Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish is tapping into the power of literature to inspire youth. According to Publisher’s Weekly, the Los Angeles native recently inked a deal with HarperCollins to pen children’s books.

Tiffany Haddish Lands Three-Book Deal with HarperCollins Children’s | https://t.co/RGxjRcKxwX pic.twitter.com/bkwcn62lrS

— Publishers Weekly (@PublishersWkly) October 21, 2021

Under the pact, Haddish will release three books within the next two years. Among those that are on the slate include Layla, the Last Black Unicorn; a story about a unicorn who finds it difficult to fit in, but her differences lead her down a path of building self-confidence and a strong sense of self-love. The book features illustrations by Jessica Gibson and was co-written by Jerdine Nolen. It’s slated to hit shelves on May 10, 2022. Haddish is also teaming up with Black author Paula Chase to create two books geared at middle-school students that will be released in 2023 and 2024.

Haddish says she pulled inspiration for the book Layla, the Last Black Unicorn from her own coming-of-age experiences. “It’s no secret that when I was growing up, I had a lot of difficulties learning to read,” she said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “Like many kids, more than anything, I wanted to see myself in the books I read. Layla, the Last Black Unicorn is a story about self-acceptance, and a story that I hope inspires kids to be ready to step up and stand out. Layla is incredibly close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share this book, along with my two middle-grade novels, with the world, and I hope they encourage more kids to read.”

Haddish is no stranger to the literary world. In 2017, she released a New York Times best-selling book dubbed The Last Black Unicorn. The novel gives a glimpse into her upbringing in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles and chronicles her evolution in the entertainment space and beyond.

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