Meghan Markle’s children’s book tops New York Times bestsellers list
Meghan Markle's illustrated children's book, "The Bench," has hit number one on the New York Times bestsellers list in the children's picture books category.
The listing with Markle atop will appear in the June 27 edition of the Times, Fox News reports.
"While this poem began as a love letter to my husband and son, I’m encouraged to see that its universal themes of love, representation and inclusivity are resonating with communities everywhere," said Markle in a statement shared online. "In many ways, pursuing a more compassionate and equitable world begins with these core values. Equally, to depict another side of masculinity — one grounded in connection, emotion, and softness — is to model a world that so many would like to see for their sons and daughters alike. Thank you for supporting me in this special project."
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, released her first book earlier this month with illustrations by award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson. Markle provides the narration of the audio version.
Published by Random House Children's Books, "The Bench" examines the bond between father and son, celebrating such a relationship between Markle's son, Archie, and her husband, Prince Harry.
The book showcases families of different skin colors and backgrounds, from a light-skinned soldier returning home (Harry served in Afghanistan) to a dark-skinned man in dreadlocks, from a boy carrying a soccer trophy to a boy and his father wearing pink tutus.
Throughout the book, fathers are portrayed in a softer light, acting as buddies, teachers, consolers and cheerleaders rather than strict disciplinarians.
Random House calls the book a portrait of "the special relationship between fathers and sons, through a mother's eyes."