NEWTON, MA — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made a stop in the city this week to celebrate the release of his new children's book during a special event hosted by two local independent bookstores.
Tatum appeared Tuesday evening at the Newton Community Stage for an event hosted by Newtonville Books and The Silver Unicorn Bookstore. Award-winning journalist and author Howard Bryant joined the six-time NBA All-Star for a conversation about Baby Dunks-a-Lot: The Day the Basketballs Stopped Bouncing, the sequel to his first picture book, Baby Dunks-a-Lot.
"It was great to have Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum here in Newton to promote his new children's book and support two regional independent bookstores, including Newton's Newtonville Books," Mayor Marc Laredo told Patch. "Jayson is a terrific role model for our young people as an outstanding athlete, a devoted father, and a two-time author."
Tickets to the event included a seat for the discussion and an autographed copy of the book, which Tatum signed privately before the event. Organizers did not offer a public autograph or photo line, though attendees were permitted to take non-flash photos during the conversation.
Co-authored by Sam Apple and illustrated by Parker-Nia Gordon, Baby Dunks-a-Lot: The Day the Basketballs Stopped Bouncing follows a baby basketball phenom whose professional career is interrupted by bedtime. The picture book draws inspiration from Tatum's life as both an NBA superstar and a father.
Tatum's appearance marked the latest collaboration between Newtonville Books and The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, two independent booksellers that have regularly partnered to bring nationally recognized authors and public figures to Newton for community events.
The Celtics forward has spent eight seasons in Boston after being selected third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Tatum has earned six NBA All-Star selections, won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2024 and captured Olympic gold medals with Team USA in Tokyo and Paris.
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