Little Shaq
#1 of 3 in Little Shaq Series
What’s inside...
The start of a brand new series by Shaquille O'Neal and illustrated by 2014 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent award winner Theodore Taylor III, Little Shaq is sure to be a hit with young readers. When Little Shaq and his cousin Barry accidentally break their favorite video game, they need to find a way to replace it. That's when Little Shaq's science project inspires a gardening business. They can water their neighbors' gardens to raise money for a new game! Little Shaq and Barry make a great team both on and off the basketball court, but will their business be as successful as they hoped? Showing kids that anything is possible with the support of friends and family, Little Shaq will inspire them to love reading, play fair, and have fun! Read all the books in the Little Shaq series including 'Little Shaq', 'Little Shaq Takes a Chance', and 'Little Star of the Week'.
Discussion points
What do you think made Little Shaq and Barry become friends even after they had a disagreement?
How did Little Shaq show teamwork during the basketball game?
What would you have done if you were in Little Shaq’s shoes when the game got tough?
Why do you think it’s important to say sorry? Can you think of a time when you apologized?
How did the characters in the book show that they cared for each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Explore the theme of friendship with your child by discussing the dynamics between Little Shaq and Barry. Ask your child to relate these to their own experiences with friends.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship displayed in the book, and relate it to real-life situations in sports or group activities your child may participate in.
Encourage your child to reflect on the conflict resolution in the story, and discuss the value of apology and forgiveness in mending friendships.
Ask your child about their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them, to further understand their thoughts and feelings.
Reinforce the message of caring for others by asking your child to share instances where they helped a friend or family member, relating it back to how characters interacted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Little Shaq', Shaquille and his cousin Barry learn the importance of working together during a basketball game.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with their peers in school projects or sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story shows Shaquille taking responsibility for a mistake he made, teaching readers about owning up to their actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept responsibility for their actions at home or school, fostering a sense of accountability.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Shaq learns to appreciate the different talents and abilities of his friends, which enhances their team performance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value diverse perspectives and skills among their friends and classmates, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When disagreements arise in the story, Shaq and his friends must come up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach conflicts with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's during playtime or group discussions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Shaq shows persistence in practicing basketball despite initial failures, which ultimately leads to improvement.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to keep trying in the face of challenges, be it learning a new skill or working on a difficult subject in school.