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Shaquille O’Neal to pen a series of children’s books

Shaquille O'Neal at a 2013 Christmas charity event in Venice.
(Doriane Raiman / Los Angeles Times)
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Shaquille O’Neal, the former all-star center for the Los Angeles Lakers, was famous during his playing years as the most lovable, childlike seven-footer in the NBA.

So it comes as little surprise to hear that O’Neal has agreed to author a new series of children’s books. Called “Little Shaq,” the series of early-reader books is to be published by Bloomsbury beginning in 2015, USA Today reported.

“I am excited to be working with Bloomsbury on this project that will reach young, independent readers,” O’Neal said in a statement. “Education is a cause that is very important to me and I love that this series will combine reading with my love of basketball. It’s a slam dunk for literacy!”

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O’Neal retired from the NBA in 2011 after 19 seasons as a player. While winning four championships and a most-valuable-player award, he was also famous for his generosity, his winning smile, and his size 23 shoes. As his website reminds us, he had several nicknames, including The Diesel and The Big Daddy.

The “Little Shaq” series will be based on O’Neal’s childhood and will feature the future player in a series of adventures with his cousin Barry.

O’Neal, who was abandoned as a child by his biological father, wrote a 2011 memoir titled “Shaq Uncut: My Story.” He was raised by his mother and stepfather, a career Army sergeant. His name is said to mean “Little Warrior” in Arabic.

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