Viola Davis Unveils Her First Children’s Book, Inspired By ‘Corduroy’s’ African-American Character

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*Oscar-winner Viola Davis says she rarely found images of herself in the pages of the books she read while growing up… until she came across the picture book “Corduroy.”

The classic children’s book, published in 1968, follows the adventure of Corduroy the teddy bear as he searches for a missing button with his friend Lisa, an African-American girl.

Inspired by the book, Davis has written a continuation of the story with “Corduroy Takes A Bow,” to be published on Sept. 4 — the 50th anniversary of the original book.

“When I was a little girl, it wasn’t often that I found myself reflected in the pages of a book,” David told PEOPLE in a statement for the book’s exclusive cover reveal. “Corduroy was an exception, and I adored flipping through it,” she added.

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I am thrilled to share the cover for my first book, and writing for the iconic Corduroy Bear. The book comes out in September and I can’t wait for you all to read it. #CorduroyTakesABow #CorduroyBear https://t.co/Mi60R54WNx pic.twitter.com/HtjK2J4ye0

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) March 14, 2018

In this latest adventure, Corduroy and Lisa visit the theater for the first time and go exploring behind the scenes before ending up on stage.

“To be able to introduce a new generation, including my daughter, to this character that was so special to me in my childhood is an incredible honor,” Davis says.

“Viola Davis is an extraordinary creative talent and it’s a privilege to publish her first children’s book,” said Ken Wright, vice president and publisher of Viking Children’s Books. “Viola and Corduroy felt from day one like a perfect match, and she does a magnificent job introducing this beloved character to the theater world that she knows so well. There could no one better suited to maintain and build upon Corduroy creator Don Freeman’s enduring legacy.”

Davis is the first African-American actress to win Tony (“Fences” and “King Hedley II”), Oscar (“Fences”), and Emmy (“How to Get Away with Murder”) awards. Her next big screen project is director Steve McQueen’s “Widows” with Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez and Robert Duvall.

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