Joanna Gaines Has a New Book, and It’s Inspired By a Sentimental Tradition
“Fixer Upper” star Joanna Gaines will soon release another children’s book, “The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be”—and the inspiration behind the picture book has sentimental roots. The book, available on Nov. 10, will follow a group of children who come together to build hot air balloons. With vibrant illustrations by Julianna Swaney, the book’s theme is all about celebrating differences as the children learn to work together and lean into their own skills.
In an interview with People earlier this week, Joanna revealed that her husband and “Fixer Upper” co-star Chip Gaines actually inspired the premise of the book. A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chip and his family attended the city’s International Balloon Fiesta every year, according to Joanna. Chip has since extended the tradition to include his wife and their five children, Drake, 15, Ella, 14, Emmie, 10, Duke, 12, and Crew, 2.
“Two years ago, [Chip] surprised us with a trip, and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen,” Joanna told the magazine. “By the time the sun rises, you see every shape and size up in the sky. I told Chip I’d love to do a kids’ book on hot air balloons and how each one is so beautiful but so different.”
Along with that tradition, the former HGTV star revealed that her own childhood also informed the book in a big way. “The message is about owning all the things that make you who you are. As a little girl, there were times where I felt like I wasn’t accepted,” she said. “I allowed other kids’ words to get into my head and my heart. But as an adult, I look back and I realize those moments were just time wasted—me not fully being who I was created to be. This book is meant to be a simple reminder to fully live out your unique gifts and quirks.”
“The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be” is out on Nov. 10.