Ziggy Marley stopped by the Today show to discuss his children’s books—including one that just came out.
The reggae musician’s True to Myself, illustrated by Ashley Evans, was published last week by Clarion. The book, inspired by Marley’s 2003 hit single, follows a group of children who do good deeds for one another; a critic for Kirkus called it “an uplifting, community-minded, danceable effort.” Marley’s previous children’s books include I Love You Too and Music Is in Everything, both illustrated by Ag Jatkowska, and Pajammin’, illustrated by Letícia Moreno.
Asked why he continues to write books for children, Marley said, “First time I started doing stuff in the children’s world was my album for kids.…[If] you want to affect the world, you have to speak to children. The only way you’re going to make the world a better place is to speak to children.”
Discussing his latest book, Marley said, “For me, it’s about the goodness within us, the goodness within children. Don’t be afraid to express that. That’s who we really are. I think that’s what I’m trying to express to kids, that the goodness, the love you feel, the care you feel for each other is what you should lean into.…That’s who you truly are.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
