What We Know About Serena Williams' Upcoming Book
Serena Williams is one of the biggest tennis superstars in the world. To date, Williams has won over 70 titles and has shown no indication of slowing down, despite a few hiccups in her latest matches (via WTA Tennis). In 2021, Williams lost to fellow star Naomi Osaka in the semifinals of the Australian Open (via Forbes) and withdrew from the U.S. Open, which led many fans to wonder whether the tennis titan was heading for retirement (via New York Post). Williams hasn't given any indication as to whether she plans to retire from the sport anytime soon, but she has recently undertaken an exciting venture that's close to her heart.
Williams announced that she has written a children's book inspired by her daughter Alexis Olympia's beloved doll, Qai Qai. For those who have been following along with Qai Qai on Instagram, you know that Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are dedicated to making heartwarming content about the doll and her adventures. It's fitting then that Williams penned a book titled "The Adventures of Qai Qai" for Invisible Universe, due for publication on September 27, 2022 (per People).
Here's everything we know about Williams' upcoming book.
Serena Williams' book is an illustrated adventure
Serena Williams made an exciting announcement on December 2, 2021, when she revealed that she had written a children's book titled "The Adventures of Qai Qai." The story is illustrated by Yesenia Moises and will be published through Invisible Universe in September 2022 (per People). In a statement, Williams said, "Storytime is such an important pillar of our bedtime routine, like so many others around the world," and it was this sentiment that originally inspired her to write the tale.
The book is based on daughter Alexis Olympia's doll Qai Qai — Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, gave Qai Qai to Olympia a few years ago and the two have been inseparable ever since. Invisible Universe, the company publishing the book, have worked with Williams and Ohanian since 2018 to create animated renderings of Qai Qai for the doll's popular Instagram account.
"The Adventures of Qai Qai" will follow the doll as she becomes human and helps main character Baby Girl prepare for an upcoming dance recital (per Real Qai Qai). Ohanian said previously, "Very quickly we started to see this story play out online of people who were just so enamored with this doll and were really excited to hear about the stories and adventures she was going to go on."
The heart of the story is a lesson about friendship, imagination, and the importance of believing in yourself. We can't wait to check it out!