Jayson Tatum dropped some news that has nothing to do with three-pointers or playoff runs. The Boston Celtics forward announced that his children’s book ‘Baby Dunks a Lot’ is getting a sequel.
Tatum shared the update on X with a simple message: ‘The story continues July 7th.’ He tagged his collaborators Sam Apple and Parker Nia Gordon, plus publisher Abrams Kids, and included the hashtag #BabyDunksaLot.
The post picked up solid engagement – over 2,700 likes and 230 retweets. Not bad for a book announcement from someone whose day job involves putting a ball through a hoop.
Tatum’s original ‘Baby Dunks a Lot’ hit shelves as part of his growing efforts to build something beyond basketball. The book followed a young player learning the game, mixing Tatum’s NBA experience with kid-friendly storytelling.
Working with writer Sam Apple and illustrator Parker Nia Gordon, Tatum created something that connected his professional world to family life. The collaboration apparently worked well enough to warrant a follow-up.
Abrams Kids, an imprint known for quality children’s books, is handling the publishing duties again. They’ve built a reputation for books that don’t talk down to kids while still being accessible.
The July 7th release date puts the sequel right in summer reading season. Smart timing for a book that’ll likely appeal to young basketball fans looking for something to read between games at the park.
Tatum’s move into children’s literature reflects a broader trend of athletes expanding their reach. It’s not just about endorsement deals or restaurants anymore. These guys are thinking longer-term about what they want to build.
The Celtics star has always been thoughtful about his platform. Whether it’s community work in Boston or speaking out on social issues, he seems to understand that being a professional athlete comes with opportunities to do more than just play the game.
Children’s books make sense for someone in Tatum’s position. He’s got young fans who look up to him, and parents who trust his image enough to buy books with his name on them. It’s clean business that aligns with his public persona.
The ‘Baby Dunks a Lot’ sequel will test whether Tatum’s first literary venture was a one-off success or the start of something bigger. Publisher Abrams Kids doesn’t greenlight sequels unless the numbers make sense.
Given that the original book found its audience, expectations are reasonable for the follow-up. Tatum’s got name recognition, a solid publishing partner, and a proven creative team.
The announcement keeps things simple – no big marketing push, no elaborate reveal campaign. Just a straightforward heads-up that more ‘Baby Dunks’ content is coming. Sometimes the best approach is the most direct one.
For now, young readers and basketball fans can mark July 7th on their calendars. Whether the sequel lives up to the original will depend on the story Tatum and his collaborators have cooked up this time around.
The fact that he’s continuing this project suggests Tatum sees real value in the children’s book space. It’s not just a side hustle – it’s becoming part of how he defines his career beyond the court.
