Siblings Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach revealed their collaborative venture into children's literature. The pair shared their excitement about this new endeavor, revealing that becoming authors was a long-held aspiration on their bucket list, as announced by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation on March 5.
The book, titled "The Make-Believers," is set to launch in the fall under Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
The book, illustrated by Bonnie Lui, presents an inspiring narrative about childhood imagination, highlighting the significance of sharing dreams with those close to you. Bonnie Lui is known for her work as an illustrator and storyteller. Her creations can be found in various books, games, and television projects. Her other works include "ABC of Feelings" and Augusten Burroughs' "My Little Thief." Aside from her creative pursuits, Bonnie is passionate about playing instruments like the piano and ukulele.
Drawing inspiration from the Seacrest siblings' early adventures in the suburbs outside of Atlanta, the book delves into using imagination to dream big and venture beyond ordinary circumstances. The siblings stressed in their statement how critical it is to let children use their imaginations to strive for greatness and imagine an incredible existence.
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"The Make-Believers" project is not the first collaboration between Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach. In 2009, the family founded the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to installing media broadcast centers, known as Seacrest Studios, in pediatric hospitals nationwide. Currently, Meredith serves as the executive director and COO of the foundation, while Ryan holds the position of chairman.
Aside from the foundation, Meredith worked for the production company now known as EndemolShine North America. She also has a background in creative affairs and public relations, including roles at Reveille, Murphy O'Brien, "Entertainment Tonight," and "The Insider." A University of Georgia alumna with a B.A. in Journalism, Meredith Seacrest Leach actively engages in non-profit boards, advocating for youth, music, and education initiatives. She finds joy in travel, hiking, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs in her free time.
The Seacrest siblings' parents, Gary and Connie, hold positions on the board of directors. Gary, a former attorney, serves as the president & CEO, while Connie serves as the Vice President for Hospital Relations and Community Affairs.
In addition to hosting "American Idol," Ryan Seacrest will take over as host of "Wheel of Fortune" after Pat Sajak announced his retirement in June. Ryan, who departed from "Live" in April 2023 to move to California and devote more time to "American Idol," will balance his hosting responsibilities on both programs with his impending book promotion.
The book is set to deliver an impactful message, encouraging young readers to dream big and believe in creating a world entirely on their own. The siblings, reflecting on their foundation's interactions with children, emphasized the profound value of reading and the transformative power of imagination.
With its meaningful message, "The Make-Believers" is poised to be an excellent gift for the youngest readers, with a scheduled release date of October 8.
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