Jimmie Allen Plans Inspirational Children’s Book, ‘My Voice Is a Trumpet’

Country hit maker Jimmie Allen is celebrating vocal performance of a different sort with his first children’s book, urging kids to speak up for what they believe in with My Voice Is a Trumpet.

A picture book Illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson and published by Flamingo Books (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers), Allen’s book debut aims to be heartwarming and educational, with a focus on teaching kids two important lessons. First, what kind of noises animals like lions and bumble bees make. But more importantly, how each one of those voices is important, and needs to be heard. The father of two hopes to inspire confidence in young readers so they can make the world a better place, and the book will be released on July 13, 2021.

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I’ve been wanting to write a children’s books for as long as I can remember. Hearing stories in school from my kindergarten teacher Ms Alexander, 1st grade teacher Ms Sharp to Children’s story in church from Ms Collick really inspired me. Kids are amazing gifts and it’s our job to teach them at a young age the importance of using your voice for good. Thank you @anastasmargaret for taking a chance on me, working with me on this book and giving me a home with @penguinbooks @penguinkids. Thanks for his opportunity. Thank you to the amazing @cathyannstudio for your wonderful gift of illustration and bringing the book to life. To my team @unitedtalent I appreciate every opportunity and platform y’all bring in. My team at @wideopenmusic. Y’all are rockstars thankful for each of you, Ash, Brendan, Lauren. Wow I’m an Author !! ♠️ coming July 13th 2021 #MyVoiceIsATrumpet

A post shared by J I M M I E A L L E N (@jimmieallen) on Oct 20, 2020 at 8:31am PDT

“It’s very important to me that kids learn at a young age that they have a voice, and that it is powerful. It is up to us as adults to teach them to use their voice to encourage and show love,” Jimmie Allen says. “Being a father of two kids, I try to encourage them to be themselves and love everyone around them. I’m hoping this book inspires at least one child and they always remember their voice is a trumpet.”

“I was inspired by an interview Jimmie gave in the wake of the protests against police brutality in summer of 2020 and knew he would be the perfect author for a children’s book,” adds Margaret Anastas, VP and Publisher of Flamingo Books and My Voice Is a Trumpet’s editor. “My Voice Is a Trumpet is a gentle call to action and a reminder that there’s never a wrong time to use your voice.”

Jimmie Allen has already used his voice to make a statement, musically speaking. His country music career began with back to back Number One singles on country radio (“Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To”), which made him the first black artist in history to do so. He’s since followed up with his 2020 EP, Bettie James, a set which included the tracks “This Is Us” (with Noah Cyrus) and “Good Times Roll” (with Nelly), among others. He and Cyrus will take the stage together tonight (October 21) to perform at the 2020 CMT Music Awards.