Two-time Grammy award-winning jazz superstar Laufey has put her storytelling skills to a different use and has released her very first children’s book, Mei Mei the Bunny, with Penguin Random House. 

Since founding the “Laufey Book Club” back in 2022, the singer has fostered a love for reading among her global fanbase, putting on numerous pop-ups and shining a light on independent bookshops across the world. After the release of her third studio album, ‘A Matter of Time’ in August of 2025, Laufey partnered with dozens of independent bookshops in over 75 cities, designating them as official stops in the “‘Very Laufey Day”’ event. She also partnered with five major public library systems across the world, where fans could get exclusive, limited-edition Laufey library cards.

Mei Mei - the adorable white rabbit that has become a staple of Laufey’s merchandise and social media - has blossomed into an even more lovable protagonist for young readers. Released on 21st April, the book follows Mei Mei through her debut recital at the H’Opera house and captures her journey as she navigates the butterflies of performing and vulnerability. Described as a “little bunny with a big dream”, Mei Mei epitomises resilience and courage, and as both an author and performer, Laufey seeks to instil this in her audience, at whatever age. 

The book is illustrated by renowned Dublin-based artist Lauren O’Hara, who was awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Illustration Honour award in 2022. Her cosy and enchanting art style brings both the adorable character of Mei Mei and Laufey’s storytelling to life.

Laufey’s music often serves as an insight into her own journey of self-acceptance and growth, specifically throughout her younger years. The beloved ‘Letter To My 13 Year Old Self’ is a beautifully tender track that features on the singer’s 2023 album ‘Bewitched’, and many fans resonated with its vulnerability and raw honesty. The message to “keep on going with your silly dream” is reflected in Mei Mei’s story and celebrates the bravery of pursuing one’s greatest passion, despite feeling small.

Laufey hopes Mei Mei’s story will become a timeless one, describing in a behind-the-scenes interview with The Today Show, how she “envision[s] someone dusting off the book in 50 years” and it not being linked to a specific era. 

Ariana Boga

@arianabwrites

Image: Lauren O’Hara

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