Book Review: Unlikely Friends

It’s not often I share anything other than makeup and nail posts but today I have something fun to share!

Unlikely Friends is a children’s book by David Dilsizian based on the friendship between the icon of the 1950’s, Marilyn Monroe, and jazz superstar, Ella Fitzgerald. As a huge Marilyn fan I was very happy to be sent a preview copy to share with you all.

I haven’t seen any other children’s stories about Marilyn so this seems very unique. The book is a sweet story of kindness and friendship, and a great read for little ones! The illustrations by Mykyta Harets are an adorable pairing too.

Back in the 1950s popular jazz club, the Mocambo, wouldn’t book Ella Fitzgerald to perform. Marilyn, who was a fan of Ella’s, stepped in to help her. In 1972 I believe, Ella said in an interview: “ I owe Marilyn a real debt. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman, a little ahead of her times, and she didn’t know it.”