At just two years old, Kaavia James has got a strong personality that has gained massive followership on social media, establishing her as an influencer.
Kaavia is the inspiration behind children’s photo book – “Shady Baby” written by her famous parents, actress and author Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar Dwyane Wade.
Published by HarperCollins, Shady Baby which hits stands May 18 and is illustrated by Tara Nicole Whitaker revels “a powerful, funny and super-cute black girl character who always keeps it real.” Intended to give the word ‘shady’ a “positive association”, the book tells the story of a black baby girl who stands her ground against some bullies as other little babies cheer her on.
In an exclusive joint statement to People, Union, 48, and Wade, 39, said, “This is our first children’s book we did together and we’re so excited for the world to read “Shady Baby”. Inspired by our daughter, Kaavia James, we wanted to create a children’s book that not only had a little Black girl as the main character but that also reflects the global community we live in. We hope to give the word ‘shady’ a more positive association and use it to represent one’s moral compass to do the right thing and stand up for themselves and others. It’s important that little Black girls and boys get to see themselves in these fairy tales and for children of other races to see us in leadership roles.”
Editor Luana Horry also stated, “Shady Baby” is not only a book that children will enjoy, but it is the book the world needs right now. Shady Baby is adorable, she makes us laugh, and has important things to say!”
This is Union’s second children’s book. Recall the actress had penned “Welcome to the Party,” a “festive and universal love letter from parents to little ones” in anticipation of the birth of her precious baby girl, Kaavia.
In her 2017 book “We’re Going to Need More Wine,” the actress discussed her battles with her body while trying to conceive with Wade: “For three years, my body has been a prisoner of trying to get pregnant.”
Kaavia was birthed via surrogate in November 2018.
Sharing the news of the book on Instagram, Gabrielle wrote, “@kaaviajames has an opinion… and soon she will share it with the world. @dwyanewade and I are so excited to announce “Shady Baby,” our picture book which teaches kids to use their moral compass and inner strength to choose kindness and compassion and to stick up for themselves and others.”
