Nashville is buzzing with excitement as sibling creatives Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach prepare to unveil their first-ever picture book titled The Make-Believers. This delightful book hits shelves on October 8 and is sure to capture the imaginations of children and adults alike. Featuring enchanting illustrations by Bonnie Lui and inspired by the duo’s childhood memories, this book aims to spark a sense of wonder and creativity in readers.
Ryan and Meredith, who enjoyed a whimsical childhood filled with imaginative play, draw from their experiences to tell a story that emphasizes the importance of dreaming big. Reflecting on their childhood adventures, they reminisce about how they transformed their backyard hills into concert venues and the grass into a sprawling stage. It’s a beautiful tribute to the power of play and the magic that comes from letting our imaginations run wild.
Meredith shared a particularly heartwarming revelation, saying, “It’s been so fun watching my daughter’s imagination run free; it’s like a mirror reflecting my own childhood.” The book was also influenced by their work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, where they interact with courageous children in hospitals who creatively navigate their circumstances through imaginative play.
At its core, The Make-Believers serves as a reminder to children—and adults—that they can be anyone they want to be, visit any place, and meet any character through the power of their imagination. From blankets transforming into superhero capes to candlesticks becoming magic wands, the message is clear: imagination knows no limits! Ryan fondly recalls playing pretend characters like Bon Jovi or DJing like Casey Kasem, which ultimately paved the way for him to become a top-rated radio host today.
The siblings hope the book will resonate with families everywhere and inspire children to embrace their creativity. “We’ve seen how a strong passion for exploration can open new doors for children,” Meredith emphasized. With their foundation’s work, they’ve observed firsthand how imagination can create moments of joy amid challenging times, making stays in hospitals just a bit brighter.
Creating a picture book isn’t a quick process; it requires much effort, creativity, and adaptation. Meredith mentioned how rewarding it was to collaborate with their editor and illustrator to ensure the visuals aligned perfectly with their message. “It is important for the artwork to speak for itself,” she noted, giving nods to the delicate dance between text and illustration in picture books.
For those eager to join in on the fun, there are some exciting opportunities to engage with Meredith personally! Mark your calendars for October 19, when she will be hosting a story time at Parnassus Books. And don’t miss her participation at the Southern Festival of Books on October 26! These events will be wonderful occasions to dive deeper into the imaginative world of The Make-Believers and witness the joy it brings to children.
As Nashville gears up to welcome this charming addition to children’s literature, Ryan and Meredith Seacrest Leach make it clear that imagination is not just a form of play—it’s a pathway to achieving dreams. Their passion shines through every page of The Make-Believers, which celebrates the beauty of creativity and the unending possibilities that come with it.
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