Little Shaq by Shaquille O'Neal

Ill. by Theodore Taylor. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781619637214
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Shaquille O'Neal's new basketball series introduces Little Shaq, his family along with his friends to young readers in an easy to read chapter book. The rivalry on the basketball court between Little Shaq and his cousin Barry causes problems. Their team wins the game when Little Shaq shoots the final goal right on the buzzer. Unfortunately, Barry thinks his cousin should have been a team player and let someone else participate in the final play.
At home, the cousins problems escalate and Barry throws his game controller in anger, breaking their favourite game. Luckily Shaq's father is there to help the boys talk through their issues - selfishness and resentment. He sets them a challenge to raise enough money to purchase a new game.
At school, their science project gives Little Shaq an idea - a gardening business where they can water and care for their neighbour's yards. After their parents and Nana Ruth agree, they load up the red wagon and begin their Saturday morning rounds. Along the way, they develop an understanding of how plants grow and the importance of working together. Little Shaq even helps Barry with his basketball moves.
With vibrant, graphic art style illustrations Theodore Taylor complements Shaquille O'Neal's lively writing. This new series is excellent for sports fans and young readers, encouraging them to be team players, working together to solve problems.
Rhyllis Bignell