LyricVids is thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration with Optimistic Baby, the creative minds behind the empowering children’s book ‘Who’s In Charge?‘ by debut authors Stephanie Allain and Jenny Klion, and vocals from Melina Lizette. This engaging project, featuring the talented illustrations from Marissa Valdez, focuses on promoting body autonomy and self-confidence in children. ‘Who’s In Charge?’ is a vibrant and playful story where children assert with joy and certainty that they are in charge of their lips, their hips, their eyes, their thighs, their nose, their toes, their voice, and their choice. The resounding answer to these declarations is “I AM!” – a phrase that will resonate strongly with young readers, encouraging them to express themselves loudly and happily.
The team at LyricVids is especially enthusiastic about this project because it aligns perfectly with their passion for producing positive and educational content for kids. Stephanie Allain, a trailblazer for inclusion and equity in Hollywood, brings her extensive experience as an award-winning film and television producer to this project. As the founder of Homegrown Pictures, she has an impressive roster of producing credits, including the 2020 Academy Awards. Stephanie is also the first Black female president of the Producers Guild of America and a founding member of ReFrame, an organization committed to improving gender representation in the media.
Jenny Klion, the co-author, is a multifaceted writer, performer, and essayist with a rich background in various artistic endeavors. Her works have appeared in esteemed publications like The New York Times, Ploughshares, Brevity Blog, and The Rumpus. She has also toured on stage with Big Apple Circus, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the arts. Together, Stephanie and Jenny bring a powerful combination of creativity and activism to ‘Who’s In Charge?’, ensuring that the book’s message is both engaging and impactful.
Adding to the project’s star power, the song accompanying the book was created by Stephen Bray, a Grammy-winning songwriter, drummer, and record producer. Known for his collaborations with Madonna and his role in the band Breakfast Club, Stephen has also won acclaim for his work on the Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple. His involvement ensures that the song is not only catchy and fun but also professionally crafted to resonate with audiences of all ages. The team comments on the project, highlighting its uniqueness: “It’s our FIRST release!! Of course, Stephen Bray a pro, GRAMMY winner, and has sold millions of records!“
The lyric video for ‘Who’s In Charge?‘ is a visual feast, featuring illustrations directly from the storybook. These illustrations, crafted by the immensely talented Marissa Valdez, bring the narrative to life with a childlike crayon style and a rainbow color palette. Marissa Valdez is the #1 New York Times-bestselling children’s book illustrator known for her work on the Ambitious Girl series by Meena Harris and the Hattie Harmony books by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. Her whimsical and inclusive illustrations depict children of all cultures and abilities engaging in various playful activities such as running, playing, dancing, and blowing bubbles. This visual diversity is crucial in making every child feel seen and valued.
Marissa’s personal background as a former pre-school teacher and an avid gnome collector who loves all things silly and funny, adds a unique touch to her artwork. She spends her spare time in Birmingham, England, looking out for real-life hedgehogs with her two cats and husband. Her playful and imaginative approach is evident in the illustrations, making the video a joy to watch. The large, easy-to-read sans serif font used for the lyrics in the music video ensures that young viewers can follow along effortlessly, enhancing their reading skills while enjoying the song.
Children will undoubtedly love having a lyric video to accompany their storybook. The combination of engaging visuals and catchy lyrics makes learning fun and memorable. Teaching children about body autonomy and the importance of being in charge of their voices, bodies, and choices is a vital educational tool. By making the storybook and lyric video enjoyable, children can learn these essential life skills in a safe and entertaining environment. When asked why they chose a lyric video to accompany their storybook release, the authors emphasized, “The catchy lyrics seemed perfect for young readers!!“
The favorite part of the video for the authors, as they shared, is the depiction of multicultural children brilliantly illustrated by Marissa. This representation reinforces the book’s message of inclusivity and empowerment, allowing children from all backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the story.
The ‘Who’s In Charge?’ book is set to debut in bookstores everywhere on August 6th and is currently available for preorder at Barnes and Noble and Amazon, as well as Target & Walmart. This collaboration between LyricVids and Optimistic Baby highlights the power of art and music in fostering self-esteem and understanding of personal boundaries in children. Through this delightful project, children will not only enjoy a fantastic story but also learn valuable lessons about self-confidence and autonomy, making ‘Who’s In Charge?’ a must-have for every young reader’s library.
Check out the lyric video for ‘Who’s In Charge?‘ on Optimistic Baby’s official YouTube channel here: