LeBron James Wants His New Children's Book to Give Kids 'Confidence and Hope for Their Future'
savannah james/ Instagram LeBron James with his kids
LeBron James is hoping to inspire some young fans to be their best selves with his newest venture.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, 35, is about to release his debut children's picture book I Promise, which he tells Parents he hopes helps kids "realize they can do anything."
"I want them to be confident in themselves and what they're capable of," says James, who is a father of three children: daughter Zhuri Nova, 5½, plus sons Bryce Maximus, 13, and LeBron Raymone Jr., a.k.a "Bronny," 15. "Kids just want to know someone believes in them."
"If we can give them confidence and hope for their future, that changes everything for them," he adds. "I hope this book can be that source of inspiration and that push they need to go for their dreams."
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Jason Miller/Getty LeBron James
As for James himself, he has "always loved reading" — in part because "you can learn so much from books," regardless of age.
"They can take you places you've never been, put you in situations you never considered and help you find inspiration," he tells Parents. "Reading others' stories is what gives us perspective and opens our minds to so much possibility. When I need to disconnect or get away for a bit, I read."
"And I like having the books in my hand, and being able to take them with me wherever I go," the athlete shares. "Books are an irreplaceable form of learning."
Some of his favorite stories as a child? "I grew up reading Go, Dog. Go!, The Cat in the Hat, The Giving Tree and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," James recalls. "I read them to my kids ... I hope kids are still reading all of these!"
HarperCollins I Promise book cover
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The L.A.'s Finest star hopes her book makes all kids in "non-traditional" families know they were "welcomed and wanted and celebrated"
The "lively and inspiring" I Promise, illustrated by Nina Mata, "reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today" and "has the power to inspire all children and families to be their best," according to its description on HarperCollins' website.
The book's cover art features six children of varied skin tones working together, painting its title — "I PROMISE" — in white lettering over a colorfully painted wall. According to a February press release, the book's story is "inspired by the values and initiatives of [James'] foundation's I PROMISE program in Akron, Ohio."
"Books have the ability to teach, inspire, and bring people together," James said in the release. "That's why these books, and the opportunity to get children and parents reading together, mean so much to me."
I Promise, out Tuesday, is available for pre-order now on amazon.com.
