Caitlin Clark Releases Children's Book Inspired by Home Mirror
The Indiana Fever star's new picture book, EXTRAordinary!, debuts Tuesday and draws on a quote from her childhood home.
By Anthony Lawson ·
Caitlin Clark released a new children's picture book on Tuesday. The title is EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams. Random House Books for Young Readers published the volume. It is written in rhyming verse.
The project stems from a specific object in Clark's past. A mirror in her childhood home bears the inscription: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little EXTRA. The mirror remains in her parents' house today. Clark said she wants to keep that message as a life guide and possibly pass it to her own children later.
Clark described her role in the creation process during a phone interview. She stated that she had a hand in every visual and textual element. She wanted readers to know she invested considerable time and effort into the final product. She initially considered a non-rhyming format but decided the verse style worked better for the story.
The book centers on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and support from family and teammates. Clark connected these ideas to her own upbringing and professional path. She noted that her basketball career required doing a little extra and believing in herself. She also emphasized the need for extra love or courage along the way.
Her mother, a college English major and avid reader, helped with the writing. Clark grew up with books as a constant presence. Her mother gave her a book every Christmas Eve. Inside each gift, her mother wrote a personal note. Clark said the tradition has evolved from picture books to leadership and motivational texts as she got older.
Clark just completed the third year of her professional career. The Indiana Fever lost to the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs. She is healthy this year and working to improve her game. The 24-year-old has a long history with children through her foundation and her time at Iowa Family Children's Hospital. She has also appeared in a commercial with Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. She said she would love to join the show for a full episode.
