Elizabeth Olsen can now officially add “children’s book author” to her resumé.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe actress and star of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” has published a new children’s book, “Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective,” which she co-authored with her husband, musician Robbie Arnett.
The book, illustrated by Marissa Valdez, tells the story of Hattie Harmony, a feline who helps her friends manage their feelings — and along the way figures out how to help herself.
Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett read their new children’s book
“Her name was inspired by helping kids deal with big, complicated feelings that are hard to understand or identify and giving kids language so they can identify these big feelings,” Olsen told “Good Morning America.”
Olsen, who said she experienced “weird panic attacks” in her early 20s, said that her own mental health journey inspired “Hattie Harmony.”
“I think a lot of the tools that Robbie and I instinctively wrote about were tools that we’ve had to use ourselves,” said Olsen, who added that mindful movement and breathing were important tools that she learned to help relieve her anxiety.
“We hope the book becomes a welcome reminder for kids that it’s OK to have complicated, big feelings, and that this book can help give them tools on maybe how to work through them instead of ignore them,” she continued.
While “Hattie Harmony” is Olsen’s first book, she and Arnett both have plenty of other favorite children’s books and shared some of the ones that inspired them as kids.
Shop “Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective” and Olsen and Arnett’s recommendations, below.
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’Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective’ by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett
Viking Books for Young Readers
Critically acclaimed actress Elizabeth Olsen and esteemed musician and writer Robbie Arnett have created an irresistible new character filled with warmth and humor to introduce the youngest readers to the importance of self-care.
‘Goodnight Moon’ by Margaret Wise Brown
“A lot of people our age and many generations have been read [‘Goodnight Moon’] at night,” Olsen said. “We love a classic and want to represent a classic on our list.”
In this classic of children’s literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ by Shel Silverstein
“My siblings and I would fight over that copy,” Olsen said. “We ended up having multiple because we all loved it so much.”
If you are a dreamer, come in, If you are a dreamer, A wisher, a liarA hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer…Come in… for where the sidewalk ends, Shel Silverstein’s world begins.
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ and ‘In the Night Kitchen’ by Maurice Sendak
“‘In The Night Kitchen’ is a wild, wacky book with beautiful art,” Arnett said.
Maurice Sendak’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children’s books of all time. A must for every child’s bookshelf.
“In the Night Kitchen” is the classic story of Mickey’s adventures in the bakers’ kitchen as they prepare our morning cake.
‘What is Love’ by Mac Barnett
“Mac Barnett is a new author that we love. ‘What Is Love’ is one of his new-ish books,” Arnett said.
“There’s always humor in his writing,” Olsen added.
A beautiful fable about the nature of love, from beloved, award-winning picture book creators Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis.
