Shaquille O’Neal. Photo obtained via Wikimedia Commons

Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal will be in Decatur on April 30 to promote his children’s book “Little Shaq Takes a Chance.”

According to the Georgia Center for the Book, O’Neal will be at First Baptist Church Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave, Decatur, GA 30030. The event begins at 10 a.m. and will end at noon.

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“Tickets for the signing line will be given to the first 300 individuals to purchase a copy of ‘Little Shaq Takes A Chance’ at the event,” the Georgia Center for the Book says. “Tickets will be given at time of purchase. You must purchase at least one copy of ‘Little Shaq Takes a Chance’ at the event to receive a ticket. Mr. O’Neal will sign up to three total copies of ‘Little Shaq Takes a Chance’ or ‘Little Shaq Takes a Chance’ and ‘Little Shaq’. Mr. O’Neal will not personalize books. ABSOLUTELY NO MEMORABILIA. Mr. O’Neal will only sign ‘Little Shaq Takes a Chance’, or ‘Little Shaq Takes a Chance’ and ‘Little Shaq’. No jerseys, photos, or sporting equipment will be signed. No posed photos or selfies with Mr. O’Neal are permitted.”

O’Neal played in the NBA for 19 years and retired in 2011.

According to his website, www.shaq.com, “Shaq’s individual accolades include the 1999–2000 MVP award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, 15 All-Star game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year. He ranks 7th all-time in points scored, 5th in field goals, 13th in rebounds, and 7th in blocks. Largely due to his ability to dunk the basketball, O’Neal also ranks 3rd all-time in field goal percentage (58.2 percent).”

According to the Georgia Center for the Book, O’Neal’s children’s book series is illustrated by, “Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent award winner Theodore Taylor III.”

The book series, “Encourages kids to find their own true talents.”