Six in the Morning producer releases children's book inspired by niece

Brian Smallwood, executive producer of Six in the Morning, is used to telling stories from behind the scenes, but this time, the story is his own, as a published children’s book author.

Smallwood recently released Dear Baby Girl, a heartfelt book of affirmations inspired by and dedicated to his 7-year-old niece, Aubree Michelle. The book marks his second foray into children’s literature.

"I came up with writing a children’s book whenever she was getting ready to be born," Smallwood said during an interview on Six in the Morning. "Representation is always something that’s been very important to me, having books that reflect who we are and what we look like in our community and our culture."

Representation and Affirmation

The new book follows Smallwood’s debut title, Little Man, released in June 2020. While Little Man shared affirmations and life lessons drawn from his own experience growing up, Dear Baby Girl is deeply personal, written with a specific little girl in mind.

"Be proud of who you are, your skin tone, whatever it is that makes you unique, and who you are, to embrace those things and have that self-confidence," he said. "It was just something that I kind of wanted to heal the inner child in me."

When he received the first copy of Dear Baby Girl, Smallwood surprised his family with the finished book. It was the first time they learned about the project.

Aubree’s Reaction

Aubree, who traveled from Arkansas to join her uncle on-air, was thrilled to be featured on the cover and throughout the book.

"For a second, I thought that I was imagining stuff until I looked at it," she said, smiling. "Then I saw my name and I was so excited."

The book, filled with illustrations and moments reflecting Aubree’s personality, has already become one of her favorites. When asked about bringing it to school, she said she planned to use it for character day, since it’s a book about her, no costume required.

What’s Next?

While Smallwood said he doesn’t have immediate plans for a third book, he hinted that more titles could be in the future.

“I know I always have more books probably in me,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see.”

Both of Smallwood’s books, Little Man and Dear Baby Girl, are available on Amazon and other major book retailers.