NEW YORK – Josh Gad has taken on various roles throughout his career: voice actor, Broadway star, “Daily Show” correspondent, and even reunion producer.

However, his newest endeavor is a children’s book titled “PictureFace Lizzy,” which introduces him to a different kind of role.

“Writing from the viewpoint of a girl between the ages of my daughters allowed me to empathize with them and think about how they react when they hear ‘No’ and respond with ‘But what if?’” explains Gad, 43, to YSL News. “Growing up in the 80s, we had bikes, early Nintendo games, and not much else, so it was all about using our imagination.”

The book, published by Random House, has 32 pages and was launched earlier this month.

The story follows a girl named Eve who is determined to get the trendy new doll, “PictureFace Lizzy.” After persuading her parents to buy it for her, she learns an important lesson about wanting material things. For Gad, who has two daughters with his wife, Ida Darvish, the story resonates deeply with his experiences as both a father and a child of the 80s.

“I find it fascinating that a series like ‘Stranger Things’ attracts such a younger crowd because it seems they’re nostalgic for a simpler, analog lifestyle that no longer exists,” he shares. “I think they realize how stressful things are today and they long for opportunities to just sit back and play pretend. I hope my book can encourage that.”

Gad shares insights on his upcoming memoir

During the 2020 lockdown, the actor “spent way too much time reflecting.” This led to the creation of his YouTube series “Reunited Apart,” where he reunited casts from his beloved childhood films, along with his new children’s book and his memoir, “In Gad We Trust,” set to be released in January.

“I think of it as therapy while looking in the mirror,” he remarks. “I uncovered many surprising things about myself throughout that journey.”

Gad’s passion for extended writing began over ten years ago when he worked as a columnist for YSL News. To prepare for his memoir, he revisited old journals, talked with family members, and “worked through issues I hadn’t addressed before.”

“I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life, and I’m very transparent about it,” he shares. “The divorce of my parents when I was around five is what pushed me into the career I have today. It was a challenging time for me, and I don’t hold back when sharing those memories, because if you’re going to spill your story, you should do it openly.”

‘Frozen’ news on the horizon

John Leguizamo recently made headlines by announcing “Ice Age 6” during a podcast, stating that the film was in the works. He later informed YSL News that a cease-and-desist letter arrived following his announcement.

Gad, who has lent his voice to characters in both “Ice Age” and “Frozen,” has not received any similar notices.

“Not only did I not get a cease-and-desist,” he remarks. “I didn’t even get a heads up about ‘Frozen’ 3 and 4 until they were publicly announced,” he admits. “I would have appreciated a heads up. They knew better than to notify me, or I might have reacted like Leguizamo.”

Details about the upcoming “Frozen” movies were shared during D23, Disney’s fan event in August.

“From what I’ve heard, they’re going to be quite impressive, truly epic, and a fantastic continuation of a story that many love by now.”