Shaquille O'Neal

This is a cut above most sports autobiographies. If you like Shaq's unique personality and enjoy basketball, LSU or the NBA you will really enjoy the book. He does not just write about basketball but also his upbringing and his outside pursuits as a policeman, movie star, singer, reality show star etc. Let's face it, Shaq does have an ego but after all this is just Shaq being Shaq. So this is a good autobiography but is for a niche audience.

This is the second book in the Little Shaq early chapter series. In this story Shaq knows he loves basketball, especially playing with his cousin Barry, but he is not very eager to try new things. When mom makes Sushi for dinner, he won't even try it. His little brother Tater, follows his lead and won't eat it either. After making peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches for himself and his brother, he begins to regret being stubborn and not trying the sushi. At school, all the kids in his show more class are working on art projects for the upcoming art show. Shaq does not know what to make. He does not want to use water colour, even though he has never tried before. When his friend, Rosa, convinces him to try using clay he realizes he likes it and has an idea. The night of the art show arrives and Shaq's sculpture is a success.

This book will appeal to young children based on the bright colours in the illustrations, the name Little Shaq and the fact that the book was written by Shaquille O'Neal. Having said that, once they begin to read the story they will be able to identify with Little Shaq's problems. This book will help young children realize that it is okay to be a little afraid to try new things, but that you will never know what you can do or what you are good at if you don't try. It is all about being confident enough to put yourself out there and try new things.

I think this is a great book to be in public, school, classroom and even home libraries. It will appeal to most children whether they know who Shaquille O'Neal is or not. I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Little Shaq is the story of Little Shaq and his cousin Barry. They’re the best of friends. They love basketball, but Little Shaq does not let Barry shoot very often. Barry is upset when Little Shaq takes the shot to win the game when he is open but does not get the ball. They also love video games and Barry gets to choose the one to play. When Little Shaq shows Barry up in the game and again does not pass the ball, Barry gets upset and the game gets broken. They try to blame one another show more and Little Shaq finally realizes how Barry feels. Both boys accept responsibility of paying for a new game. They decide to work together to raise money to pay for it. They come up with the idea to water plants to earn money. They have fun and a few misadventures in their task but by working together and learning that hard work pays off they have enough for two games. Instead of buying the games, Barry and Little Shaq decide to use the money to help out their community by making a community garden, and get all their neighbours and friends to help out. Filled with great illustrations a quick and easy read. The language is simple and the story filled with a sense of community and friendship. A couple of great lessons to learn. The illustrations are cute and certainly add to the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Childrens for the opportunity to read and review this book. show less

Such a funny guy! Love hearing him be interviewed! Great cookbook, lots of fun recipes and esp the Frosted Flake chocolate chip cookies! YUM!!