In his tenth Major League Baseball season with the Washington Nationals, veteran first baseman Josh Bell is stepping into a brand new spotlight–this time as a published children’s author. Partnering with literacy start-up Ello, Bell crafted and released his debut picture book, What Color is the Sky, marking a heartfelt extension of his life off the field.
Bell’s literary journey officially begins with a Story Time event scheduled for July 6 at Nationals Park, where he’ll read aloud during the midday gathering in the Kennedy Conference Room. This groundbreaking moment cements Bell’s role as the first published author in Ello’s “Storytellers” program–a unique initiative aiming to inspire children’s literacy by amplifying athletes’ personal narratives.
A Rallying Cry Through Story and Family Legacy
The inspiration behind What Color is the Sky is deeply personal. Bell explained that the book’s central message–encouraging children to “keep their head up no matter what happens”–reflects the values he hopes to instill in his own kids. He further revealed that his mother is an author, adding a meaningful, generational connection to his venture: “It’s nice to be able to follow in her footsteps.”
This dual legacy–baseball and literature–underscores the broader impact Bell hopes to make. By sharing a story grounded in resilience and empathy, he aims not only to entertain young readers, but to serve as an example of personal growth and perseverance. It’s a heartwarming deviation from the cleats-and-swing narrative, highlighting the multidimensional lives that athletes can lead.
Empowering Literacy Through Athlete Voices
Ello, the tech-forward literacy start-up behind Storytellers, operates with a clear mission: “to teach any child how to read from start to finish regardless of resources,” according to co-founder Elizabeth Adams, PhD. Their platform combines AI-driven reading tutoring with engaging content created by athletes and celebrities, seeking to make reading both accessible and inspiring.
“Ello is thrilled to be partnering with the Washington Nationals to support children’s literacy in the D.C. area,” Adams said. “The Nationals have a long history of working in the community to make literacy a priority among D.C. families.”
Bell’s association brings a crucial credibility to the program. Adams praised his collaborative spirit, calling Bell “an amazing partner…willing to put in the work to help kids learn how to read.” She emphasized that his personal story will “spark a love of reading for countless young Nats fans,” especially given his genuine connection to the material.
Beyond the Diamond
Bell’s foray into children’s literature reflects a larger trend among sports figures leveraging their platform for social impact. As a respected veteran, an All-Star in 2019 and a Silver Slugger winner in 2022, his voice carries influence. His pivot to storytelling shows a willingness to champion community causes and education, particularly in a time when childhood literacy is more essential than ever.
This initiative also illustrates how MLB and its players are redefining their roles as cultural ambassadors. Bell isn’t just hitting home runs; he’s crafting a narrative that emphasizes values, inspiration, and access to learning. It’s a message that resonates far beyond stat lines and box scores.
In addition, the book will be available for free in the Ello app, a digital extension ensuring Bell’s message reaches beyond D.C. ballpark visitors. The Nationals have organized five such Story Times this season, with future dates featuring other titles like Play Ball, Pikachu on August 3 and Baseball on Mars on September 14.
Bell’s Literacy Efforts Have Deep Roots
This wouldn’t be the first time Bell has been associated with efforts to promote reading. Back in 2021, Bell launched the Josh Bell Book Club, partnering with the team and local library systems to bring literature into the spotlight. That season-long initiative aimed to encourage reading among both kids and adults, blending Bell’s love for books with his platform as a professional athlete.
Each month, Bell selected a new title from works focused on personal growth and resilience to inspirational pieces. He hosted virtual and in-person discussions exploring themes like mindset, overcoming challenges, and building healthy habits.
The book club events, moderated by librarians from the Fairfax County and Prince George’s County library systems, provided fans with a unique opportunity to connect with Bell beyond the baseball diamond. Bell shared that his goal was to highlight stories and ideas that help people “become better” and reflect on their own journeys.
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