Wes Watkins III, a musician, author and full-time entrepreneur, had an idea to collaborate with his two children to write a book entitled “Fathers Love Their Kids.”
“God gave me the vision to include my kids in my children’s books a few years ago. The joy I see in them when I make them a part of it is amazing. We made it fun, and it became part of our family time,” said the Odenton-based father. “This book is about letting kids know they are loved.”
Demauri Watkins, a seventeen-year-old junior in high school and his sister, Drew Watkins, a five-year-old kindergartener, teamed up with their father to write the children’s book that was published in 2024.
Drew had her own opinion about how she felt working on a book with her father and brother.
“It was fun because we all did it together,” she said.
John Armstrong illustrated “Fathers Love Their Kids,” a book filled with messages about a father who loves his children. However, the story’s creation is multi-layered.
Watkins also recalls moments that he shared with his father as child, and the positive words that he spoke into his life. He further mentioned that he observed how his big brother was an amazing father to his children growing up. These factors led to Watkins collaborating to pen a book as a father about doing what he observed.
“Having two great men in my life showing me how to be a dad made this possible. Having conversations telling your kids you love them every day, how much you believe in them, don’t quit, you’re handsome/beautiful, I’ll always be here for you, etcetera,” said Watkins.
The father added, “This book was based on real conversations we have with each other. I make it a point to speak well of my kids into and over their life, so I wanted to bring that part of us into this children’s book.”
Demauri also said that as a co-author of the book, he conversed about what they planned to include in the book.
“It took us about a week to write this book,” he explained.
Demauri had an opportunity to sign 30 books on April 5, 2025 at Bowie Town Center’s Barnes & Noble, located in Bowie, Maryland, along with Drew and their father.
“I felt like a celebrity giving people my autograph,” Demauri shared. “This isn’t something I thought I would ever do but I am glad I’ve been able to experience this. Having my name known for writing a book is cool.”
The student and new author enjoys reading fictional books, comics and things about Earth Science and learning about the universe.
Drew also shared that she had fun signing a lot of books. “Fathers Love Their Kids” can be read by all age ranges and demographics since this book is about family and people who may not have a perfect one.
Watkins has already penned “The Life That Created My Own Sound, Motivation + Drive = Purpose,” “Fathers Need Their Kids and Kids Need Their Fathers,” and “Fathers Love Their Kids Coloring Book.” Lift Bridge Publishing published Watkins’ literary works.
His parents, Wes Watkins, Jr. and Brenda Watkins, made him shut off the television and read books while growing up.
“I remember those days and I love it!” he said.
Watkins III also stated that he balances his music and writing books since the majority of his writing takes place between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and early in the day around 10 a.m.
“I usually hit the stage at night, so there is a nice gap (of time) in between,” he added.
He has also been very busy as a part of a live music series called “Front Porch” created by Noochie’s Live.
Watkins III has had opportunities to work with more celebrities such as Ruben Studdard; The Lox; MC Lyte; Da Baby; Big Daddy Kane; Snoop Dogg and others while showcasing his drumming skills.
Drew highlighted some of her father’s favorite qualities.
“He loves to play drums, he loves me, and he loves everything that I like,” she said.
Visit www.gotmyownsound.com and https://www.instagram.com/gotmyownsound_/ on Instagram to learn more about Watkins. “Fathers Love Their Kids” can be purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Love-Their-Kids-Watkins/dp/B0CWSCMCK2/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_1/141-2760736-5538318?pd_rd_w=KKuwA&content-id=amzn1.sym.dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_p=dcf559c6-d374-405e-a13e-133e852d81e1&pf_rd_r=GTG52DTREZQS59KDGJM8&pd_rd_wg=B9Sce&pd_rd_r=b9af62eb-fda4-4e80-b3a6-8a30eb9bfe4a&pd_rd_i=B0CWSCMCK2&psc=1
