Jason Alexander to Publish Children's Book

Posted on February 18, 2005

Scholastic, a children's book publisher, announced that it will publish a new picture book by first-time author -- comedian and actor Jason Alexander in May, 2005. Dad, Are You the Tooth Fairy? is based on an actual conversation Alexander had with his son, Gabriel, some years ago. The book will be illustrated by Ron Spears, who has illustrated hundreds of works for a variety of publishers and corporations.

"This story is an example of the magic that can happen when parents are able to communicate positively with their children," said Mr. Alexander. "My son wanted the truth, but he clearly didn't want something precious taken away from him. I was happily able to give him both, in a story that both conveyed a magical tale, but also demonstrated my love for him. Ultimately, I believe if you care for the hearts of your children, their heads will be just fine."

In the story, young Gaby overhears some older kids saying that the Tooth Fairy is not real, and goes straight to his father to find out the truth. Gaby's father tells him of a long time ago when magical creatures lived on the earth -- dragons, unicorns, mermaids, and, of course, fairies. But how does he answer this very important question about the Tooth Fairy?

Alexander, in a note included in the book, acknowledges that part of parental responsibility is to prepare children for the harshest of realities. However, he also sees the need to be a balance between their heads and their hearts, by providing the truth, where necessary, but not to diminish a child's precious right to childhood fantasies.

Jason Alexander is an award-winning television, motion picture and stage star. A seven-time Emmy nominee for his role as George Costanza on the sitcom Seinfeld, Mr. Alexander can currently be seen on the CBS sitcom, Listen Up. Though he misses the New York theater community, the Tony Award winning actor now calls Los Angeles home, where he lives with his wife Daena, their sons Gabriel and Noah, and their dog, Sandy.