‘Magic Mike’ star Channing Tatum has released children’s book and embraces his sparkly side

‘Magic Mike’ star, Channing Tatum, has released a children’s book dedicated to his daughter.

The One and Only Sparkella is published by Feiwel & Friends and was on sale May 4th.

Speaking to USA Today, Tatum explains: “I definitely never ever planned on being an author, much less a kid’s book author. I think people, knowing my history and the movies that I’ve made – I don’t think kid’s books come to mind when you think of me at all.”

That changed when he split with his wife and became a single father to their now 7-year-old daughter, Everly (or Evie).

Sparkella is a beautifully colourful adventure illustrated by Kim Barnes, in which a little girl named Ella (named for Tatum’s daughter) finds herself doubtful when she starts at a new school.

Ella finds she is worried about her style and whether the other kids will appreciate her orange tutu or glittery ribbons… Will the other kids mock her for her love of jewels and sparkles? And will her dad be able to convince her that she is great the way she is by wearing a pink feather boa..?

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The character is inspired by Tatum’s own daughter who has a very individual style, including a poncho that makes her look like a watermelon. When Ella showed some nervousness about wearing her favourite, fun things, Tatum decided to show her that there is no shame in expressing yourself through your fashion by joining her in wearing boas and tutus- just like in the book. He explained he has seen his friends, fellow actors Chris Hemsworth and Jason Mamoa, do the same with their kids- these manly men aren’t afraid of showing their kids it is ok to wear things that people might think are traditionally ‘feminine’.

“[They’re] not afraid to wear the tutu. I’m fans of those guys. I’m fans of their work, but also they’re just big-hearted guys. I admire that. They’re really people who are who they seem to be. They’re not putting this image forward and then behind the scenes this other person. They’re really living truthfully,” he says.