How Julie Andrews’ Singing Poodle Inspired a New Children’s Book

Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have turned a family story into Shy, a new children’s picture book.

The book is inspired by Andrews’ real-life poodle, who loved joining her singing rehearsals, and reimagines the dog’s journey from a shelter to the spotlight.

Illustrated by Eva Byrne and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, the story ends with a performance at Carnegie Hall.

The project extends Andrews’ long-running publishing partnership with her daughter while highlighting creativity, self-expression, and the bond between music and animals.