Geena Davis is taking on the role of both author and illustrator!
The Oscar-winning actress and producer, 68, shared exclusively with PEOPLE that she will publish her debut children’s book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page, in spring 2025. Davis also illustrated the book, which is forthcoming from Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.
The book focuses on Sheila, a young girl who lives inside a book she knows people are reading. But as she grows older, she realizes that she’s growing so quickly, she no longer fits on the page.
For Davis, the book stems from real experiences she had as a child, and the self-confidence she later learned.
“I’ve always been tall – I was a tall baby,” Davis says in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “As a kid, my fondest wish was to take up less space in the world. It was only as an adult I realized I could be all of who I was, unapologetically.”
“So I wrote this book for all of the ‘too big’ children — including children with big personalities and big dreams — who need reassurance that they can be their true selves and make their own space in the world,” Davis continues. “It was a joy to write, and so wonderful to be able to illustrate my own words to bring my characters to life. I can’t wait to have it out in the world.”
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Geena Davis is best known for her roles in fan-favorite movies like Beetlejuice (1988),Thelma and Louise (1991) and A League of Their Own (1992); she won an Academy Award for her role in 1989’s The Accidental Tourist. Today, Davis is a nationally-ranked archer, as well as the founder of the Geena Davis Foundation, which advocates for more equitable representation in media.
The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page also comes from the actor and advocate’s love for the way children’s stories can affect them.
“As a mom of three, Geena has always been passionate about the impact children’s stories can have on broadening kids’ perspectives,” says Philomel publisher Jill Santopolo. “Geena is now working in the children’s book space to share an important message with young readers — that tall, short or in between, you are deserving of all the space you need to be your true self.”
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“It’s been such a joy to work with Geena on a book with a strong female protagonist that empowers young readers. I know it will make an impact on so many children — and adults — all over the world.”
The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page will be published on April 29, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
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