WillieBoy Eats the World: A Children's Picture Book

by Steve Schirripa, Philip Lerman, Kirk Parrish (Illustrator), WillieBoy

Overview

Sopranos star Steve Schirripa gets a delicious and delightful lesson about the wondrous world of food from his dog WillieBoy in this beautifully illustrated picture book

WILLIEBOY EATS THE WORLD is a children’s book that answers the question every parent has asked: what do you tell children who won’t try new things?

Actor and best-selling author Steve Schirripa yields center stage to his adorable real-life dachshund WillieBoy in this New York City–based fantasy. It was inspired by the viral videos the two have become famous for, with Steve and WillieBoy chowing down on everything from pizza to churros. In WillieBoy Eats the World, Steve admits that he only eats Italian food because it’s all that he knows—so WillieBoy teaches him the joy of trying Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Korean, and dozens of other delights. WillieBoy promises: “Trust me, my pal, you’ll be glad that I sent ya / On this great big fabulous dining adventure.”

The book is cowritten by author and journalist Philip Lerman, and illustrated by veteran artist Kirk Parrish.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781636142760
Publisher:	Akashic Books, Ltd.
Publication date:	04/21/2026
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Steve Schirripa, actor and best-selling author, is best known for his portrayal of the lovable Bobby Bacala on The Sopranos. His most recent bestseller (coauthored with Michael Imperioli and Phillip Lerman), Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos, was spun off of the popular Talking Sopranos podcast he hosted with his castmate and buddy Imperioli. Schirripa’s acting credits include the long-running TV series Blue Bloods and The Secret Life of the American Teenager; and many films, including What Are the Odds (which won him best supporting actor at the New York Independent Film Festival), Hungry Ghosts, and Hereafter. Schirripa is the author of the New York Times bestseller, A Goomba’s Guide to Life, and the young adult novel, Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family, which was made into a film for Nickelodeon starring several of his fellow Sopranos alums. Schirripa is the proud dad of two wonderful women. He resides in New York with his wife Laura. 

Philip Lerman is the author of Dadditude and coauthor of a dozen other books, including the recent Life in the Key of G, the autobiography of sax legend Kenny G; and When Truth Is All You Have, about freeing the wrongly accused from prison. He is a former national editor of USA Today and co–executive producer of one of the longest-running prime-time shows in history, America’s Most Wanted. In addition to Woke Up This Morning, Lerman also cowrote, with Schirripa, Big Daddy’s Rules: Raising Daughters Is Tougher Than I Look. A proud dad and stepdad, he lives in New York with his wife and a dragon disguised as a golden retriever puppy.

KIRK PARRISH grew up on a small island just outside of Seattle. As a youngster, he developed a fondness for scribbling caped superheroes and yearned to become a grandmaster ninja. These days, he’s (mostly) set aside his ninja ambitions to focus on his career as an illustrator and designer based in Orlando, Florida. With over fifteen years of experience, Kirk’s artwork has been featured in video games, animation, books, and advertising. Known for his versatility, he tailors his style to fit the unique needs of each project.

Willieboy is a seven-year-old dachshund who hails from California—and still loves the beach—but who has become a true New Yorker. You got a problem with that? He loves ALL foods, but his favorites are popcorn and apples. He is kind enough to let Steve share his Instagram page, @willietheweenieofwallstreet, and invites you to follow him too.

Editorial Reviews

As the proud dad of two dachshunds, Penny and Gus, I can say for sure that Steve Schirripa is right: they have a lot to teach us. My dogs teach me how to enjoy every moment—and I laughed out loud reading WillieBoy Eats the World.— Aaron Judge, seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star

I always want people to try new foods. Who knew a dog could teach that lesson better than a chef? This book is smart and funny. It made me laugh, made me think, and made me hungry—for truth, justice, and a good sandwich.— José Andrés, chef and humanitarian

WillieBoy Eats the World is tremendous and stupendous. It’s great to see Steve Schirripa and WillieBoy movin’ and groovin’, educating kids on all the great cuisine in the world’s greatest city, New York!— Walt “Clyde” Frazier, New York Knicks legend and coauthor of Winning and Grinning

If you’ve got a fussy eater at home, this adorable book is for you!— Bernadette Peters, actress, author of Stella Is a Star

From the Publisher