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Anika Noni Rose Talks About Her New Children’s Book Featuring Tiana
Actress Anika Noni Rose made an appearance on the Today Show, where she shared insights about her debut children’s book showcasing the beloved character Tiana.
Titled Tiana’s Perfect Plan, this book is inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. It narrates Tiana’s journey as she prepares for Mardi Gras, focusing on her restaurant and the quest for the elusive “secret ingredient” necessary to create the ultimate meal for her royal in-laws.
During the show, Rose emphasized an important message: “The bottom line is: nothing is perfect.” She expressed concern about the pressure children face today, which can lead to anxiety and depression. “I think about all the anxiety and depression that is happening with little children right now. I feel like there needed to be a space for them to realize that the thing that is perfect is your efforts,” she noted. Rose clarified that while the story contains valuable themes, it is not intended as a strict morality tale, but resonates with both children and adults alike.
She also reflected on her own experiences with perfectionism, saying, “I’ve been a perfectionist and I think that’s not something to be pleased about. It’s a way to really make life more difficult.”
Rose originally lent her voice to Tiana in the animated film released in 2009 and has remained connected to the character. She recently recorded a new song for the theme park attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and is set to reprise her role in the forthcoming Disney+ series Tiana.
Earlier this year, she appeared as Yelena in a production of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at Lincoln Center Theater, sharing the stage with actors such as Steve Carell and Alfred Molina. Rose is also celebrated for her role as Emmie Thibodeaux in the Broadway show Caroline, or Change, for which she received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Through her work, Rose continues to inspire audiences, advocating for a healthy relationship with effort and acceptance over the pursuit of unattainable perfection.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com