) A child reflects on how she has grown and changed since she was a baby.
It's Hard to Be Five: Learning How to Work My Control Panel (2004) A five-year-old navigates the challenges of learning self-control and adapting to school life.
Is There Really a Human Race? (2006) A boy ponders the meaning of life's "race" and learns about competition, cooperation, and finding one's own pace.
Big Words for Little People (2008) An educational book introducing young readers to complex vocabulary words and their meanings.
My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story (2010) A child describes the magical and everyday ways their mother makes the world a better place.
My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs, and High Fives (2012) A young girl experiences various "firsts" throughout the year, from riding a bike to making new friends.
This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From (2016) An exploration of immigration, family heritage, and personal identity for young readers.
Me, Myselfie & I: A Cautionary Tale (2018) A mother becomes obsessed with taking selfies, affecting her relationship with her family.
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born (1996) A young girl asks her adoptive parents to recount the story of her adoption and arrival into their family.
When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth (1993) A child reflects on how she has grown and changed since she was a baby.
It's Hard to Be Five: Learning How to Work My Control Panel (2004) A five-year-old navigates the challenges of learning self-control and adapting to school life.
Is There Really a Human Race? (2006) A boy ponders the meaning of life's "race" and learns about competition, cooperation, and finding one's own pace.
Big Words for Little People (2008) An educational book introducing young readers to complex vocabulary words and their meanings.
My Mommy Hung the Moon: A Love Story (2010) A child describes the magical and everyday ways their mother makes the world a better place.
My Brave Year of Firsts: Tries, Sighs, and High Fives (2012) A young girl experiences various "firsts" throughout the year, from riding a bike to making new friends.
This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From (2016) An exploration of immigration, family heritage, and personal identity for young readers.
Me, Myselfie & I: A Cautionary Tale (2018) A mother becomes obsessed with taking selfies, affecting her relationship with her family.
👥 Similar authors
Patricia Polacco writes children's picture books focusing on family relationships and personal growth, similar to Curtis's themes. Her work also incorporates autobiographical elements and deals with self-acceptance.
Todd Parr creates picture books about emotions and self-identity using simple text and clear messages. His books address similar topics to Curtis, including adoption, family diversity, and feeling different.
Peter H. Reynolds produces books centered on creativity and self-expression, matching Curtis's focus on building children's confidence. His work encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and overcome insecurities.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote children's books that combine wordplay with life lessons about self-worth and identity. Her books share Curtis's approach of using humor to address serious topics.
Doreen Cronin writes stories that blend humor with messages about empowerment and trying new things. Her books maintain the same accessible, conversational tone that Curtis uses in her work.
Todd Parr creates picture books about emotions and self-identity using simple text and clear messages. His books address similar topics to Curtis, including adoption, family diversity, and feeling different.
Peter H. Reynolds produces books centered on creativity and self-expression, matching Curtis's focus on building children's confidence. His work encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves and overcome insecurities.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal wrote children's books that combine wordplay with life lessons about self-worth and identity. Her books share Curtis's approach of using humor to address serious topics.
Doreen Cronin writes stories that blend humor with messages about empowerment and trying new things. Her books maintain the same accessible, conversational tone that Curtis uses in her work.