Taraji P. Henson on her new children’s book and staying true to herself

Both on screen and off, Taraji P. Henson showcases her authenticity and leads with light, love, and passion. Whether she’s bringing one of her many infamous characters to life or working on her locks with her own hair care line, she always stays true to herself.

Her unique energy shines through each new endeavor. With her latest project, a 29-page children’s book titled You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!), Henson is using her infectious loving spirit to inspire the next generation to live authentically.

The award-winning actress and mental health activist’s debut children’s book, out June 18, tells the story of Lil TJ, a younger version of Henson, navigating a new school. She comes to school to learn and make friends. However, when she meets a boy named Beau who seems to have a problem with everything she does, Lil TJ begins to shrink and dim her own light. After receiving further advice from her grandmother Patsy, Lil TJ decides to be herself and lead with love, discovering the beauty and power of her individuality along the way.

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“Sometimes people take their anger out on you because they are unhappy,” Henson told a group of young readers at her Celebration of the release day hosted at The Lit Bar. “But if you’re happy and own your joy, you can change their heart. It takes a brave, bold person to be themselves. That’s your power, and no one can take it away from you unless you let them.”

Henson’s picture book teaches valuable life lessons to a young audience in a fun and interactive way. By using characters like Grandma Patsy, children learn from a young age the importance of good relationships. While these relationships require nurturing and patience, it is always worth it. These powerful connections ultimately help you grow and become a better person, which is portrayed in the pages of the book.

The story also shows readers that they don’t have to change who they are to fit in. Instead, the right people and the right energy will come if you are yourself. Overall, Henson hopes this novel inspires everyone to live their true selves and lead with compassion and empathy.

“The moral of the story is: don’t change who you are. And when you change, you usually gain fans because people are afraid to live out loud and be themselves,” she said. “When you do that, you become a hero – someone who inspires. We all need to be confident and proud of who we are because there is no other person on this planet like you and that is your superpower.”