Lizzo is taking on a new career move with her debut children’s book.
The Grammy-winning singer and flute player, 37, announced Monday that she has penned a flute-themed picture book that will be released later this year.
“Surprise!!! She’s an Author!!!” Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, wrote on Instagram. “Everyone always asks me how I started playing flute… well I didn’t choose flute, Floot chose me! Lil Lizzo meets Sasha B Flootin’ my new picture book is coming 9/8 and you can pre-order now!!! Let the adventures begin.”
The story, illustrated by Mark Pett, centers around “a bubbly little girl who just wants to belong” and a “smart and brassy flute who can’t find her tune,” according to a logline for the project. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers will publish the book in September, which will be released along with an original song Lizzo wrote for the book.
“When I was young, I struggled to fit in but playing the flute helped me find my voice. I want this book to teach every young person out there that your passion can give you purpose, belonging, and lead you on a journey to fulfill your wildest dreams,” Lizzo said in a statement.
She added, “This book means so much to me and I can’t wait for everyone to enter the world of Lil Lizzo and Sasha B. Flootin’.”
The venture follows several years of speculation about the future of Lizzo’s music career after three of her former backup dancers sued the pop star for alleged sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment in 2023.
Lizzo, who has denied the allegations against her, previously asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit and scored a legal victory in December when the dancers agreed to drop some of their claims against the singer, including those related to fat-shaming. Nevertheless, the sexual harassment lawsuit is set to move forward in accusing Lizzo of allegedly pressuring her staffers into touching a naked performer at a strip club during a trip to Amsterdam.
The allegations have done serious damage to Lizzo’s previously held reputation for promoting body positivity, women’s rights and fighting against bullying. In 2024, the singer appeared to announce that she was quitting the music industry in a rant on Instagram about the scrutiny she’s faced. She later clarified that she meant that she planned to “quit giving any negative energy attention.”
