The One and Only Sparkella

by Channing Tatum, Kim Barnes (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Who has more glitz and glam than a movie star? Sparkella does! Channing Tatum, in his debut children’s book, brings us a charming, inspirational and glamourous tale of a father and daughter who live life with more vivacity and enthusiasm than most. When paired with Kim Barnes’ whimsical and jovial illustrations, Tatum’s ‘Sparkella’ party really comes to life. A fun, versatile read-aloud, Sparkella is sure to brighten everyone’s day.

An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller!

Leading actor, producer and director Channing Tatum's picture book debut, The One and Only Sparkella is a charming ode to self-esteem and the love between a father and daughter—illustrated by Kim Barnes.

Ella is excited for her first day at a new school.

Glimmering pencil case? Check!

Shimmering backpack? Check!

Glittery ribbons in her hair? Check!

She can't wait to meet the other kids and share her sparkly personality. But her first day doesn't go quite as planned: Her new classmates don't like her disco-ball shoes, her PB&J-with-sprinkles sandwich, or her rainbow-y unicorn painting.

Ella decides to try to be less sparkly at school the next day so the other kids won't make fun of her. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of just being herself, no matter what other people say.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250750754
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	05/04/2021
Series:	Sparkella Series , #1
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	36,833
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Channing Tatum has established himself as a leading actor, producer and now director with his debut film, Dog, which he is co-directing with his production partner, Reid Carolin. Together they founded their production company Free Association along with Peter Kiernan. Free Association has produced the 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike franchises. They also produce the worldwide stage experience, Magic Mike Live, which premiered in Las Vegas and expanded to London, Berlin and Australia. However, his favorite role to date is being father to his six-year-old daughter, Everly, who loves sparkly, rainbow-y things. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Kim Barnes lives on the Isle of Wight with her partner and two children, Leo and Cameo, who greatly inspire her work. She graduated from Lincoln University, England, and has drawn ever since she was a young child.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The One and Only Sparkella:

An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller!

"Hollywood superstar Tatum pens a sparkling debut. ... The endearing representation of a supportive single father makes this book shine; similarly, the illustrations delight throughout, tenderly reflecting Sparkella’s struggles and successes. A charming story of self-reliance." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A delightful tale that encourages kids to embrace their individuality." —People

"For the children, or the inner child, in your life." —Oprah Daily

From the Publisher

★ 05/01/2021

K-Gr 2—Hollywood superstar Tatum pens a sparkling debut. Ella—who prefers to go by Sparkella—prepares for her first day at a new school. Excited to share her penchant for all things glittering, Sparkella proclaims, "I am not nervous because I sparkle!" However, as her father walks her glittery self to school, she admits to being "nerv-cited." This prompts an upbeat pep talk from her pink-boa wearing dad, followed by a mini-dance party. Sparkella enters school with her confidence restored—only to be met by classmates who are quite unsure of her shimmering self. At recess, the lunch table, and art class, Sparkella's classmates express confusion about her self-expression. Feeling defeated, she returns home with a resolve to be less sparkly the next day. She eats a plain lunch, goes by Ella, and sits quietly, yet feels even worse. In a delightful twist, Ella's father approaches her that evening and admits that he is having trouble at work and seeks her advice. Of course, lots of dancing ensues, along with the recommendation to be yourself, encouraging Sparkella to return to her own twinkling self. The next day at school, she notices a little more sparkle among her classmates. The endearing representation of a supportive single father makes this book shine; similarly, the illustrations delight throughout, tenderly reflecting Sparkella's struggles and successes. VERDICT A charming story of self-reliance, and a solid addition to many collections.—Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ

School Library Journal

2022-05-20
The first day of school might not go too well, nor the second—but the third time’s the sparkly charm in actor Tatum’s picture-book debut.

Working a particularly effervescent variation on the well-trod “just be yourself” lesson, Barnes depicts young Ella (“You can call me Sparkella”) and their single dad positively exploding with stars and twinkles bursting from flamboyant garb and dancing along to school. But if Sparkella turns out to be a bit much for their new class, Day 2’s plainly dressed Ella just leaves the protagonist bored and lonely. There’s nothing for it but to share a little dance party that night with Dad (who had a hard day himself) and recite the pledge that the duo use to combat nervousness: “Close my eyes and know that everything I could need is already there inside of me.” The next day, Sparkella’s not the only child fizzing away in class and by lunchtime is trading half of an almond butter, jam, blueberry, and whipped cream sandwich for some of new friend Tam’s bánh mì. Sometimes, as the scintillant young narrator puts it, “all you can do is be more you-ish.” Sparkella and Dad are light-skinned, Tam is brown-skinned, and the class is racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A message delivered many times…but still true blue–ish. (Picture book. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews