Shaq and the Beanstalk and Other Very Tall Tales

by Shaquille O'Neal, Shane Evans (Illustrator)

Complete with colorful illustrations and photos of the NBA superstar, this book presents a collection of classic tales retold with an amusing modern-day twist, such as "Shaq and the Three Bears" and "Little Red Riding Shaq." 75,000 first printing.

80 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Laurie Anastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this so much to my classes that I bought another copy when the first fell apart from years of use.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just LOVE this book and so does my son! A treasured family favorite read-aloud.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main Character: Shaquille O'Neal
POV: Third Person
Grade Level- Late Elementary (3-5)
Setting: fairy tale various settings
Summary:
This book was absolutely hilarious to read. I’m used to seeing Shaq on ESPN and footage of him on the basketball court. I thought it was great that he took his real life and transferred it into well known fairy tales. Shaq in the main character in 5 different fairy tales: Shaq and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Shaq, Shaq and the Three Bears, Shaq’s New Clothes, and Shaq and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. These are all well known stories but Shaq but his own spin on them by putting them in urban settings and adding himself in as the main character in all of the fairy tales.
Classroom Application:
I would use this book in the 3rd-5th grade classroom as the grade level suggests because it does look a little bit longer. It could be used in younger grades but the length might be a little bit daunting considering its 80 pages with illustrations. I think in 3rd grade it would be best used as a read aloud and maybe a story per day would work best. For the upper grades I think it would be good to have the students parallel the real fairy tales with the Shaq ones and show the similarities and differences.

[Dan Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more needs to be said then Shaq and fairy tales. The basketball legend now sinks his teeth into yet another of his many careers. To add to the ever growing list of actor, sports superstar, matador, and rapper, Shaquille can claim rights to writer. This book is a real page turner as we follow Shaq's real life exploits through his travels. These true accounts reveal how he was quick on his feet when faced with a mighty bean stalk which he soon overcame, how Shaq single handedly bested three bears, how Shaq really updates his wardrobe, how Shaq has trouble with bridges and Shaq adventures while riding in the hood.

The only thing that would have made this book better is if Shaq did the illustrations himself...Shaq the artist? I think we will be seeing this in the near future.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Shaq and the Beanstalk, O’Neal mixes both the urban lifestyle and good morals with the classic Jack and the Beanstalk.
Compare/contrast fairytales, urban culture

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to introduce authors voice. When you read this book, you can hear the author through the words written.

[Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very creative book.