Actor, comedian and writer Rebel Wilson has a new book out, Bella the Brave, about a young girl overcoming crippling shyness through performing.
Wilson has partnered with illustrator Annabel Tempest to create a bright and colourful book for kids.
Sydney-born Wilson, who is now based in LA, says Bella is based on her as a child.
Photo: supplied
“It's been really awesome to revisit my own childhood in writing these books,” Wilson told Jesse Mulligan.
Wilson still gets nerves, especially live performance, but now channels that energy, she says.
“I still actually do get nervous, but I've learned to channel that nervous energy and adrenaline. When you channel it positively, it kind of can make you feel performance even better.”
Like Bella, performing helped Wilson conquer her shyness.
“I found creative arts, whether it was like singing in girls’ choir or going in the school plays, I just found creative arts helped me find my voice.
“And there's lots of studies that show it can really help young people express themselves. And to me, there's something about playing a character made me more confident, because I could pretend to be somebody else on stage.”
Illustrator Annabel Tempest used childhood photos of Wilson to create Bella.
“I really love when I look at the book, like the school uniform is my Castle Hill Primary School uniform.
“And the picture at the end, where I'm playing a Little Red Riding Hood, that’s from an actual picture I sent her.”
