Shaq Launches Children’s Book Series ‘Little Shaq’ in Newark

Dan Ivers | NJ Advance Media for NJ.COM | Email the author | Follow on Twitter

NEWARK — Shaquille O’Neal’s resume already included NBA great, platinum rapper, actor, businessman and TV analyst. As of today, he can add another title to that list – children’s author.

The Newark native returned to his hometown Tuesday to officially launch his book series “Little Shaq” at the Cityplex 12 movie theatre on Springfield Avenue. The event included a movie showing, lunch and a reading from the baritone baller himself.

Children who attended the event also received a free copy of “Little Shaq”, the first in a three-book series published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

The future Hall of Famer has returned to his hometown on several occasions in recent years, including to co-host a basketball tournament with Mayor Ras Baraka in August.

He has also partnered with New Brunswick-based Boraie Development to help build the Cityplex 12 theater, the city’s first new cinema venue in decades, and on plans for a high-rise residential tower downtown, which is scheduled to start construction this year after a number of delays.

Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@nullnjadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.