Chiquis Rivera Announces Children’s Book Inspired by Late Mother Jenni Rivera: ‘Can’t Express the Excitement I Feel’ (Exclusive)

Chiquis publishes a new book with a touching message. PEOPLE can exclusively share that the Latin Grammy Award winner and television personality, 39, will release her debut children’s book, The girl who sings to the beesnext summer. The book, co-written with Lissette Norman and illustrated by Geraldine Rodríguez, will be published in English and Spanish by Roaring Brook Press and Grupo Planeta, and is inspired by the relationship Chiquis had with her mother, the late singer Jenni Rivera. Children the book, perfect for ages 4 to 8, follows a little girl named Janney, who always sings with her mother in Abuelita’s garden to help her plants grow. With Janney’s mother gone, Janney can’t sing – a fact that isn’t helped by the bullies at her school.

‘The Girl Who Sings to the Bees’ by Chiquis featuring Lissette Norman.

Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group

Janney, however, is drawn to a bee in Abuelita’s garden—a bee that is braver, more focused, and more industrious than the others. Janney becomes inspired by an insect and discovers that she might overcome her fears, once and for all. Chiqiuis has paid tribute to her mother, who died in a plane crash in 2012 at the age of 43, in various ways. This included the 2018 release of the duet “Quisieran tener mi lugar,” a ballad that Jenni recorded before her death, and an appearance at Jenni’s posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame star unveiling ceremony in June 2024.

Chiquis Rivera talks about her duet with her late mother Jenni Rivera and depression

The girl who sings to the beesaccording to the publisher, it aims to show “how memory can be healing after the loss of a parent or family member.” Chiquis adds that the book also came from experiences she faced herself. “I’ve experienced both bullying and cyberbullying first hand, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty,” Chiquis, who has also published bestsellers Unstoppable and Forgivenessspeak to PEOPLE. “That’s why I’ve been so passionate about spreading love and kindness as much as possible, in every possible way and in everything I do.”

Chiquis (left) and Jenni Rivera.

“IN The girl who sings to the bees my desire is to speak the words of life to the children who read this book, so that they feel empowered, able and confident to walk in their power, set goals and follow their dreams, regardless of the adversities they face, like me,” the singer and the author adds . “If I did it, so can they.”

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“Chiquis is one of the sweetest, most generous and thoughtful people you’ll ever meet,” says book co-writer Lissette Norman. “It was an absolute joy and honor to co-write this beautiful book with her!” the beautiful book invites everyone to find their own authentic voice while honoring the love and inspiration we receive from our loved ones,” says illustrator Geraldine Rodríguez. “I was greatly inspired by my grandmother and my mother, who are the most important women in my life.”

Chiquis.

Francis Bertrand

And for Chiquis, The girl who sings to the bees it was a long time in the making and carries an important message for young readers.

Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. “For more than seven years I have had a desire in my heart to write a book for children and I cannot describe the excitement I feel that it has finally come true,” explains the author. “I have always had a special bond with children. This may be because I am the oldest of five siblings of a single mother who needed my help and support to raise them or because I know how important it is to be a voice of positivity and empowerment in this sometimes cruel world, especially to our younger generations. At the end of the day, they are our future, but it starts with the example we set, and that’s what this book is about.”The girl who sings to the bees will hit shelves on July 15, 2025 and is available for pre-order now, wherever books are sold.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education