Barbra Streisand has conquered Broadway, Hollywood, the recording charts and just about every major awards stage imaginable. Now, at 84, the legendary entertainer is adding another unexpected title to her résumé: children's book author.
The EGOT-winning superstar has announced her first children's picture book, And By the Way..., a project inspired in part by her experiences with her grandchildren and her desire to "engage and stimulate young minds."
The book is scheduled to arrive March 30, 2027, through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, with illustrations by Paige Keiser. And publishers clearly expect Streisand's famous name to attract plenty of parents and grandparents: the book is reportedly receiving an initial printing of 150,000 copies.
For Streisand, however, the project appears to be about considerably more than extending her celebrity brand.
After spending time reading to her grandchildren, the "Woman in Love" singer began thinking about the kinds of stories that could entertain children while also encouraging curiosity, imagination and independent thought. And By the Way... grew out of that experience.
The picture book centers on a grandparent and grandchild spending a day together, with their conversations and adventures opening the door to lessons about discovery, self-expression and love.
Even the title carries a little bit of Streisand's personality. And By the Way... reportedly comes from a phrase the famously outspoken star frequently uses herself, giving the book the feel of wisdom being passed from one generation to another through everyday conversation.
The project also marks quite a change of pace for Streisand's publishing career.
Her blockbuster 2023 memoir, My Name Is Barbra, was an epic account of her life and career that stretched to nearly 1,000 pages. Her newest literary venture is aimed at a considerably younger - and presumably less patient - readership.
Streisand has plenty of family inspiration for the project. She has been married to actor James Brolin since 1998 and has embraced her role within the extended Brolin family, which includes James' son, actor Josh Brolin, and his children.
Despite spending more than six decades in show business, Streisand continues to venture into new territory. Her extraordinary career has included two Academy Awards, multiple Grammy Awards, Emmys and a Tony, alongside some of the most enduring recordings and films in American popular culture.
Now the woman whose voice has entertained generations is hoping to speak to perhaps her youngest audience yet.
And By the Way... will be published March 30, 2027.
