Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James may be missing the start of his 23rd season for the first time in his career, as he grapples with a sciatica injury afflicting his right side and lower back.

But that doesn’t mean the 21-time All-NBA power forward has been inactive this year.

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James took to social media to announce a new 32-page illustrated children’s book, “Happy Spooky Halloween.”

The tome, out on July 21, 2026 from HarperCollins, will cover “teamwork and Halloween thrills,” featuring illustrations from Ariel Landy.

“Happy Spooky Halloween!! This is a bucket list item for me for real!!!” James wrote on his Instagram page. “I used to read alllll the Goosebumps books in middle school and now to have my own spooky book coming for my favorite time of year is giving me goosebumps! ”

In an accompany video announcing the release, James elaborated on the new project.

“”I am so excited to announce my new children’s book, and it’s all about my favorite holiday, Halloween! Now, you guys know how much I love Halloween and this one’s going to be special,” James declared on his Instagram account. “So happy spooky Halloween … to everyone.”

As ESPN notes, James has written three other kids’ books to this point. He debuted with “I Promise” in 2020, a No. 1 New York times bestseller. He followed that up with 2023’s “We Are Family.” His most recent kids’ tome, “I Am More Than,” was published last year.

James, of course, is a devout Halloween aficionado, prone to frequently dressing up to celebrate.

Per publisher HarperCollins, our heroine Zara and her pals find their way to a “big kids” holiday party at their school, the (fictive) Hickory Elementary in “Happy Spooky Halloween”

James has long been involved in the entertainment space, beyond his rapidly expanding bibliography. He has also produced and performed in several films and TV shows. He and longtime business partner Maverick Carter founded their active production shingle, The SpringHill Company, in 2020, looking to generate more creative projects for themselves.

They have three upcoming films on the docket: Peter Ramsey’s “Blood Count” for Paramount Pictures, Prentice Penny’s “New Kid” for Universal Pictures, and Stephen Chbosky’s “Weekend Warriors” for Apple Studios.