Anika Noni Rose, renowned for her role as Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, is set to release her second children’s book, titled *A Princess Is a Princess*. Scheduled to hit the shelves on September 22, 2025, the book conveys an empowering message that transcends traditional notions of royalty, inviting young readers to embrace their unique identities and appreciate their self-worth.
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Drawing inspiration from her own childhood experiences, Rose has crafted a narrative that celebrates princesses of all races, abilities, and dreams. She aims to challenge the stereotypical image of a princess, encouraging children to understand that true royalty is defined by character rather than appearance. “You don’t have to add something to yourself,” asserts Rose. “If you wear glasses, you don’t have to take them off to be a princess. It’s really about the inside, how you feel about yourself and how you treat other people.”
The concept for the book has been simmering in Rose’s mind since around 2015 when she began contemplating the subtle pressures young people face to conform to societal norms. Reflecting on her own childhood play, she recalled the pressure to alter her appearance to fit the mold of what a princess should look like. “Whenever we played princesses, we had to do something to make our hair long, or to make our hair blonde; it was always something to make you different,” she shared. This revelation prompted her desire to communicate to little girls that they are inherently enough just as they are.
Rose’s journey took on heightened significance following the release of *The Princess and the Frog* in 2009, which shattered barriers by introducing Disney’s first Black princess to a global audience. While reactions to Tiana were largely positive, negative sentiments surfaced as well, illustrating a troubling rigidity in some people’s perceptions of royalty. Rose remarked on the existence of negativity online, expressing her belief that these reactions often stem from a place of dissatisfaction in individuals’ lives. “Maybe it’s time to expand that,” she mused on these harsh criticisms.
In *A Princess Is a Princess*, Rose aspires to create a space where children can freely envision themselves in roles of royalty without feeling constrained by conventional definitions. “If you feel like a princess as a child, there shouldn’t be a boundary on what that is. You should be able to live in the fun of that and the truth of who you are,” she stated firmly. She understands the importance of making this message accessible and enjoyable for children, insisting it should feel like a journey rather than a moral lesson.
Her passion for fostering a love of reading among children informs her approach to storytelling. Rose emphasises that literature has the potential to broaden horizons: “I want kids to read a book and see the possibilities ahead of them,” she explained. “Reading is an adventure that you don’t have to leave your house for; that can take you anywhere.” By instilling this appreciation for reading in her young audience, she hopes they will consider writing their own journeys in life.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Rose is also preparing for a return to the stage in the upcoming Broadway play *The Balusters*, which will commence performances on March 31, 2026, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in New York City. However, her enthusiasm for *A Princess Is a Princess* is palpable, as she dreams of her book standing alongside the cherished stories that influenced her youth.
Rose’s heartfelt commitment to impacting the lives of children is evident in her ambitious work. “It thrills me to think that somebody might grow up and, in the midst of all the amazing books they read, also think fondly about something that I put into the world,” she remarked. This hope of creating a lasting influence resonates deeply with her, as she aspires to inspire children, encouraging them to view themselves as princesses in their own right.
As the anticipation builds for the launch of *A Princess Is a Princess*, the book is now available for pre-order, inviting families to embark on a journey of self-acceptance and imagination. Through her storytelling, Anika Noni Rose continues to make a significant impact, celebrating diversity while instilling confidence in the next generation of dreamers.