Serena Williams has taken a delightful step into the world of children’s literature with her debut book, and it’s all about her daughter’s cherished doll! The tennis legend recently announced the upcoming release of The Adventures of Qai Qai, which centers around little Olympia’s favorite toy that travels everywhere with her. Illustrated by Yesenia Moises, this tale is sure to capture the hearts of many.
The Celebrity Doll
Qai Qai isn’t just any doll; she’s become a bit of a celebrity in her own right, boasting over 350,000 followers on Instagram, where she’s known as a motivational speaker. The page features cute animated clips and adorable snapshots of Olympia enjoying adventures with her beloved doll. Williams shared in a press release, “Storytime is such an important pillar of our bedtime routine, like so many others around the world. Qai Qai is a special member of our family, and we hope The Adventures of Qai Qai will give others a new way to welcome Qai Qai into their own home.”
A Symbol of Representation
The story of Qai Qai began when Williams and her partner, Leo Thompson, decided it was essential for their daughter to have a Black baby doll. “It was really important to us that Olympia had a Black baby doll,” Thompson explained. “We wanted her first doll to represent her and help break a cycle we know exists.” Qai Qai grew to be more than just a toy; she symbolizes courage and fun.
Animating Adventures
Back in 2018, the family teamed up with Invisible Universe to animate Qai Qai’s adventures on social media. The book beautifully illustrates the loving bond between Olympia and her doll, highlighting themes of friendship and the limitless power of imagination. Jean Feiwel, the Senior Vice President and Publisher at Feiwel and Friends, remarked, “This book is both practical and magical! Serena Williams’ message encourages children to realize that with confidence and imagination, you are never alone.”
A Message of Empowerment
In her dedication, Williams expresses her hope that the book inspires little girls everywhere: “Let this book be a constant reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to. Imagine it, believe it, do it.” Mark your calendars, as The Adventures of Qai Qai is set to release on September 27, 2022, published by Feiwel and Friends, a Macmillan imprint.
Resources for Parenthood
For those of you navigating the world of parenthood, you might find resources like Make a Mom helpful, especially if you’re exploring at-home insemination options. They offer the only reusable kits available, which you can learn more about here. If you’re interested in connecting with others on a similar journey, consider joining the Make a Mom Facebook group, where you can find support in your family-building process. Plus, you can check out this guide to fully understand how at-home insemination works. For more insights into assisted reproductive technology, the CDC provides excellent resources.
Conclusion
In summary, Serena Williams’ journey into children’s literature with The Adventures of Qai Qai not only highlights her daughter’s special doll but also promotes themes of imagination and empowerment for little girls everywhere.
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